5 Etiquette Rules When Attending a Rehearsal Dinner

Congratulations, you’re getting married! It took months, but you’ve finalized everything for your big day. From the flowers to reception hall, everything is falling into place. The only thing left before you walk down the aisle is your rehearsal dinner.

Your rehearsal dinner should be a time to relax a little bit; however, when it comes to making sure everyone is on the same page, there are a few things you need to know.

Whether it’s for you or for your guests, read on to learn five etiquette rules when attending a rehearsal dinner.

The Style and Location

Depending on your budget and what kind of dinner you prefer, a rehearsal dinner can be about anything from a sit-down banquet to an outdoor affair. While the rehearsal dinner can complement the theme of the wedding, it shouldn’t overshadow it.

Of course, there are some couples who prefer a complete contrast to the style. For instance, a casual affair can turn into a black-tie wedding. The location of where the rehearsal dinner is held is entirely up to you.

Timing

Most rehearsal dinners are held during the night before the actual wedding. But don’t let the name fool you, a rehearsal dinner can be a brunch or lunch. However, if you choose to have it as a dinner, you should end it early so everyone can prepare for the big day.

The Hosts

In some cases, the parents of the groom are the hosts of the rehearsal dinner. However, with the standards of modern times, most people have close friends or even host the dinner themselves. Of course, whoever pays for the celebration should always consult the bride and groom first so there isn’t any conflict. Keep family and friends dietary restrictions in mind.  Asian food is great for making sure people with different restrictions can all get grub. There are many dishes that are already vegan or vegetarian while those on keto can stick to the meats and skip the rice or eggrolls. Think of inclusive buffet style options or hire waiters and send a google sheets menu to choose from beforehand.

The Guest List

Even if your guest list is a mile long, only those who actually play a part need to be invited to the rehearsal dinner. This means the bride and groom, the officiant, the parents, children and readers must be invited.

Of course, it’s completely up to you if you want to invite other people as well. For example, this is a great time to bring out-of-town couples and make the event more like a welcoming party.

The Toasts

Making a toast is considered to be a big part of the night. Unlike the toasts that are made during the actual wedding, toasts during the rehearsal dinner are casual and intimate. In other words, guests share memories of the betrothed couple and wishing them the best in the years to come.

while rehearsal dinners are way to prepare for the actual event, it’s also a time to relax and enjoy the company of family and friends. To make the moment memorable, make sure everyone is well-versed prior to your rehearsal dinner.