The Rehearsal Dinner

A little lost on planning your rehearsal dinner? You’re not the first! Here are a few tips on how to plan it.
Who to Invite

If you just want to have a simple rehearsal dinner, theknot.com suggest including just the two of you, the wedding party, your immediate family, the officiant and his spouse. You should also indicate whether spouses/significant others of the wedding party are invited. You can also choose to include out of town guests. However, if you want to keep the party intimate that’s alright too. It’s really your choice, depending on your preference and budget.

What Happens

There are really no rules on how to run your rehearsal dinner. You may choose not to have a formal rehearsal. However, it is a good way to get everyone familiar with the ceremony, and make sure everyone knows where to go and what to do for the actually wedding day. This is usually held at the church or ceremony site, and officiant will give a brief rundown of the wedding , directing everyone where to go, when to walk, etc. Afterwards, everyone meets for a celebratory dinner. It’s a great way for friends and family of the bride and groom to meet and mingle. It’s also a great opportunity for you to thank everyone who has helped you with your wedding. Commonly, the bride and groom will give their thanks with a toast right before dinner is served. Some couples choose to give gifts, but this is completely up to you.

Where to Have it

Your choices of where to hold you rehearsal dinner are really endless. Some common places include a banquet hall, a private room at a restaurant, a barbeque, your house or a relatives house, a private club, etc. Try to choose a place located conveniently for everyone, and if you are inviting out of town guests, be sure to provide them with a map and directions.

Invitations

Invitations are not necessary for the rehearsal dinner, especially if you’re only inviting immediate family and the wedding party. If this is the case, you can simply inform guests by word-of-mouth. If you are choosing to make your rehearsal dinner a larger engagement, you can opt to send out invitations. These should generally be sent shortly after the wedding invitations are sent out.

Contact us at 248-408-4602 if you need a rehearsal dinner or other party planned.

~Liz