THE REHEARSAL DINNER: EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW

When planning your rehearsal dinner, expect to have lots of questions. (It may even feel like you’re planning two weddings!) But take a breath. The secret to the rehearsal dinner is all about setting a warm tone and welcoming your nearest and dearest to come together, relax and celebrate your wedding.

In order not to get completely overwhelmed, we’ve put together a list of rehearsal dinner tips for brides (and grooms) to help ensure that the evening goes beautifully.

THE INVITES

Send out your rehearsal dinner invites the minute you’ve decided on a venue. (Make life even easier by sending digital invitations.) BTW, keeping the rehearsal dinner and wedding invitations separate also avoids risk of any confusion among your guests.

WHO PAYS?

Needless to say, one of the more popular (and sometimes awkward) questions. Tradition says it is the responsibility of the groom’s parents. But many do not follow this “rule” and couples either choose to pay for it themselves or ask both parents to contribute.

CHOOSING A THEME

Many couples now choosing more relaxed, laid-back rehearsal dinners. Decide if you want to specify dress code, then consider whether you want to be indoors or out. Rehearsal dinner are about your guests, so keeping them top of mind is a key to a happy evening. When you’re choosing the venue, pick a place you know your friends and family will love.

GIFTS FOR YOUR GUESTS

Typically, the guests at your rehearsal dinner will include your closest family and friends. It’s a lovely gesture to come prepared with thank-you gifts to show them your gratitude for helping bring your wedding day to life.

THE WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER/VIDEOGRAPHER

Trust us. Hire someone to take pics or video even for a few hours. What to capture? Toasts, speeches, candid, meaningful moments. You want the rest of your guests off their own cameras and taking in the actual moment, versus multi-tasking Insta stories, are we right?