While not required, it is smart to send out invitations for your rehearsal dinner stating the time and location of the event. They can be send out with the wedding invitation if you are organized but should be less formal and do not need to match. If they are sent together they should compliment the invitation. Otherwise, send them separate. Everyone in the ceremony, grandparents, spouses and dates should be invited. If you choose to invite out of town guest that is very considerate. If you can’t afford to invite them all, plan something they can all do together or make some suggestions. Even inviting them towards the end for dessert shows them you care.

Keep it simple. A few floral arrangements, some soft background music, and a simple menu. The wedding is the main event so don’t overdo the rehearsal dinner.

The Grooms parents are responsible for planning the rehearsal dinner with input from the couple. Bride, here is your chance to let the Mother of the groom have some say in your wedding day. It is the rehearsal dinner, not your wedding dress. Letting your future mother-in-law have some free reign would be considerate. This is not to say that you can’t give a framework for the dinner and then let her go!

Sit down dinners in the private room of a restaurant is a traditional setting for rehearsal dinners, but some couples want to try something different. Themed events such as a luau or fish fry can be fun in your own backyard. Groom cakes that show off his personality are a fun addition to the night.

Be sure to introduce everyone and give them a chance to mingle. Take it easy on the alcohol since you don’t want the most important people at your wedding not feeling well the next day!

The Father of the groom and the Father of the bride may make a toast. The groom toasts the bride and her family and the bride toasts the groom and his family. may all make toasts at this time. As can anyone else who would like! This is a good time to pass out attendant gifts and to tell your family how much you love and appreciate them!

Try to relax and have fun the night before your wedding. Try to end the rehearsal dinner by 9 o’clock p.m. since you have a big day ahead of you tomorrow!