Rehearsal Dinners
The wedding rehearsal and the dinner afterward offer a great chance to calm fears and to be with family and friends you may not have seen for quite some time.
Whom to invite?
Typically, the rehearsal dinner includes the wedding party, the parents of the bride and groom and anyone involved in the wedding. You may need to extend invitations to immediate family of the bride and groom, and out-of-town guests who flew in for the occasion.
Where to have it?
Since your guest list will be smaller for this event, you have more flexibility. Consider reserving a room in a restaurant close to the ceremony site, or at the ceremony site (in the church hall, for instance). Ask the reception site if it offers a discount if you book your rehearsal dinner with the venue as well.
Who pays?
Traditionally, costs for the dinner rehearsal are picked up by the groom's parents. Since fewer and fewer weddings follow a traditional route, this may be paid by the bride and groom or any family member who volunteers.
Time to remember
This is your chance to thank those closest to you for participating in your big day. Have toasts for your friends and family ready. This is also the time to hand out presents to your attendants.
Return to Bridal Showers & Rehearsal Dinnners Table of Contents.
