Did You Know About Rehearsal Dinner Etiquette? Check it
Weddings can be complex. There are rules and procedures at every turn. People learn a lot about dealing with guests when planning a wedding. Even rehearsal dinner etiquette can be rigorous. Knowing the ins and outs can be the difference between enjoyable and disastrous.
The rehearsal dinner is often hosted by the groom’s parents. Leave the details to them. For couples who prefer to host the dinner themselves as a thanks to the families and wedding guests, make sure to explain the reasoning to the grooms parents so as not to insult them. And if they take it hard, include them in some way. Why not let people take on extra work when they insist?
The dinner should take place the day before the wedding, directly after the wedding rehearsal. That way there’s no extra travel plans for people to consider. Don’t hold it a long time before the wedding. It potentially excludes some people. The last thing needed from a wedding is hurt feelings in either family . The easier it is on the guests the better it will be for the bride and groom.
Of course, both the bride’s and groom’s immediate relatives are invited. The entire bridal party, each with a guest, should also be asked to attend along with any other friends and family the bride and groom would like to have at the dinner. The preacher or whoever officiates the wedding, offers the vows, should also be invited. Just like with the wedding be very careful with who is invited or not. Maybe uncle Albert is a little rude, but is it worth a lifetime of bad blood to exclude him?
Give people a little time to relax before eating. It’s important to consider the feelings of all the guests and to provide a pleasant atmosphere. Don’t make the dinner too far out of line with the overall wedding budget. Spend more when the overall wedding budget is higher. By the same token a budget wedding should have too fancy of a rehearsal dinnerA less expensive wedding warrants a less expensive rehearsal dinner. Plan for an early end so people can rest before the next busy day.
Toasts go to all the people helping with the wedding. Don’t forget both sets of parents. This toast takes place after the main meal, delivered by the couple to be. Save other toasts for the reception.
A good wedding can be better with a smooth rehearsal dinner. Pay attention to rehearsal dinner etiquette.
