Tips for you Rehearsal Dinner (in Ireland) In Ireland : Rehearsal Dinners are not standard in Ireland in fact many couples don't have an event the night before the wedding. However thanks to all of the amazing destination weddings we have organized for couples from the USA in Ireland, lots of venues are now familiar with a rehearsal dinner & will most likely ask you when you are booking your wedding reception if you would like options to consider. Hosts: Traditionally hosted by the parents of the groom but now can be hosted by the couple or jointly by both sets of parents. Budget: Create a budget for the dinner As your wedding planners we will incorporate this cost into your overall wedding budget. Guest list: While there are no rules the traditional rule of thumb was at least all “out of town” guests are invited. However that will depend on the budget & the hosts. If budget permits particularly as you are having a destination wedding you might decide to invite all guests & have it as a Welcome Party. Style: The formality is at the discretion of the hosts but whatever happens ensure not to overshadow the wedding day! If you are having a formal wedding you might opt for casual , more relaxed rehearsal dinner or you may decide to have it formal as a sneak peek of the wedding day . Format: • Ceremony Rehearsal attended by wedding party /parents • Discreet distribution of wedding party gifts by the bride & groom • Great opportunity for a Meet & Greet with all of your guests. • Opportunity to formally & informally welcome guests to your very special celebration. • Toasts usually commence with the host • Ideal time to give a reminder of the itinerary for the wedding day with particular emphasis on transportation & timings. Locations for your Rehearsal Dinner at our excusive venues: Adare Manor – BBQ at the Carriage house or Irish pub evening in the Tack Room Ashford Castle – Relive the “Quiet Man” with an Irish evening in Cullen’s pub Dromoland Castle – BBQ or informal dinner at the Fig Tree Knappogue Castle – Take your guests to a fun Medieval Banquet Dingle Skellig – The Gallarus Lounge for an informal intimate event Sheen Falls Lodge – Informal event in Oscar’s Bistro The Lodge at Ashford Castle – Al Fresco cocktails on the lawn overlooking pier .