Football season is upon us, and if there’s one thing that everyone loves about a football game, it’s the after parties. Even if you never make it inside to watch the game, there’s something great about the spirit and good fun of a tailgate. Why not use it as a unique theme for a rehearsal dinner on a fall evening?

Autumn is a great time. The air is cool, the leaves are rustling, and people feel refreshed after the summer heat has passed. It’s a perfect time to plan a wedding, and for those brides who are lucky enough to get married in the fall, it’s a great idea to have a rehearsal dinner based on one of the best fall rituals: the tailgate party.

A tailgate-themed rehearsal dinner would be best outdoors, like in a backyard (having the party in a parking lot would probably be taking the theme too far!). If your dinner has to be at night, it would be great to illuminate an outdoor space with informal lanterns in the trees. You can also line walkways with battery-powered lights.

For inspiration, check out some of the great tailgate traditions in our country. One of the classics is the annual Harvard-Yale football game. This is a great starting point if you want to have a slightly more exclusive tailgate rehearsal dinner. Think of thoughts like plaid blankets and thermoses full of hot toddies as your inspiration. The bride should wear something quite casual and timeless, like a tartan skirt with pearl wedding jewelry. The groom could get away with a pair of fancy laces and a cashmere sweater.

At every tailgate party, food is key. The type of food served will depend on the tailgate customs you have chosen as the inspiration for your rehearsal dinner. For example, in places like Kansas City or Texas, tailgate means barbecue, especially ribs. Serve with all the trimmings, like coleslaw and crackers. For a sticky messy dinner like ribs, it would be a good idea to provide baskets of baby wipes on the tables, not to mention lots of napkins! The bride should wear something that she doesn’t mind putting a little sauce on, but she should still make her look pretty. A good idea would be a simple cotton dress with sterling silver jewelry that she can wear again after the wedding.

In some parts of the country, tailgates are all about things like burgers, brats, and wings. If that’s your idea of ​​the perfect tailgate, set up your reception with plenty of grills to keep the food coming. Side dishes like potato salad and even French fries could be perfect for this more casual type of party. To make your rehearsal dinner feel like a backyard party, and not just a picnic, use football-themed decorations, like flags or pennants from your favorite team. You could even install a large TV to show classic game clips (your guests will love it!).

Even if you have a very formal wedding, you can still decide to have a fun and informal rehearsal dinner. It can be a good way for all your guests to get to know each other in a relaxed atmosphere. Choosing a fun theme, like a tailgate party at your rehearsal dinner, is also a great way to share some of your personality with your guests.