 | Rehearsal dinners usually take place after the wedding rehearsal. They are usually held the day before the actual wedding ceremony. Although the rehearsal dinner is not a required wedding event, they’re a great way to get everyone who is involved with the wedding a chance to meet one another and to relax before the wedding takes place.
Traditionally, the rehearsal dinner is hosted by the groom’s parents, although really anyone can be the host, such as the bride’s parents, or a close family member or friend. Regardless of who hosts, you should make sure that they are involved with the planning process. |
The guest list typically includes the bride and groom (of course), their parents, and the entire wedding party. Other guests often included are the grandparents, the dates of the wedding party, the person who will be performing the ceremony and their guest, other close members of the family not in the wedding party, and special out-of-town guests.
If you are having a rehearsal, choose someplace close by to hold the dinner. Provide out-of-town guests with a clear map of how to get to the dinner and back to their hotel. If you’re wondering what to have for dinner, you can have a formal dinner or a more relaxed meal. Right before dinner is served, the host will usually say a few words and give a toast to the bride and groom, and often a few other toasts will be given as well. This is also the perfect time to give the wedding party and the parents their gifts and wedding favors. The bride and groom will usually say a few words before handing them out; they generally will thank everyone for being in the wedding party as well as say a few other heartfelt words. The rehearsal dinner is a great way to have a relaxing time with your bridal party and is usually the kickoff to the wedding festivities soon to come!