What is a rehearsal dinner?
Traditionally rehearsal dinners are an opportunity for the principle wedding party to get together and meet socially before the big day. It gives an opportunity to unwind in a relaxed atmosphere after many months of planning and thank those who have worked hard helping with planning the wedding.
When to hold your rehearsal dinner?
As a norm the rehearsal dinners is just a day or so before the big day and gives everyone the opportunity to go over the plans and fine tune. It is not necessary to hold the dinner at the venue that the wedding day breakfast will be, it can be at one of the family members home, local pub or restaurant.
Who should host it?
More often than not the groom’s family host the rehearsal dinners but this is not set in stone, but there are no set rules. The dinner may give the groom’s family the opportunity of having an event that they may call their own.
Is there any set etiquette?
The rehearsal dinner is an informal event in order that everyone may relax and have some fun before the wedding day arrives. It is a great opportunity for those who may not have had the opportunity to get to get-together for a while and gives the bride and groom the opportunity to hand out some thank you presents.
Who should I invite?
Guests are usually confined to immediate family members such as the brides parents, grandparents brothers and sisters and likewise with the grooms family, also bridesmaids, best man and any other special person, though of course the size of the families and space may dictate the eventual numbers.
Does it have to be a dinner?
While for those who have travelled a distance may appreciate a full 5 course meal, sometimes the rehearsal dinners is just some nibbles and cocktails, others choose to go down the route of having a barbecue. It is down to you just how far you go.
Do I need a photographer?
This is a unique occasion when families can get together and it may be well worthwhile considering the services of a professional wedding photographer, after all many of the principle family members are there and it will also give your photographer the opportunity to meet family and friends prior to the big day.
Don't forget to check out our extensive list of photographers.
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