To make your wedding rehearsal dinner planning go more smoothly, we are answering the most frequently asked questions. For some, you may already have an idea of what this entails. However, for others this might not be an event they are familiar with. Especially if there are couples coming from different cultures. Let’s dive in.
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What is a Wedding Rehearsal Dinner?
The dinner is typically held right after the wedding rehearsal earlier that day. The guests include both immediate families, the wedding party, and usually out of town guests as a thank you for traveling in. Of course, this is up to the couple to decide.
Why Hold a Rehearsal Dinner?
This is the time for you and your partner to bond and share some moments with your family and closest friends before the big day. Since the wedding day has so many things happening, the couple may not get to have one on one time with every guest. The rehearsal dinner allows your nearest and dearest to have a bonding moment before the big day.
Who Typically Does the Planning?Â
Traditionally it’s the groom’s parents who do the wedding rehearsal dinner planning. However, in the current time there are no set rules. The couple can plan it themselves, the parents on both sides can choose to plan it (separately or together). There can be a mix of everyone as well.Â
When is it Normally Held?
If you are following tradition, the dinner is held the eve of the wedding and on the same day as the ceremony rehearsal. Now, couples have a lot more choice and plan the rehearsal dinner when it suits them the week leading up the wedding. In fact, you may not even change the time to a lunch.
Does the Wedding Rehearsal Dinner Need to Be Formal?
Just like everything regarding the wedding, the couple can decide the formality of the event. Some couples like a laid back gathering before the big day, and some want a luxurious and formal event. It all depends on the vibe you and your partner would like. There are no wrong answers.
Are There Any Must Do Activities?
As mentioned previously, depending on the vibe of the couple it also depends on what will occur during the rehearsal dinner. Typically the evening will include speeches, gifts for the wedding party, and whomever else the couple wishes to thank. The party planners or the couple can decide if they want to include more of less.
Do I Need to Have a Wedding Rehearsal Dinner?
With anything in regards to weddings these days, it is not a must to plan a wedding rehearsal dinner. You and your partner can decide if including this pre-wedding event is important to you both. Some of you may have parents who have strong opinions about what events to include in your wedding. However, it is ultimately up to you both to decide if a wedding rehearsal dinner is something you want.Â
