Order Status, Order TrackingReview Order, Shopping Cart

Rehearsal Dinner Invitations

 
Rehearsal Dinner Invitations

As the time winds down and the big day approaches, one of the last wedding-related gatherings is the rehearsal dinner. Usually held following the wedding rehearsal itself, this traditional meal involves some basic guidelines and some interesting eyes.

Rehearsal Dinner Basics

Unlike most of the wedding expenses and the other parties hosted by the bridal party, the rehearsal dinner is generally the responsibility of the groom's parents. Although the bride and her family may make some suggestions, tradition says the groom's family gets to plan and pay for the rehearsal dinner.

Another issue is who gets invited to the rehearsal dinner. Anyone who is in the wedding automatically gets invited and it's usually customary to invite close relatives - parents and siblings - from both sides of the family as well even if they are not in the wedding. You may also extend invitations to guests who will be coming from out of town for the wedding so they won't be dining alone that evening.

The location for the rehearsal dinner depends on what the groom's family wants. If they opt for something casual, the rehearsal dinner could be as informal as a backyard barbecue or pool party. They could also choose something more formal, perhaps a catered meal in a rented hall or dinner at a fine dining establishment. Usually, a formal wedding is preceded by a formal rehearsal dinner and vice versa, but cost is normally the deciding factor.

Rehearsal Dinner Ideas

If you're charged with putting together a rehearsal dinner, you first need to determine how many people will be invited and how much you can afford to spend. Then start looking at your options. If the wedding or reception is being held at certain locations - hotels, botanical gardens, etc. - you may want to ask about renting a hall or room for the rehearsal dinner there. You might even get a discount. Also, if you're thinking of having a catered meal, talk to the wedding's caterer and you might be able to save some money and still have a classy experience.

Some families simply prefer to have a more low-key, relaxed, and fun rehearsal dinner so they can wind down after the stress of the rehearsal and before the stress of the wedding day itself. Casual restaurants can be a good choice if you don't really have time to put together a party. You could also choose to cook a meal yourself, although you'll want to check with the guests about potential allergies and food preferences. Another easy way to cover the food aspect of the dinner is to go to your local supermarket's deli section. You can buy salads and fried chicken in bulk, plus vegetable trays, meat and cheese platters, and even appetizers like toasted ravioli. The downside is that you'll have to transport everything yourself, but you'll definitely save money.

Generally, the rehearsal dinner provides the bride and groom with a chance to address their parents and their wedding party. They usually make toasts, so you'll want to provide champagne or wine even if no other alcoholic beverages are going to be offered. If there is no bridesmaid luncheon, then the rehearsal is the best time for the couple to present the gifts to the wedding party and to their parents (some couples choose to honor their families with a present as well).

After these basics are out of the way and depending on how much time has been set aside for the dinner, you might want to plan a few fun activities. You could put together a short film of clips from the couple's lives growing up. You could also play games, such as trivia contests about how much the guests know the couple, bingo using wedding related terms, or other fun activities. Additionally, you could choose a location that provides activities, such as pool or darts.

Rehearsal Dinner Invitations

The groom's family should work closely with the bride when it comes to sending out the rehearsal dinner invitations because they be sent out at least a week after the wedding invitations themselves. Any later and the potential guests may not have enough time to respond; any earlier and they may get one invitation before the other.

These invitations don't have to be nearly as formal as the wedding invitations, even if the rehearsal dinner is going to be a formal affair. Your best option is to browse the selections offered by online vendors and choose a style that reflects the tone you're trying to capture with the event. Make sure to order them early so you can check for mistakes and get them ready for mailing in plenty of time.


Wedding Invitations Why Buy From Us? Printing Tips
Product Info
Wording Tips
Privacy/Security |  Shipping |  Term/Return/Claims |  FAQ |  About Us |  Contact Us |  Testimonials |  Links
Website last update: May 13, 2008
©2005 - 2008 MYEXPRESSION.COM LLC