The last Celebration before you walk down the aisle!
The rehearsal dinner is your chance to kick back, relax and have fun now that all the planning is behind you. The rehearsal dinner follows the actual rehearsing at your
ceremony site. This dinner can often be more fun than the wedding itself since it's usually more intimate and filled with
personal testimonials and a little roasting of the bride & groom.
Who Pays
Traditionally, the groom's family planned, paid for and hosted this soiree, however, with today's ever-changing formalities, there are no hard rules - just make sure to determine early on who is paying the bill.
The Guest List
Your parents and grandparents,
siblings, and the wedding party and their spouses. If space and budget allow, you may consider inviting your out-of-town guests who have arrived. If you're trying to keep the event small, invite just your dearest friends and closest relatives rather than your family friends. You want to relax and have fun, so you should be surrounded by the people who make you feel most comfortable.
The hostess, traditionally the groom's mother, should send out invitations about a week after the wedding invitations have been mailed.
The Location
Be creative and find a place where you and your guests can have a fun time together. You could host an at-home affair with a caterer, rent your favorite restaurant for the evening, or have it at the reception location.
The Food
Your menu should be vastly different from your wedding reception menu. Discuss options with your caterer once the wedding day menu has been established.
The Toasting & Roasting
As a couple it's a good idea to begin the toasting yourselves by thanking the hosts and introducing the members of your
wedding party. This is also the perfect time to present them with their attendants' gifts.
Thank your parents, each other and anyone who needs thanking, then take your seats and let friends and family start the roasting.