Many people when it comes to planning their wedding are unsure about what to do for the rehearsal dinner. Traditionally hosted by the groom’s family, the rehearsal has morphed from a formal “thank-you” from the bride and groom to all those who have helped to an informal way to blend and introduce various family groupings and out-of-town guests to one another.
If you are wondering how to plan and host a successful rehearsal dinner then read the following 3 tips that will make planning your rehearsal dinner a snap.
How to Plan a Rehearsal Dinner
1) Decide what the dinner is to accomplish.
Yes, I know you want to jump right away into themes, etc. But first, you need to understand what your rehearsal dinner is going to do for you. Are you trying to bring people together or trying to avoid difficult emotional situations?
If either you or your fiancé have divorced parents that don’t get along, planning an intimate cookout may be planning for hurt feelings. Placing your rehearsal dinner in a fun and lively restaurant can keep quarrelsome people separated while giving everyone else a good time.
But if you feel the need to bring your families together or just want to hang out with seldom seen out-of-town friends and relatives, then a dinner in a non-public place like in a private home, local center or church parish hall are excellent venues.
2) Decide who is going to host it
Normally the groom’s family (especially his mother) is responsible for handling the rehearsal dinner arrangements. But many couples now take on the responsibility of planning their own dinner so that it reflects their tastes and fulfills their needs. If you have the budget and the desire to do the additional planning for your dinner then by all means go ahead!
But make sure to check with the groom’s family to see if his mother wants a more active role in this special meal. Always take into account the new-in-laws family traditions.
3) Decide on where the dinner is going to held
Now that the tricky bits are out of the way, you can focus on the last hurdle: where the rehearsal dinner is going to be held. If you are having lots of out-of-town guests, especially if they are family, you need to consider if you are going to invite them to the dinner or not.
Many people arrive a day or so before the wedding and may be at loose ends that night. Why not send out invitations (a day or so after your wedding invitations) to let them know they will be welcome to join you and the main wedding party at the rehearsal dinner?
With a catered buffet or with a gathering at a private home you never have to worry too much about people dropping in. Get a RSVP from your guests if you are having a more formal sit down meal.
Once you know these three tips, you should be able to face the more detailed planning of your rehearsal dinner with calm and confidence.
