We’ve talked a bit about Wedding Day planning and tips (you can start reading those here), but today we’re going to take it back one day. Let’s talk Rehearsal Dinner Planning. Here’s some tips and the proper rehearsal dinner etiquette.

Who’s Hosting?

Traditionally, the groom’s family hosts the rehearsal dinner, but anyone can host it in all reality. As the wedding couple, you could even host it yourself (though I don’t recommend this, you have enough to worry about!). Also remember that who ever is hosting is generally footing the bill as well. Because of this, they have a bit more say about décor, and location, and other details. You can give input on your guest list and time, but leave the major details to your host!

Budget, Budget, Budget

Don’t feel like you have to break the bank for your rehearsal dinner. This is just the pre-game! It’s a more intimate group of people and is meant for you to enjoy your time together, and mingle before the madness begins. Keep that in mind. You don’t have to spend as much money on flowers, or decorations.

Guest List

The reason you are having a rehearsal dinner is to spend time with those closest to you. Make sure those people are on the guest list. Usually your immediate families, the bridal party including your flower girl/ring bearer’s parents, your officiant, and it’s nice to invite any guests that have traveled from a ways out of town. If you have too many coming from out of town, just give them dinner ideas and then you can have a cocktail hour after your rehearsal dinner to add the rest.

What About Décor and Food?

If your host knows the location, let that play a factor in food and décor. Think about your favorite foods, or if you went to a special restaurant all the time. Make it fun!! If you’re having an elegant ballroom wedding, throw something more laid back the night before! Just make sure you if have any guests with allergies, say seafood, and that’s your plan, you should tell them!

Where!?

You don’t have to be average and throw it at a country club, or even a restaurant. You could do it on the beach, a rooftop, a public park, or a bowling alley! Like I said before, it’s a good excuse to have an intimate party with your closest friends. You don’t have to go all out.

Sending Your Invites

You can send out your rehearsal dinner invites with your formal wedding invitation (and save on postage, ya know) or you can send it individually. It doesn’t have to be anything too fancy. Just a simple invite, or even a phone call works!

Toasts

The rehearsal dinner is a perfect time for your host to give a toast. HA! That rhymed. Welcome everyone there, thank them for showing up, reminisce about crazy things you did in college together, get everybody crying! You can also say a few words, and thank everyone for supporting your and your soon-to-be-spouse. Around this time is also a good point to give your bridal party their gifts from you, especially if it’s something you want them to wear for the wedding!

Confirm Everything

Now that everything is planned and the guests are invited, you want to confirm your location. You can call those that you haven’t received an RSVP from to double check your guest count.

The rehearsal dinner is a great time to let anyone know any final details, or changes that are made for the wedding day. It’s a good time to go over the timeline, and make sure everyone knows where they need to be a certain times (like when family formals start). And just like your wedding day, it’s meant for you to have a good time! So relax, and enjoy!