Rehearsal Dinner: Who, What, Where and Why
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The rehearsal dinner is a great way to get warmed up for your wedding. It is an intimate celebration with close family and friends, a night or two before your wedding day. Many officiants (or wedding planners) also like to use this time to acquaint everyone about how the ceremony will work, the order they’re walking down the aisle, arrival times, and other important wedding day details.
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Who hosts?
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Traditionally, the groom’s family hosts the rehearsal dinner. However, you and your fiancé, your siblings, your grandparents, or both sets of parents may throw this soiree.
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Where do we have it?
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The get-together can be as casual or formal as you want and can be held in a hotel banquet room, a restaurant, a private home or anywhere else you feel would be appropriate for your soiree. It’s also a great time to get creative: You can have the party at a bowling alley, a Chinese restaurant, or on the beach. Of course, the dinner budget, the number of guests - and your hosts’ taste - will also help determine the location.
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Who’s on the guest list?
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In addition to your immediate families, wedding party members, and their spouses, out-of-town guests are often invited to the rehearsal dinner - especially if they’ve already arrived in town for the weekend festivities. You can also have the rehearsal dinner two nights before the wedding, and a separate party for the out-of-town guests the night before the big day.
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How the Evening Unfolds
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You, your fiancé, and the hosts should be on hand early to welcome the guests as they arrive. Serve cocktails and perhaps hors d’oeuvres during the first hour to make time for introductions and possible latecomers. Whether the dinner consists of a buffet or sit-down meal, the celebration can include these elements, as well:
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Toasts -
This is the perfect time for you both to say a few words of thanks to your families and wedding party. The host of the party also makes a toast, as well as wedding party members who may not have the opportunity to toast you at the wedding.
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Wedding Party Gifts -
If you choose, this is a good opportunity to distribute your thank you gifts to your bridesmaids and groomsmen (and maybe even say a few special words about each of them as you give them their presents).
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Get Creative -
Get creative and entertain your guests with a “mini-movie” featuring photographs of the two of you from when you were young through the present time, or let your guests get in on the fun. Let them share stories and pictures too.
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The rehearsal dinner can be a relaxing, fun and intimate way for you to gather with those people who you care about as you get ready for the biggest moment of your life. Enjoy!
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