Posted by Danielle Spires on June 02, 2010 02:22 p.m.
Your best friend is getting married. You’ve offered to plan the rehearsal dinner, which the bride and groom have decided to pay for. The families have yet to meet each other, and the budget is tight. So what’s a party planner/best friend to do?
Throw a stylish summertime BBQ! While this might sound odd for a wedding rehearsal dinner, there is a way to create an elegant, classy and informal atmosphere right in someone’s backyard. With a little planning and some hard work, a fun and inexpensive dinner will get the wedding off to a great start.
When planning a rehearsal dinner, the first thing that comes to mind is sophistication. Incorporating modern stylishness in a backyard BBQ may sound tricky, but it’s not as tough as it seems. The first thing to do is find the perfect venue. A friend or relative’s spacious backyard (extra points for a swimming pool!) would be perfect, and of course, free. Parks are also a great choice for parties. Many parks rent out their pavilions or have large spaces dedicated to parties, which is a great option if you’d like lots of room and some gorgeous scenery.
After deciding on a venue, a guest list must be created with the available capacity in mind, especially since a backyard can fill up quickly. Handmade invitations created on recycled cardstock or utilizing vintage unused invitations are both eco-friendly and easy on the wallet. If you’re not a crafty gal, check out Etsy.com for a variety of handmade and vintage cards.
Décor needs to be both stylish and informal, so stay away from plastic kitschy string lights and go for something more modern and contemporary. Stick with stainless steel and metal décor, such as metal torch lights that will create excellent mood lighting once the sun sets. Shiny stainless steel gazing balls, or garden globes, will add focal points on the beautiful lawn or garden, so purchase a few in a variety of sizes. Side note: Gazing balls are said to have mysterious powers of good luck and ward off misfortune! A fire pit or oversized planters filled with colorful flowers aren’t necessary, but would be great additions to the chic ambiance.
Borrow a few tables and chairs from friends and cover with tablecloths – never the cheap plastic type – or rent a few outdoor lounge chairs from a rental company. Remember that plastic silverware is both tacky and not very eco-friendly, so opt for inexpensive metal flatware. You can easily find a 100-piece metal silverware set for under $60. Don’t overlook important things like salt and pepper shakers and condiment bottles since a plastic tub of ketchup is most unappealing.
The dinner menu should always include a variety of things, and avoid the conventional (boring) burgers and hot dogs.
Betterrecipes.com has a plethora of “dressed up” burgers that use simple, inexpensive ingredients. Try a burger made with plum sauce, blue cheese and basil for extraordinary flavor, or spicy sirloin burgers mixed with black beans, tortilla chips, jalapenos, cayenne pepper and wine. If you’d like to spend a bit more money, go to Sam’s Club and purchase fresh beef filets in bulk, then spice them up Cuban style with Mojo sauce and avocado slices. Don’t forget the vegetarian options, such as black bean burgers or grilled eggplant with lemon juice and olive oil. Some side item such as homemade garlic hummus with blue chips and veggies, or sliced and baked sweet potatoes drizzled with a rum and brown sugar sauce will be definite hits. Fresh fruit is a must-have dessert at every BBQ, and fruit kabobs marinated in honey and grapefruit juice will create a delicious glaze when thrown on the grill for a few minutes. Try grilling figs and sprinkling them with Gorgonzola cheese and sea salt for a savory/sweet combination. For the guests who are a bit more traditional when it comes to food, offer honey frozen yogurt, bananas foster or raspberries with chocolate sauce.
Finally, don’t forget the drinks! Green tea smoothies, mimosas with fresh squeezed orange juice and iced coffees are perfect for the daytime, but bring out the mixed liquor drinks as the sun starts setting. Sparkling pink champagne punch, created with champagne, rose wine, vodka and ginger ale, is a definite “special occasion” beverage and perfect for the inevitable toasts from guests. Martinis made with gin, Cointreau, sloe gin and pomegranate juice add springtime fruit flavor to the classic cocktail.
As the night comes to a close, offer coffee drinks such as Café Brulot, made with strong coffee flamed with brandy and flavored with cloves and cinnamon. Guests will enjoy the New Orleans-style, after-dinner treat, especially since lighting a drink on fire makes it look much more expensive than it really is.
When it’s time for everyone to leave, remember to make sure everyone is okay to drive home safely. Then feel good knowing you’ve planned a modern, elegant BBQ rehearsal dinner, something that seems impossible but is easier than everyone thinks. Your best friend will be eternally grateful for your frugality and exceptional taste, and you just might find yourself planning your own fun, stylish and classy BBQ!