Rehearsal dinner party theme
Plan a rehearsal dinner theme around a two-bowl margarita machine: lime and sangria bowls, a kids lemonade slushie, relaxed decor, food, toasts, and printables.
A rehearsal dinner theme can be relaxed and personal: put a Lime Margarita in one bowl and Sangria in the other, set long tables with candles and greenery, and let the toasts flow. Fill one bowl with Lemonade, alcohol-free, for the flower girl, ring bearer, and anyone skipping alcohol before the big day.
The look
Think backyard dinner party or Texas fiesta, depending on the couple.
| Style | Colors | Decor ideas |
|---|---|---|
| Garden dinner | Sage, white, gold | Long tables, greenery runners, candles, string lights |
| Tex-Mex fiesta | Terracotta, turquoise, marigold | Papel picado, serape runners, paper flowers |
| Hill Country casual | Natural wood, cream, burgundy | Wood rounds, wildflowers, lanterns |
Add a framed sign by the machine with the couple's names and the wedding date, and a few photos of the couple through the years.
The two bowls
| Option | Bowl 1 | Bowl 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Easy elegance | Lime Margarita | Sangria |
| Bubbly toast | Peach Bellini | Frosé |
| Tex-Mex night | Lime Margarita | Mango Margarita |
| Preview of the wedding | The couple's wedding flavors | Lemonade |
Serving the same flavors the couple picked for the reception gives guests a sneak peek. For a his and hers approach, see our wedding his and hers drinks theme.
Kids and alcohol-free bowl
Every mix is alcohol-free until you add alcohol. Rehearsal dinners often include the wedding party's kids, so keep one bowl as Lemonade or Strawberry for them. If you want two adult flavors, rent a second machine for the kids and label every bowl.
Rim and garnish
- Lime Margarita Salt on Lime Margarita
- Sweet Heat Cocktail Sugar on Mango Margarita or Peach Bellini
- Chocolate Cocktail Sugar on Strawberry or kids cups
Garnish Sangria with orange slices and the margaritas with lime wheels. Each 4 oz rim package rims about 40 drinks.
Food ideas
- A family style fajita dinner with grilled steak, chicken, and peppers
- Smoked brisket and sides for a Texas dinner
- Pasta, salad, and bread for a garden dinner
- Churros, pie, or a small cake with the couple's initials
Games and activities
- Toasts: schedule them after the main course while everyone has a fresh drink.
- How we met: the couple tells their story, or friends act it out.
- Couple trivia: guests answer questions about the couple.
- Wedding party thank yous: the couple gives gifts to the wedding party.
- Slideshow: photos from childhood to engagement.
Printables
Create matching cards on our party invite page. Then print:
- Bowl labels: "Margarita (21 and up)" and "Lemonade slushie"
- A drink sign with the couple's names
- Trivia cards and a simple dinner menu
Our party tools page has more planning helpers.
Planning note
Many rehearsal dinners happen on a weekday or Friday night. We set up 2 to 3 hours before dinner, and the first batch takes 2 to 3 hours to freeze. Ask your venue or restaurant whether outside drink service is allowed and where the outlet is; the machine needs a standard 110 volt outlet on its own circuit. Planning the whole weekend? See our wedding margarita machine rental page and consider a multi-day rental, up to 7 days when you book online.
Ready to plan? Check dates and book online in minutes, or get a quick estimate first.