Rehearsal Dinners

5 steps to fun & fabulous

#3 – Make the guest list

With the main event just around the corner, it’s time to relax and celebrate! After the ceremony rehearsal, most couples choose to spend some quality time with close family and friends during a rehearsal dinner. The details of how you do this – who, what, when, where – are up to you. Below are five steps to help you pull it all together fabulously.

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#1 – Choose your party

The first step is to decide on what kind of gathering you wish to have. Most couples stick with something a little less formal since you will all be dressed to the nines the next day. But really, you can do anything you like that feeds the crowd and allows for a little mingling: a pig roast, a potluck, dinner at a restaurant, a cocktail and appetizer cruise, a picnic in a park or a cookout in your backyard. Brainstorm with your sweetie and choose your ideal party.

#2 – Clarify who’s paying

Historically, the groom’s parents picked up the tab for the rehearsal dinner, however, you can no longer make that assumption. So, as with all wedding elements, it’s critical to be clear, up front, about exactly who is paying for what. And never, ever assume!

Anyone involved in the ceremony and, therefore, at the ceremony rehearsal, would, of course be invited. This includes attendants, parents and other immediate family, readers and so on. It’s also customary to include any outof-town guests as they will have traveled some distance for your wedding. It also gives them the chance to meet more people before the 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 planned seating with place cards or nametags with brief descriptions like “Mary Jones, Bride’s College Roommate,” and any other needed introductions. The rehearsal dinner is also an ideal time to give your attendants their gifts.

#5 – Fine tune the toasts

Traditionally, the groom’s father toasts first at the rehearsal dinner, however, traditions continue to evolve and change! The rehearsal dinner is a more relaxed, informal atmosphere so you can decide together, along with your families, who would like to speak and in what order. Often, the groom’s father will say a few words followed by the bride’s father and then the bride and groom. Groomsmen, bridesmaids, mothers and other guests may also want to make a toast. Cheers! B