While planning your big day, the rehearsal dinner can get lost and over-shadowed. Here’s everything you need to know to plan with ease!
WHAT IT IS
“¢ Traditionally the rehearsal dinner is held the night before the wedding, although couples also like to have them a couple days before so they aren’t exhausted for the wedding.
“¢ A run through of the ceremony before dinner.
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WHAT IT’S FOR
“¢ It’s a good opportunity for families of the bride and groom to get to know each other better.
“¢ It will also relieve some pre-wedding tension by making everyone feel welcome and included.
WHO HOSTS
“¢ Traditionally the groom’s family organizes and pays for the event.
“¢ Many couples’ families split the cost. If your parents do pay, let them be the creative directors of the night if they wish it.
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WHO TO INVITE
“¢ At least immediate family, wedding party and spouses and the wedding officiant and their spouse.
WHAT IT LOOKS LIKE
“¢ This ultimately depends on how many people you want to attend and your budget.
“¢ You can choose formal or casual (backyard BBQ or maybe black tie)
“¢ You can choose a theme (BBQ, Fondue Night, Casino Night, Bowling, Tea Time, Picnic, Dessert Buffet, Beach-Inspired)
“¢ Don’t eclipse your actual wedding. This should be a sneak preview and the wedding should be climax.
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WHERE TO HAVE IT
“¢ Book your venue plenty of time in advance.
“¢ You can do a formal dining room or a backyard BBQ, it all depends on how formal or relaxed you want it to be (or how much money you want to spend)
“¢ Forever Bride rehearsal dinner venues: Coup d’état, Town Hall Brewery, Kitchen in the Market and Rivertown Inn
“¢ Forever Bride caterers: Kitchen in the Market, Kanes Catering, Catering by Kowalski’s, Marna’s Catering, Innovative Catering Solutions, Skinner’s Catering, Coffee Cart Mpls, Town Hall Catering, Lisa’s Catering, Prom Catering and Three Sons
Coup d’état
HOW TO INVITE
“¢ Be sure invites are appropriate and match the wedding theme.
“¢ If the bride desires, have invites designed to match the wedding stationery.
WHEN TO SEND INVITES
“¢ Send invitations shortly after wedding invites are sent out because guests will need them to book travel plans, etc.
“¢ Require an RSVP or RSVP regrets only. You can expect everyone to come because most guests are part of the day or close family.
Plaid Poppy Designs
WHAT HAPPENS
“¢ Meet and greet; Making everyone feel welcome is key.
“¢ Toasts usually the father of the groom starts, whoever is officially hosting the night
“¢ Also, the groom will usually toast his bride, the guests and the hosts.
“¢ Friendly reminder: Use this time to make sure your wedding party and family members know the itinerary of the wedding day.
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Tags: Wedding Planning, Wedding Inspiration, Wedding Ideas, Rehearsal Dinner
