• As part of the wedding prep, the perfect rehearsal dinner will make for an evening of fun, love, and a chance to mingle before the big day. Lately, they’ve become known as extravagant evenings of dining, decor and preparations right before the wedding. But if you plan it right, you’ll be able to have a stress-free evening of celebration before your big day.

    STEP 1

    Make sure it’s clear who will be hosting and organising the event. It may be the groom’s side or the bride’s, or a combination. Make sure everyone is aware of their role to avoid any conflict or miscommunication on the night.

    STEP 2

    Decide on the kind of event you want to have. Do you prefer keeping it light and casual, or making it a big party? Let this set the precedent for the decor, the setting and the guest list.

    STEP 3

    Draw up the guest list. Aside from your bridal party, family and close friends, you may want to have certain people. This will depend heavily on the size of the event, the location and your personal preferences.

    STEP 4

    Whether you go big or small, creating a fun theme for the night will only add to the festivities. This can involve fun games and even some sneaky hints for the big day.

    STEP 5

    While it’s important to have a set schedule in place for how the evening will run, make room for surprises and deviations in the evening. For instance, you may have a set list of speakers, but if your other guests would like to say a few words then allow room for some extra time.

    You can also use your rehearsal dinner to spoil your guests with gifts for your bridal party and special thank yous to everyone who contributed to the planning of your special day.

    ALSO SEE: How to decide who gets an invite to your wedding

    How to decide who gets an invite to your wedding

    Image: Unsplash

    For couples planning a once-in-a-lifetime honeymoon or destination wedding escape, award-winning luxury can make all the difference. Global hospitality group The Lux Collective has once again reaffirmed its reputation for exceptional travel experiences, with four of its flagship LUX* properties receiving coveted Five-Star ratings from Forbes Travel Guide in the 2026 awards.

    honeymoon destination
    Grand Baie

    The prestigious honours were awarded to LUX Grand Baie*, LUX Belle Mare*, and LUX South Ari Atoll*, with LUX* Grand Baie and its spa also earning multiple recognitions for wellness excellence and responsible hospitality. For honeymooners and newlyweds seeking beachfront settings paired with sustainability practices, the awards highlight destinations that combine romance, world-class service and forward-thinking travel values.

    Grand Baie BISOU Pool

    Adding to its achievements, LUX* Grand Baie received the 2026 VERIFIED™ Responsible Hospitality Badge for the second time, recognising the resort’s commitment to rigorous environmental, community and employee well-being standards aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

    “The Lux Collective continues to exemplify hospitality excellence across its portfolio of award-winning resorts and spas,” said Amanda Frasier, President of Standards & Ratings at Forbes Travel Guide, congratulating the teams for delivering world-class culinary, wellness and service experiences while maintaining exceptional luxury standards.

    Belle Mare

    From a honeymoon perspective, each property offers a distinctive romantic appeal. LUX* Grand Baie in Mauritius delivers ultra-luxury all-suite and villa accommodation, rooftop dining, panoramic ocean views and cutting-edge wellness facilities ideal for couples seeking sophisticated island glamour. Along Mauritius’ tranquil east coast, LUX* Belle Mare is celebrated for its serene beachfront setting, light-filled design and immersive spa experiences designed around the natural elements, perfect for relaxed newlywed retreats. Meanwhile, LUX* South Ari Atoll in the Maldives blends barefoot luxury with vibrant island experiences, including overwater villas, marine encounters such as whale shark sightings, and curated dining across multiple venues, creating unforgettable honeymoon memories.

    honeymoon destination
    South Ari Atoll Temptation Beach Pool Villa

    According to Olivier Chavy, Chief Executive Officer of The Lux Collective, the awards reflect the Group’s commitment to creating “places that feel deeply human, meaningfully responsible, and luxurious,” while continuing to expand its global portfolio of extraordinary travel destinations.

    honeymoon
    South Ari Atoll

    For couples planning weddings abroad, mini-moons or extended honeymoons, the 2026 Five-Star recognitions position LUX* resorts among the world’s most celebrated romantic luxury escapes.

    How to make a destination wedding easy on your guests

    Feature image: Supplied by Big Ambitions