You have heard about rehearsal dinners from other couples, but you’re a bit confused on what really goes down during one. Here is a quick run through of what to expect at a wedding rehearsal dinner.
Rehearsal dinners are a great way to show appreciation to everyone involved in your wedding. It is usually part of the pre-wedding preparation for both the bride and groom. The dinner usually takes place after the wedding rehearsal. Here people will be helping you all morning and afternoon to prepare for your wedding. A dinner after all of that is almost a must. Below is a guide that will break down everything you need to know about a wedding rehearsal dinner.
What Is A Wedding Rehearsal Dinner?
A rehearsal dinner is commonly practiced in the United States which serves as a pre-wedding formality. It is usually attended by the family and friends of the couple. A time where the bride and groom spend quality time with their loved ones. People get to have a good time and provide relief of any tension for the upcoming event. It is usually a small party where everyone is chilling out, talking, and having dinner.
When Should I Have My Rehearsal Dinner?
A wedding rehearsal dinner is usually after the wedding rehearsal. Usually, a night before the wedding but some plan it two nights before for more time to prepare and relax.
Where Should I Have The Dinner?
It depends on the budget, but don’t limit yourself. You have a lot of options to choose from.
- Hotel ballroom or fine dining restaurant: If you plan on having a fancy dinner.
- Any casual restaurant: If you plan on just being casual with everyone.
- Backyard: If you want people to be more comfortable and informal, you can have a picnic or barbeque.
Who Should Host The Dinner?
Traditionally, the groom’s family organizes and pays for it but some split the costs. Some families come together and help each other with the costs. Potluck dinners are a way of lowering
Who Should I Invite?
Prioritize the immediate family of the couple and wedding entourage. You can extend the invitation to other friends who traveled far to be at their wedding. If you are on a budget, you can stick to a more exclusive group. Talk it out with your partner on who else you want to invite.
Sending out invitations would be appropriate but it could cost you more. A more practical way of giving out invites is by emailing them, give them a direct personal message, or give them a call. Just make sure to give details to guests about your dinner whether or not if it is a formal or casual event.
What Happens in a Wedding Rehearsal Dinner?
- Couples are expected to meet and greet their guests. They are the ones who are going to welcome them. Couples can be busy during the wedding day and not available all the time. This is a chance for them to talk to everyone before the big day. A bit of catching up for relatives and meeting in-laws.
- Both family parties eat dinner together. If there are also friends, spare them a table too. Make this a less formal event that everyone will enjoy. It is up to the couple if they want a theme or just make it as casual as possible.
- Usually, the couple provides a form of entertainment for the guests during dinnertime. They can hire someone, do games, special performance by relatives, or just even put some music on if they’re on a budget.
- Once the dessert is served and everyone is seated, the toasts begin. Usually, the parents of the groom give the first toast. Then followed by the groom but the wife to be can also join in with his fiance.
- This is also a time where the couple can remind everyone on the itinerary for the big day. Remind them of where to go, what to bring, what time to get ready, and other important stuff.
- You can subtly hand out your gifts for your in-laws or your entourage. Some also do it on the day but that depends on what you have planned.
Conclusion
You will need to decide whether or not you want to have a rehearsal dinner. If you’re having a small and simple wedding this may not be as big of a deal. Any gathering with all of your family and close friends around you is enough as a wedding rehearsal dinner.
Her Expertise Includes:
- Being a former bride
- Planning her own wedding
- Helping run her husband's wedding service USA DJ
As a former bride herself, she knows first hand what it takes to plan a successful wedding. She now offers her experience with wedding planning to other brides to be through smartestbrides.com.
Her mission is to help other brides wedding planning become as simple and stress-free as possible.
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