Rehearsal Dinner To Dos

The rehearsal dinner... that evening before the wedding, when famiy and friends gather to celebrate the couple and their journey to the altar. It's an event filled with food, toasts, and often fun little additions like 18 holes of golf for the guys or a spa day for mothers and daughters and bridesmaids. But at the minimum, it's a chance to be together in a more relaxed setting than the wedding day.
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Hosts: Traditionally, the rehearsal dinner is hosted by the groom's family. However, nowadays it's not uncommon for the couple or both families to host the event together. In some cases, close friends or other relatives may also take on the hosting duties.
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Guest List: The guest list for the rehearsal dinner typically includes the wedding party (bridesmaids, groomsmen, flower girl, ring bearer), immediate family members of the couple, and sometimes out-of-town guests who have traveled for the wedding. Depending on the size and budget of the event, additional friends or relatives may also be invited. Remember to listen to your instincts and keep it small if that's what you want. And be respectful of those paying for the wedding. 

Invitations: Rehearsal dinner invitations are usually sent out separately from the wedding invitations. They can be formal or informal, depending on the tone of the event. Make sure to include important details such as the date, time, location, and RSVP information.

Venue and Theme: The rehearsal dinner can be held at a variety of venues, such as a restaurant, banquet hall, private home, or outdoor location. Choose a venue and theme that reflects the couple's personalities and preferences. It can be formal or casual, depending on the style of the wedding. Rehearsal dinners can also be a big party that is unstructured. Do what makes you happy!

Timing: The rehearsal dinner typically takes place the night before the wedding, after the wedding rehearsal itself. This allows everyone to practice the ceremony and then relax and enjoy a meal together before the big day.

Seating Arrangements: Consider seating arrangements carefully to ensure that everyone feels comfortable and included. Traditionally, the bride and groom sit at the head of the table, with their parents and other family members nearby. The wedding party usually sits together as well.

Toasts and Speeches: It's common for the host or hosts of the rehearsal dinner to give a welcome speech or toast to thank everyone for attending. Other members of the wedding party, such as the best man and maid of honor, may also give toasts or speeches to honor the couple. We've all heard about these toasts getting out of hand, so pace yourselves and remember to be respectful of what to say and ... what NOT to say.

Gifts and Favors: While gifts are not typically expected at the rehearsal dinner, the hosts may choose to give small tokens of appreciation to the guests, such as personalized favors or thank-you gifts. Similarly, the couple may choose to give gifts to their wedding party as a thank-you for their support.​

Relax and Enjoy: Above all, the rehearsal dinner is a time to relax, unwind, and enjoy the company of loved ones before the wedding day. Don't stress too much about the details—focus on creating happy memories with your closest friends and family members.