Wedding Advice
Rehearsal Dinner
Generally, what follows after the wedding rehearsal is the rehearsal dinner, and usually that all takes place the day before the actual ceremony. Not everyone has a rehearsal dinner, but it is a great way for everyone to meet each other for the first time, especially the bride's and groom's families.
It is traditional for the groom's parents to pay for the rehearsal dinner, though that is not set in stone by any means. Sometimes in fact friends of the families will pay for the rehearsal dinner. Usually the clergy (and his or her family), anyone from out of town, groom's men, bride's maids, their dates, and close family, and anyone else who is involved with the wedding planning process attend the rehearsal dinner. This should be kept in mind for setting the budget.
Sometimes brides send special invitations for the rehearsal dinner, though usually a phone call is more than enough.
Any restaurant with a private area, a small area at the place where the reception is going to be, a private club, etc.,. Just be sure it's not too far away from where the wedding rehearsal is. Also if you plan on having people from out of town too, either everyone will have to follow someone who knows their way, or have good directions. Carpooling can be particularly helpful in this case.
The meal itself can be however formal is preferred. Usually it's pretty relaxed though since it's right before the big day. Often the host or some guests will have some words to say or a speech, and toasts may be given. Usually this is where gifts are given to the wedding party and the parents.
It is traditional for the groom's parents to pay for the rehearsal dinner, though that is not set in stone by any means. Sometimes in fact friends of the families will pay for the rehearsal dinner. Usually the clergy (and his or her family), anyone from out of town, groom's men, bride's maids, their dates, and close family, and anyone else who is involved with the wedding planning process attend the rehearsal dinner. This should be kept in mind for setting the budget.
Sometimes brides send special invitations for the rehearsal dinner, though usually a phone call is more than enough.
Any restaurant with a private area, a small area at the place where the reception is going to be, a private club, etc.,. Just be sure it's not too far away from where the wedding rehearsal is. Also if you plan on having people from out of town too, either everyone will have to follow someone who knows their way, or have good directions. Carpooling can be particularly helpful in this case.
The meal itself can be however formal is preferred. Usually it's pretty relaxed though since it's right before the big day. Often the host or some guests will have some words to say or a speech, and toasts may be given. Usually this is where gifts are given to the wedding party and the parents.