VENUES
REHEARSAL DINNERS 5 steps to fun & fabulous
#3 – Make the guest list Anyone involved in the ceremony and,
it’s time to relax and celebrate! After the
therefore, at the ceremony rehearsal, would,
ceremony rehearsal, most couples choose to
of course be invited. This includes attendants,
spend some quality time with close family and
parents and other immediate family, readers
friends during a rehearsal dinner. The details of
and so on. It’s also customary to include any out-
how you do this – who, what, when, where – are
of-town guests as they will have traveled some
up to you. Below are five steps to help you pull
distance for your wedding. It also gives them
it all together fabulously.
the chance to meet more people before the capturingyourday.com
With the main event just around the corner,
wedding itself. You wouldn’t want them hanging out in their hotel room alone in an unfamiliar city.
#4 – Make them mingle One of the main purposes of the rehearsal dinner is for the two families to get to know each other better and enjoy each other’s company. So, whatever you and your groom can do to help with that, the better. Consider strategically
#1 – Choose your party
planned seating with place cards or nametags
The first step is to decide on what kind of
with brief descriptions like “Mary Jones, Bride’s
gathering you wish to have. Most couples stick
College Roommate,” and any other needed
with something a little less formal since you will
introductions. The rehearsal dinner is also an
all be dressed to the nines the next day. But
ideal time to give your attendants their gifts.
really, you can do anything you like that feeds the crowd and allows for a little mingling: a
#5 – Fine tune the toasts
pig roast, a potluck, dinner at a restaurant, a
Traditionally, the groom’s father toasts first
cocktail and appetizer cruise, a picnic in a park
at the rehearsal dinner, however, traditions
or a cookout in your backyard. Brainstorm with
continue to evolve and change! The rehearsal
your sweetie and choose your ideal party.
dinner is a more relaxed, informal atmosphere so you can decide together, along with your
#2 – Clarify who’s paying
families, who would like to speak and in what
Historically, the groom’s parents picked up
order. Often, the groom’s father will say a few
the tab for the rehearsal dinner, however, you
words followed by the bride’s father and then
can no longer make that assumption. So, as with
the bride and groom. Groomsmen, bridesmaids,
all wedding elements, it’s critical to be clear, up
mothers and other guests may also want to
front, about exactly who is paying for what. And
make a toast. Cheers!
never, ever assume! 22 • PREMIER BRIDE
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