Photo Credit: Love & Lavender
Rehearsal Dinner Planning Guide
What is it?
The rehearsal dinner is meant as an intimate time for close members of your family and bridal party to get to know one another. It’s also meant for the bride and groom to spend quality time with those closest to their wedding. The actual wedding day can be hectic, so take advantage of a little down time before the wedding to spend with those close to you.
When is it?
A rehearsal dinner is typically held the day before a wedding, following the ceremony rehearsal. There is flexibility on when the dinner should be held, especially if the ceremony rehearsal is not the day prior to the wedding.
Photo Credit: Jennifer Weems Photography
Who pays for it?
Traditionally the groom’s family pays for the rehearsal dinner. However, today many couples pay for the dinner themselves or both families split the cost.
Who is invited?
Etiquette says the entire bridal party, plus their significant others should be invited to the rehearsal dinner. If you’re having a flower girl and ring bearer, their parents should also be invited. Also included in the dinner should be the immediate family of the bride and groom, as well as the person officiating the wedding and their significant other.
Photo Credit: Becca Dilley Photography
Do you send invitations?
Yes, you should send invitations to those invited to your rehearsal dinner. It can be a formal invitation sent through the mail, or a casual evite. It is best to send the invitation soon after you send out your wedding invitations so those attending the dinner can plan travel around being there.
What happens at it?
Traditionally the groom’s parents give a speech at the dinner if they are hosting. If there aren’t going to be speeches at the actual wedding, the best man and maid of honor often give speeches at the dinner as well. Many brides and grooms also give a speech at the dinner to thank everyone for being a part of their wedding. The rehearsal dinner can also include a slideshow of photos of the bride and groom growing up and together as a couple.
Photo Credit: Anna & Spencer Photography
Take a look at our blog for more wedding planning basics!
