The rehearsal dinner is a key pre-wedding event and is traditionally held the evening before the big day. It serves as an opportunity for the wedding party and families to gather, celebrate, and finalise any last-minute details. This event not only sets the tone for the wedding day but also provides a relaxed environment for everyone to come together before the big event. Below is a detailed guide on how to plan and execute the perfect rehearsal dinner, covering everything from the purpose of the event to the finer details of planning.
Summary
The rehearsal dinner, held the night before the wedding, is a key pre-wedding event where the wedding party and families gather to rehearse the ceremony, exchange gifts, and enjoy a meal together. It serves as a relaxed, intimate celebration that sets the tone for the big day. Planning involves choosing the right location, timing, guest list, and meal options, while also considering speeches, entertainment, and personal touches. Traditionally hosted by the groom’s family, the event can range from formal sit-down dinners to casual BBQs, offering a chance for everyone to connect and unwind before the wedding.
What Is A Rehearsal Dinner?
The rehearsal dinner is an event that marks the conclusion of the pre-wedding activities and the beginning of the wedding festivities. It is a time to rehearse the wedding ceremony, ensuring that everyone knows their roles and responsibilities, followed by a dinner that allows everyone to relax and enjoy good food and company. This dinner offers a chance for both families to interact, exchange gifts, and share toasts.
What Happens At A Rehearsal Dinner?
A rehearsal dinner typically includes the following activities:
- Ceremony Rehearsal: The bridal party and family members practice the ceremony procession and any key moments.
- Gift Exchange: Gifts are often exchanged between the bride and groom, their parents, and the wedding party.
- Toasts and Speeches: The hosts usually start with a toast, followed by speeches from the groom, bride, and other attendees.
- Dinner: A meal is served, which can range from a formal sit-down dinner to a casual backyard BBQ.
Planning The Rehearsal Dinner
Choosing The Location
The location of the rehearsal dinner is an important decision. Consider the following options:
- Hotel Restaurant: Ideal for weddings where guests are staying in a hotel. It’s convenient and provides a relaxed environment.
- Backyard BBQ: A budget-friendly option that offers a laid-back atmosphere, perfect for informal gatherings.
- Private Venue: For a more formal event, a private dining room at a restaurant or event space can be booked.
Timing The Rehearsal Dinner
The rehearsal dinner is traditionally held the night before the wedding. However, if the couple prefers a more relaxed evening before the wedding day, the dinner can be scheduled two or three days before. This allows the wedding party to enjoy the event without feeling rushed or stressed.
Guest List And Invitations
The rehearsal dinner guest list typically includes:
- Immediate Family: Parents, siblings, and grandparents of the couple.
- Wedding Party: Bridesmaids, groomsmen, flower girls, and ring bearers.
- Close Friends: Any close friends who have played a significant role in the wedding planning.
- Out-of-Town Guests: If you have guests who have travelled a long distance, it’s thoughtful to include them.
Invitations should be sent out about four weeks in advance. Formal invitations are not necessary; a simple email or phone call will suffice. However, if the event is more formal, printed invitations matching the wedding theme can be used.
Who Pays for the Rehearsal Dinner?
Traditionally, the groom’s parents are responsible for the rehearsal dinner. This custom stems from the time when the bride’s family bore the wedding expenses, and the groom’s family would handle this event. However, modern couples often choose to cover the costs themselves or split the expenses between both families.
Important Components Of A Rehearsal Dinner
Meal Planning
The meal at the rehearsal dinner can vary greatly depending on the formality of the event. Consider the following options:
- Formal Sit-Down Dinner: Perfect for a traditional and elegant rehearsal dinner.
- Buffet-Style Meal: Offers a variety of options for guests and allows for a more relaxed atmosphere.
- Cocktail Reception: An informal gathering with drinks and light appetisers, suitable for smaller groups.
- Barbecue or Outdoor Picnic: Ideal for casual gatherings, especially during warm weather.
When planning the menu, take into account any dietary restrictions and allergies. Communicate these to the venue or caterer in advance to ensure everyone can enjoy the meal.
Toasts and Speeches
Toasts are a key part of the rehearsal dinner. Typically, the hosts (often the groom’s parents) start the evening with a toast to the couple. The groom may then offer a toast to his bride and her family. This is also an opportunity for others to give speeches, especially those who may not speak at the wedding. A rehearsal dinner is an ideal time for light-hearted, humorous speeches that might not fit into the formal wedding setting.
