Find out who pays for the rehearsal dinner, who attends the wedding rehearsal dinner and more in our article about rehearsal dinner etiquette.
Again, congratulations on getting married. This is a big step in your life. Now you are probably already in the process of planning your wedding and know how many important details there are. One of the things you need to plan prior to the wedding is to hold a rehearsal dinner right before your wedding. As you start the preparation process dozens of questions probably pop up in your head. Luckily, we are here to help you and have tried to answer most of the questions you might have. Don’t feel pressured to have everything like it should be, I mean, you are the one to set the rules.
The Rehearsal Dinner
You want your wedding day to be perfect and go as planned so that’s why you need to have a rehearsal dinner beforehand. Everyone who has an active part in wedding celebration needs to be present. Make sure they know what they are supposed to do and walk through the whole ceremony establishing the pace and timing. It’s traditionally hosted by the groom’s parents but you can choose what suits you.
The Location and Style of the Rehearsal Dinner
You can do anything you want from a fancy dinner at a restaurant to a backyard barbecue. This depends on your guest list, budget and what you want. Choose any appropriate for you option.
When Should the Rehearsal Dinner be Held?
It’s the best idea to have your rehearsal dinner right before the wedding day so everyone remembers their responsibilities. You can have a rehearsal breakfast or lunch but five everybody enough time to have some rest before the big day.
Who is Invited to the Rehearsal Dinner?
Rehearsal dinner is especially important for those who take an active part in the wedding day. You can’t have a rehearsal dinner without the bride and groom, their parents, the officiant, the wedding party, and readers—plus their plus ones. You can choose to invite more people if you want like out-of-town friends to make this into a welcoming party.
Wedding Rehearsal Dinner Invitations
Invitations reflect the event. They should be less formal that the ones for the wedding but it’s still a good idea to send them out. You can mention all the details about the rehearsal dinner so that everyone comes prepared.
The Seating Chart
The rehearsal dinner is usually an event when the bride and groom see all their friends and family together for the first time. Some of them have probably never seen each other. So to avoid any confusion and conflicts it’s a good idea to create a seating chart. Seat your guests the way to encourage conversations but only if you know that they will be comfortable with each other.
Rehearsal Dinner Toasts
Unlike the wedding toasts rehearsal dinner toasts aren’t usually planned through and don’t go in a specific order. People may speak up whenever they feel like it. During the toasts bride and groom will need to also say a couple words to their guests to express their gratitude. Some couples also choose to give gifts to their closest ones to thank for the support.