Your rehearsal dinner is a wonderful way to begin your wedding festivities. Its purpose is to provide an intimate setting for the two families to meet and get to know each other. The event can be as elaborate as a formal dinner or as simple as a crawfish boil in the backyard.
The dinner, though it can be a brunch or lunch, is traditionally hosted by the groom’s parents. The invitees include the: immediate family of the bride and groom, clergy, wedding party (plus each member’s spouse or guest), young attendants with their parents, readers, and any family and friends who have arrived from out of town. Some rehearsal dinners included close family friends that live in the city of the wedding.
The style can match your wedding day, or pull from one element of your wedding. Planning a honeymoon to Paris? Plan a Paris-themed dinner party. Arrange your seating so your guests will enjoy the company of those around them. Since this will probably be the first time many of your guests will meet, create fun place cards that will work as ice breakers, i.e., “Lynette Carter, Maid of Honor, Lindsey’s College Roomate at Ole Miss” or “Josh Stephens, David’s Best Friend from 3rd Grade”.
The groom’s father should begin the toasts, but because this is an intimate setting, the father of the bride, members of the wedding party, and friends may wish to make a toast or say a few words to the couple. It’s traditionally the time the couple says a few words of appreciation to their attendants and parents, as well as present gifts.
Whether it’s simple or elaborate, the rehearsal dinner makes a great beginning for the weekend festivities!
Tell us about your rehearsal dinner!
As seen in Premier Bride of Mississippi. Want more? Visit www.premierbridems.com