Simple And Straightforward Wedding Rehearsal Dinner Etiquette
By Gabriel Adams
The wedding rehearsal dinner is one of the most significant
events to occur before the big day itself. The importance of the
rehearsal dinner originates from the fact that it is probably
the last time all the members of the wedding parties from both
families will be together before the wedding ceremony. With this
in mind, many brides and grooms take this excellent opportunity
to thank all the members of the wedding party for their help and
support throughout the planning process. Some of the people in
attendance at the rehearsal dinner will have undoubtedly
contributed to the wedding planning more than others, both
running countless errands and providing much needed emotional
support. While you may wish to single out certain members for
special praise, your maid of honor and best man for example,
make sure you do take the time to thank everyone as well, not
least your parents.
While the wedding rehearsal dinner has traditionally been a
small intimate gathering of close friends and relatives of the
bride and groom, more and more often nowadays couples are
choosing to extend their rehearsal dinner guest list beyond
this. So, as far as etiquette goes who should you invite? The
entire wedding party is a must, if they are going to be taking
part in the wedding ceremony they should be invited along to the
rehearsal dinner. Your wedding party will should be present at
the ceremony rehearsal. As rehearsal dinners take place shortly
after the ceremony rehearsal, more often than not the same day,
it makes sense to invite everyone at the ceremony rehearsal
along to the dinner. On top of this, members of your wedding
party will probably have put a lot of effort into the planning,
for example your maid of honor and bridesmaids will have
organized and attended your bridal shower and bachelorette
party, the best man and groomsmen will have planned the bachelor
event. Use the rehearsal dinner as an opportunity to thank them
for all the time and effort they have put in.
The location for your wedding rehearsal dinner largely depends
upon how many guests will be present. The size of your wedding
party and the size of your actual wedding tend to be the
controlling factors here. Common locations for rehearsal
dinners are local restaurants. This is usually a popular choice
rehearsal dinners with a larger guest list. Alternatively, the
rehearsal dinner may be hosted at someone's home. Wedding
rehearsal dinners held at home tend to be smaller affairs as it
can be difficult to cater for large numbers. If you feel you can
cater for large numbers, then it is perfectly acceptable to host
a larger rehearsal dinner at home. Similarly, if you are having
a small rehearsal dinner but fancy eating out, that is not a
problem either.
What is the invitation etiquette for a rehearsal dinner? Again
this is mostly dependent on the size of your guest list. It is
always a good idea to send out invitations if you are inviting a
lot of people, whereas you may be able to simple give your
guests a quick phone call if you are having a smaller scale
event. While the size of your rehearsal dinner is the major
determinant here, formality also plays a role. Generally
invitations are sent out for a formal rehearsal dinner, large or
small. Informal rehearsal dinners tend not to have invitations,
but the aforementioned size should be a consideration.
Rehearsal dinner etiquette may seem complicated but it does not
have to be. Remember it is an opportunity to thank those who
have helped you along your journey towards marriage and a final
occasion to bring both families together prior to your wedding
day. Enjoy the event and look forward to your wedding.
About the Author: rehearsal dinner etiquette:
http://www.hitweddings.com/article/rehearsal-dinner-ideas
rehearsal dinner ideas:
http://www.hitweddings.com/article/rehearsal-dinner-ideas
planning a wedding: http://www.hitweddings.com