Entertainment and Activities
While not mandatory, adding entertainment or activities to the rehearsal dinner can make the event more memorable. Here are a few ideas:
- Karaoke: A fun way to break the ice and get everyone laughing.
- Games: Simple games that involve both families can help them get to know each other better.
- Photo Slideshows: Share memories of the couple through photos and videos, adding a personal touch to the evening.
Etiquette and Formalities
Dress Code
The dress code for the rehearsal dinner should be clearly communicated to guests. The formality of the event often dictates the dress code. For a formal dinner, cocktail attire or semi-formal wear is appropriate. For a casual event like a barbecue, casual or smart-casual attire is acceptable. Including the dress code on the invitation ensures that all guests are appropriately dressed and comfortable.
Formal Invitations
If the rehearsal dinner is a formal event, the invitations should reflect this. The following details should be included:
- Event Location: Name and address of the venue.
- Time and Date: Clearly state the time for both the rehearsal and the dinner.
- RSVP Information: Provide a deadline for responses to ensure an accurate headcount.
- Menu Details: If possible, include information about the menu, especially if guests have dietary restrictions.
Gifts for the Wedding Party
The rehearsal dinner is the perfect time to present gifts to the wedding party as a token of appreciation for their support. Common gifts include:
- For Bridesmaids: jewellery, personalised items, or spa vouchers.
- For Groomsmen: Watches, cufflinks, or personalised flasks.
- For Parents: Special mementos or experiences, such as a framed photo or a weekend getaway.
These gifts should be thoughtful and reflect the unique relationship between the couple and each recipient.
Making the Rehearsal Dinner Special
Personal Touches
Incorporating personal touches into the rehearsal dinner can make it feel more intimate and special. Here are a few ways to add personal elements:
- Custom Menus: Tailor the menu to include the couple’s favorite dishes or family recipes.
- Decorations: Use decorations that reflect the wedding theme or the couple’s personal style.
- Music: Create a playlist of songs that are meaningful to the couple and their families.
Managing Expectations
While the rehearsal dinner is an important event, it should be less formal than the wedding day itself. The goal is to relax, enjoy, and prepare for the big day. Make sure that everyone involved understands the purpose of the event and that it’s a time to unwind and celebrate in a more casual setting.
Handling Last-Minute Changes
It’s not uncommon for last-minute changes to occur in the final days before the wedding. Whether it’s a change in the guest list or a timing issue, be prepared to adapt. Having a clear plan and being flexible will help ensure that everything runs smoothly.
Conclusion
The rehearsal dinner is more than just a prelude to the wedding day—it’s a crucial event that sets the tone for the celebrations to come. By carefully planning the location, timing, guest list, and activities, you can create an event that is both meaningful and enjoyable for everyone involved. Whether you opt for a formal sit-down dinner or a casual backyard BBQ, the rehearsal dinner offers a unique opportunity to bring together those closest to you in celebration and preparation for your wedding day.
FAQs About Rehersal Dinner
Is A Rehearsal Dinner A Must-Do?
Your wedding “To Do” list really must include hosting a rehearsal dinner because, as the saying goes, “practice makes perfect.” So, before the big day arrives, the bride, groom, wedding party, and family members get a chance to mix and get to know one another during an informal dinner called the rehearsal.
Who Is Invited To The Rehearsal Dinner?
It is up to the bride and groom to decide who to invite to the wedding, although often everyone in both families, the wedding party, and guests from out of town are invited. The groom’s parents traditionally hosted the rehearsal dinner the evening before the wedding.
Do You Give Gifts At A Rehearsal Dinner?
Donate gifts to the members of the wedding party. The rehearsal dinner is also the traditional time to give gifts to the members of the wedding party (especially if the gifts are items that you’d like them to wear during the wedding), as well as to the parents, as a way of expressing gratitude for their love, guidance, and support throughout the wedding planning process.
What Is A Good Gift For A Rehearsal Dinner?
Make your own monogrammed glazed cookies as a thoughtful favour for weddings and rehearsal dinners. Personalised chocolate bars for the bridal shower and wedding favours. If the happy couple shares a passion for cheese, a bamboo cheese board and spreader will make a thoughtful gift.
Who Should You Send Wedding Rehearsal Dinner Invitations To?
At the wedding party, the parents, the officiant, and any children present (including ring bearers and flower girls) should get an invitation to the rehearsal dinner (and their parents).
