Etiquette for the Groom's Father & The Wedding Rehearsal Dinner

Toast to the wedding couple

A wedding rehearsal dinner takes place after the wedding rehearsal. Although the bride and her family traditionally do most of the wedding planning, the father of the groom is the person who is in charge of this affair.

History

The family of the groom traditionally pays for and hosts the wedding rehearsal dinner, according to The Knot.

Function

The groom's father gives the first toast at the rehearsal dinner. Here, he welcomes and toasts his future daughter-in-law and her family.

Types

The rehearsal dinner can be formal or informal. However, the father of the groom should not plan a dinner that will be more formal than the actual wedding, according to Emily Post's Wedding Planner.

Guests

The guest list should include the wedding couple's parents and step-parents, brothers and sisters, wedding party members and their significant others, guests who traveled from out of town and parents of the children in the wedding party.

Considerations

Although the father of the groom is the host of the rehearsal dinner, he should seek input from both the bride and groom before planning the dinner. The couple may have a specific venue or theme in mind for the celebration.

References

• The Knot: Wedding Rehearsals: Rehearsal Dinner Basics
• Emily Post's Wedding Planner: 3 to 6 Months in Advance

Resources

• Wedding Themes and More: Traditional Wedding Responsibilities