Rehearsal Dinner - 5 Tips to Help You Host the Perfect

The rehearsal dinner is the important function that happens usually the day before the wedding. While some people don't look at it as anything to be really concerned about, on the contrary it is important that it runs smoothly. The best thing to do is to plan ahead, coordinate with your family and pay attention to the details. Explore a few tasks you need to complete in order to host a flawless event.

Create your guest list

This is probably one of the most important duties to handle since some people get confused as to who should be invited to the rehearsal dinner. Basically, you want your immediate family, wedding party and their spouses or significant others. Also, you may invite your out-of-town guests, their kids as well as the person that will perform your ceremony. This is not the time to invite a bunch of friends, associates, co-workers or more, since these people will be at your actual wedding. Basically, this is a rule of thumb to follow and you can adjust it accordingly.

Send out invitations early

Once you know who you will invite, be sure to send out invitations promptly. People need time to plan for your event as well as buy plane tickets if they're coming from out of town. You should at least send out your invitations a month in advance or earlier if you can. This way, you can ensure the people you want to be at your rehearsal dinner can clear out their schedule and lock in the date.

Rehearse

The whole purpose of this event is to allow your wedding party to practice before the big day. Be sure you and your bride clarify how you want people to walk, if they will be walking with other people, the pace, as well as where they should stand once they reach the alter. Once everything is squared away and everyone knows what to do, it's a good time to serve the food.

Prepare a toast

During the salad or first course, this is the time toasts can begin. Oftentimes, you'll have your dad or the bride's dad make a toast. In addition, people in your wedding party, particularly the best man and maid of honor, may want to toast. In addition, as the bride and groom, it is nice for you to make a toast to your family and friends, thanking them for the support and love throughout the years.

Have wedding party gifts ready

Furthermore, the rehearsal dinner is when you should give gifts to your wedding party. In addition, you can give gifts to your parents if you'd like, but this is not necessary. Also, it is not expected for your wedding party or anyone else to give you, the bride and groom, gifts at this time. This is usually saved for the wedding day.