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WEDDING REHEARSAL DINNER

WHAT IS A WEDDING CEREMONY REHEARSAL DINNER?
It is simply a traditional gathering (formal or informal) of the people who were involved in the wedding ceremony rehearsal.  The Bride and Groom, the Bride's and Groom's families, the Wedding Party and their spouses (or significant others), the Officiant, and other people who helped with the wedding.  Sometimes other guests or the out of town guests are also invited as a courtesy.  The main purpose for the rehearsal dinner is to give the Bride and Groom the opportunity to thank everyone who assisted in the wedding planning process.  It also gives everyone else the opportunity to spend some time with their soon to be new family members and new friends and allows everyone a little time to relax before the hectic Wedding Day that will follow.

WHEN IS THE REHEARSAL DINNER?
Although timing can vary depending upon circumstances and schedules, the rehearsal dinner is usually held immediately following the wedding rehearsal.  The wedding ceremony rehearsal is usually held the day before the actual wedding ceremony.

HOW ARE GUESTS INVITED TO THE REHEARSAL DINNER?
If the wedding rehearsal dinner will be small, there is really no reason to send out invitations since a verbal invitation in person or by phone will work just fine. If inviting guests verbally to the rehearsal dinner, be sure to make a list of those you intend to invite and check them off the list once they have been invited to make sure that nobody was overlooked.  If you are planning a larger wedding rehearsal dinner, it is usually wise to make an invitation list and send out invitations.  That way you can make sure that everyone that you intended to invite was invited.

WHERE IS THE WEDDING REHEARSAL DINNER HELD?
That depends totally upon individual preference.  It can be held at the church hall, at a local restaurant, at a local park, at the parent's home or one of the attendant's homes, or any other place where the group can relax, mingle and socialize as a group.  Sometimes a group activity can be combined with the dinner.  For example, a backyard cookout or a boat cruise can be a very relaxing, stress relieving setting for the after wedding rehearsal party. Sometimes the rehearsal dinner is also combined with decorating the wedding reception location the night before the wedding.  Since toasts usually do occur during the rehearsal dinner, if the rehearsal dinner is to be held in a public location like a restaurant, it is a great idea to book a private room.  TIP:  Be sure to make reservations well in advance if the rehearsal dinner is to be held at a restaurant since you may find that some restaurants will not be able to accommodate your size of group without advance preparation.

HOW IS THE WEDDING REHEARSAL PLANNED AND PAID FOR?
Traditionally, the rehearsal dinner is planned by the Grooms' Mother and paid for by the Groom's Parents.  Planning the rehearsal dinner is not necessarily the sole responsibility of the Groom's Mother - unless she wants to be in charge of that activity, nor is it necessarily the sole financial responsibility of the Groom's parents to pay for the rehearsal dinner - unless they are willing and able to accept that responsibility.  Just about anyone can plan and pay for the rehearsal dinner. More recently, the expense of the dinner is frequently just included in the overall wedding planning budget.  The responsibility of planning and paying for the rehearsal dinner cost should be discussed and decided upon in the early stages of the wedding planning process.

Frequently, there are toasts made during the dinner.  Traditionally, the Groom's parents will give the main toast - since traditionally they are hosting the dinner. The Wedding Party members may also give short toasts to the Bride and Groom during the event.  The Bride and Groom also will usually thank and toast everyone for their support and assistance and the traditional gifts are sometimes presented by the Bride and Groom to the Wedding Party. The order that the toasts occur depends largely upon preference and circumstances but usually the Mother and Father kick off the evening, the wedding party and family members may make toasts during the dinner and throughout the evening and the Bride and Groom end the evening with their thank you toast.

Keeping in mind that the following day will be a hectic one, the rehearsal dinner usually ends early to allow everyone time for a good nights sleep.   

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