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The rehearsal dinners I have been to (and the one we had) are purposely less of a production than the actual wedding reception. So while you certainly could assign seating and provide favors, you might want to make sure that you're not outshining the celebration to come. Ditto for flowers and decorations.
Of course, it sounds like you've got a bit of a theme going for the RD - so you might provide table decorations (and even favors, if you like) that go along with that theme. Flowers on the tables are always a nice touch. And if you end up inside, a little different decor on your tables should help to differentiate them from the rest of the restaurant - and cue other patrons that something different is going on here, so that seating isn't available. (In a way that is a little more attractive and fun than the average "Reserved" sign.)
I would do flowers on the tables and maybe a small favor {Cuban themed?}, but that would be it. No place cards or seating assignments, just so that people can meet and chat. She seems like a super sweet MIL though to ask. Have fun!
CIMG3183.JPG (92.7 KB, 39 downloads) 1 year old 
Because we will also have our out of towners attend our rehearsal dinner, we will also provide party favors and ideas for things for them to do up until the wedding or decide to stay a couple of extra days while they are in town. We won't be doing seating assignments but we will assign people to different tables with family members whom we felt would be the most compatible. Because we won't be having the photographer at the rehearsal diner, we're also thinking of putting cameras on the tables for guests to take pictures. Thats still in the air but the idea is growing on me
My MIL had full control over the rehearsal dinner, so it was kind of fun being surprised when we got there. She had made rope pillar candles (we had a slight nautical themed wedding), one big one for centerpiece and two little ones for the ends, so no flowers. She had done assigned seating (but I think it was really to make sure her and his father were at opposite ends of the table - divorced). For favors, she had Dove chocolates personalized with out name and wedding date. The favors come individually boxed in sets of three.
So basically, I think it just depends on the person who is throwing the dinner on what they decide to do. If there is any family tension, seating arrangements aren't a bad idea, though. I wasn't expecting all of the work that she put into it, so it was just a very nice surprise.
We're having flowers and place cards at our RD, but I didn't want them. To me the RD is supposed to be much much less formal than the wedding reception, but my FMIL hijacked it and is turning it into a huge elaborate production- the opposite of what I wanted. *bitter*
Anyway, apparently this is a thing some people do, but it's up to you whether you want the RD to be elaborate or just a casual party.
0913091355.jpg (267.1 KB, 73 downloads) 1 year old 
I have been to a few and they have all been different.
My sister had RD invitations and small favors to give out. B/c it was at a traditional chinese restaurant (with the lazy suzan thingy in the middle) there were no flowers.
My FMIL is hosting ours. She asked for our opinion on food (we are going with italian since FI is part italian) but we haven't talked about anything else yet.
My take is that RD invites are a good idea, flowers or other decorations might be nice, and favors are not necessary.
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Hi Hive...
My wonderful FMIL will be hosting our rehearsal dinner. She has asked Smarty and I whether we'd like to have place cards, favors, flowers on the tables or other decorations. I have only been to a few rehearsal dinners (casual) and can't quite recall there being any of those. Is it common to have assigned seating or favors at a rehearsal dinner?
FMIL has decided to have the dinner at our favorite Cuban restaurant (a nod to my mother's heritage... so sweet!). If the weather cooperates, it'll be out on the covered patio. If not, it'll be in a semi-private area indoors.
What are your thoughts on the subject? Will you be having any of these at your rehearsal dinner? Any suggestions for simple ideas that we can incorporate?