How to Plan a Rehearsal Dinner
It's customary for the parents of the groom to entertain the wedding party and the families with a dinner after the wedding rehearsal. This dinner can be hosted by anyone, however. The idea is to give everyone a chance to socialize and get acquainted before the big day.
- Difficulty:
- Moderate
Instructions
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1
Choose a theme and color scheme very different from that of the wedding.
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2
Select a location, caterer and menu.
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3
Make your guest list and include the wedding party, their spouses or dates, the families, the officiant and his or her spouse and out-of-town relatives.
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4
Select and send invitations about four weeks before the dinner.
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5
Plan flowers, decorations and music.
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6
Prepare name tags and place cards to help people become more familiar with one another.
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7
Prepare an icebreaker game or activity to encourage mingling and socializing.
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8
Have the father of the groom, as the traditional host, offer a toast after dinner. He is followed by the father of the bride, the groom, perhaps the bride and any others who wish to make toasts.
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9
Use this opportunity to give the attendants their gifts. The parents may present their gifts at this time, also.
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10
End the party early to give everyone a chance to rest before the big day.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Prepare and practice toasts beforehand.
Cover last-minute wedding instructions at the rehearsal; save the rehearsal dinner for fun.
Consider having a theme party, a cookout, a pool party or some other nontraditional rehearsal dinner. It'll be more relaxed and more fun.
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Comments
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Planning Rehearsal Dinner...any advice and tips. Please send :-)
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Liamac
Aug 13, 2008
It's a good idea to coordinate the seating to be sure the group is mixed appropriately. We were casual and said to everybody, "Sit where you like," -- and ended up with the groom's family all at one table, the wedding party at another and the bride's family at another. That segregation is not a good idea! So head it off by directing the seating of the guests at the table(s). -
Liamac
Aug 13, 2008
It's a good idea to coordinate the seating to be sure the group is mixed appropriately. We were casual and said to everybody, "Sit where you like," -- and ended up with the groom's family all at one table, the wedding party at another and the bride's family at another. That segregation is not a good idea! So head it off by directing the seating of the guests at the table(s).
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WebDrops
Jul 17, 2008
Ice breaker games for such wedding rehearsal parties are important ... specially because this is the first time all the wedding guests will be meeting... so planning out these games & activities before time is a good idea... a little research could help you
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WebDrops
Jul 17, 2008
Ice breaker games for such wedding rehearsal parties are important ... specially because this is the first time all the wedding guests will be meeting... so planning out these games & activities before time is a good idea... a little research could help you
