Who Do We Invite?
Traditionally, the rehearsal dinner is for the families of the bride and groom and the wedding party with spouses and significant others included. It’s a thoughtful gesture to include out-of-town guests and special friends, but don’t feel obligated. With larger families, the guest list for the rehearsal dinner can start turning into a mini-wedding. Keep things under control and keep it simple. If you can’t include the out-of-town guests, perhaps provide them with a list of restaurants in the area. Another idea might be to appoint a “host” for your out-of-town guests and have the host offer to answer questions, make dinner reservations, etc.
Where Do I Have It?
The venue and menu can be as formal or informal as you desire. Note: It should not, however, be more formal than the actual wedding, but should compliment the tone. Private rooms in restaurants are nice for small to medium groups. Be creative. If you want a backyard barbeque with hay for décor, go for it. If you want a sit-down, intimate dinner with filets before the big day, that’s wonderful too.
What Do We Wear?
It depends on the venue and the tone you’ve chosen. If you’re dining at a formal restaurant, suggest coat and tie for the gentlemen and cocktail dresses for the ladies. If you decided on the informal barbeque, casual attire is appropriate, but you’d probably still want to look your best, i.e., no cut off jeans. Have fun with it!
What Do We Do Besides Eat?
The rehearsal dinner is the perfect time for the two families to mingle before the big day and get to know members of the wedding party as well. It also a nice prelude to the wedding — it sets the tone and gives everyone a few hours to relax and just enjoy each other’s company. Consider it a nice ice breaker so there’s a comfortable level developed before the flurry of activities ensues.
Be warned. The rehearsal dinner also provides an intimate setting where members of the wedding party feel comfortable giving toasts or “roasting” the bride and groom. When the alcohol is flowing, your friends and family may start rambling…and it may be down roads that are not so appropriate for the setting or the extended family. You may want to consider giving a little warning to keep the sentiments short, sweet and to the point.
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