The Rehearsal Dinner: A Celebration of Love and Togetherness
The eve of your wedding day is more than just a dress rehearsal – it’s a chance to unwind with your closest friends and family in a relaxed and festive setting. The rehearsal dinner marks the start of your wedding festivities, and it’s a time to savor the joy of your upcoming nuptials.
The Hosting Family
Traditionally hosted by the groom’s family, this pre-wedding soiree has evolved into a shared celebration between both families, and even the marrying couple themselves. With creative freedom to plan the dinner, the hosting family can set the tone for the evening’s festivities, while ensuring that it doesn’t upstage the main event.
Who to Include
From upscale restaurants to outdoor garden parties, the rehearsal dinner can take on many forms. The guest list should include immediate family members, the bridal party, their spouses or significant others, and out-of-town guests who have made the journey to celebrate your special day. If budget constraints arise, consider inviting these guests for cocktails or a dessert party later in the evening.
The Invitation
When sending invitations for the rehearsal dinner, be sure to provide guests with the location, time, and dress code. The hosting family will welcome everyone and introduce friends and family members on both sides, setting the stage for a memorable evening.
Gifts & Toasts
As the festivities commence, gifts are exchanged between the bride and groom, members of the wedding party, and sometimes, the parents. Dinner is served, followed by heartfelt toasts to the happy couple. From the groom’s father to the bride herself, these toasts express love and gratitude, and set the stage for a magical wedding day.
Cover the Last-Minute Details
Finally, the rehearsal dinner is an ideal opportunity to touch base on any last-minute details about the wedding day. This is a chance to triple-check that everyone knows what to expect, where to be, and when to arrive, ensuring that the big day runs as smoothly as possible.
In sum, the rehearsal dinner is a celebration of love, togetherness, and joy. It’s a cherished tradition that sets the stage for a beautiful wedding day, and a lifetime of memories to come.
Photo by Ashley Stone Photography
