Rehearsal Dinner

The purpose of the rehearsal dinner is to kickoff all wedding festivities. Traditionally, the parents of the groom host and coordinate the rehearsal dinner; however, as the guest list rises, other family and friends are able to help offset costs. If the groom’s parents are from out of town, they may appreciate help from the bride’s parents and wedding party to find a location.

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Sending out invitations is the best way to control the guest count for the rehearsal dinner. Make sure to include guests that will be flying in from out of town, they have gone the extra mile to make arrangements to attend your wedding, the least you can do is invite them to dinner. If there will be out of town guests attending the rehearsal dinner, send out invitations two to three months prior to the date. If all guests are local, send out invitations a month prior.

The perfect Rehearsal Dinner:

• Choose a unique venue or restaurant that will provide an environment separate from the reception venue.
• Do not repeat the type of food, dessert, or colors that will be represented at the reception.
• If you are unable to show a video at the reception, have a video play at the rehearsal dinner of your love story.
• Offer drinks for toasts. Close family and friends can offer the best toasts, advice, and stories. Typically, the groom’s father begins the toasts.
• Bride and groom thank everyone that helped with the planning process of the wedding and reception. Gifts can be offered to the bridal party at this time.
• End the dinner early to make sure everyone has the opportunity to get beauty rest before the wedding.