Top 5 Tips to Rockin’ Rehearsal Dinners

Rehearsals are a great idea! Ask any actor. Your wedding will be one of the greatest roles you'll ever play, so a rehearsal is always in order. And what could be better than a wonderful dinner after the ceremony rehearsal? Whom to invite? Who hosts? What happens? Here's a guideline to help you plan and execute a most memorable rehearsal dinner.

THE HOSTS
Traditionally, the groom's parents host this affair. It's perfectly correct, however, for the bride's family to do so or another family member on the groom's side.

SAVE THE DATE
The rehearsal and the rehearsal dinner are usually held the night before the wedding. Everyone goes directly from the ceremony rehearsal to the dinner site. Of course, you can have the rehearsal and dinner several days before the wedding if you prefer, especially if it's to be a morning wedding. You want to be sure everyone is up on time and well rested for the big day!

THE GUESTS
Send rehearsal dinner invitations after you receive your R.S.V.P.s from your guests. The rehearsal dinner guest list usually includes attendants, immediate family members, spouses/significant others of married attendants, parents of children in the wedding, and the person performing the ceremony and his/her spouse. You might also want to invite any out-of-town guests.

CELEBRATION STYLE
It doesn't have to be a dinner at all! It can be a cocktail party, a pool party, a barbecue, a luncheon ... as formal or as informal as you like. The idea is to relax and enjoy yourselves after the rehearsal.

TOASTING & ROASTING
Toasts are given by a variety of people at the rehearsal. In fact, they can be longer than at the wedding itself, with more of a "story-telling" touch. After the hosts say a few words, the best man offers a toast to the couple. Then, the groom toasts the bride and her parents. Then, the bride toasts the groom and his parents. The best man acts as master of ceremonies. He should have a list of the order of toasts, etc. and introduce each one, like this: "And now (groom's name) would like to say a few words." The master of ceremonies can also ask the guests if anyone would like to propose a toast. At this time, any other guests or relatives can toast the couple.

Some relatives and friends may choose to roast the couple by telling funny stories about how they met or what they were like as children. You can even perform skits, show videos, movies, or slides. It’s really a time for the families to get to know each other and to relax before the big day.

The rehearsal dinner is also a great time for the bride and groom to give their attendants their gifts. And last but not least, everyone can go over any last-minute details, transportation arrangements, seating and receiving line procedures.

Now that you're all "rehearsed" and confident, go home, sleep tight, dream sweet dreams, and have yourself one wonderful wedding!