The Rehearsal Dinner

The day before the wedding, you may be having a rehearsal dinner.  This is a time when everyone who is part of the wedding will show up and practice together. Following the practicing of the wedding, the group will have a dinner together. Your rehearsal dinner can be as amazing or as simplistic as you would like it to be. This is often a personal decision, but one you do need to plan.

The parents of the groom can host the rehearsal dinner, if you are having a traditional event. This may be done at the groom's parent's home or at a restaurant, or even someplace else. The goal is to bring both sides of the family together for a formal get together. It may even be the first time some family members are meeting each other.

THE REHEARSAL

There are two stages to plan this rehearsal dinner. First, you need to focus on the actual rehearsal event, where you will head to the ceremony site and practice the wedding with the official or with the wedding ceremony coordinator.

For this event, here are some things to keep in mind:

1.  What time will it be held and who should attend?
2.  Can you drop off items for the location at this time for later set up?
3.  How will everyone arrive at the facility, including parents, bridesmaids, groomsmen, and anyone who is participating in the event otherwise?
4.  Should musicians come to the rehearsal? This is usually not necessary, but you may want to arrange this if the event is very special or unique in organization.

The rehearsal usually takes about an hour to go through. Be sure everyone knows what he or she should be doing throughout the event. If there are questions, now is the time to ask them.

THE DINNER

After everyone has had his or her questions answered, the next step is to head to dinner. Where will it be located and who is hosting the dinner? It is possible that this could fall on your shoulders, as the bride and groom. If so, make arrangements at a location large enough for the entire party. Also, keep in mind that the host usually covers the cost of the meal itself.

When it comes to planning this dinner, there are several things to keep in mind:

• What type of food will be served? It does not have to be elegant, so long as it is something everyone will enjoy.
• What time will it be served? If at someone's home, who will prepare food during the rehearsal?
• Who will attend? The wedding party is usually in attendance, as well as parents of the bride and groom. Siblings, grandparents, and other significant individuals may also be there.
•  This may be a good time to present any type of gift you have purchased for the members of the wedding party.
• Is the seating arrangement important?

The rehearsal dinner may be a tense time, especially if you have many guests who do not know each other. Yet, do not stay out too late or get too tipsy since tomorrow is the big day. There is plenty to think about then!

We're almost done! Next, we are going to briefly review everything we've covered so far in checklist format so that you can relax and enjoy Your Wedding Day!