I'm sure, at this point, your nerves are jangled and your patience is waning.
Just remember that it's almost over and you will regret it, if you fill these last days with stress and negativity.
So, to help you with your last days before the big event, here are some points to remember about rehearsal dinner etiquette.
It will make your "last meal" run much more smoothly.
1.
Don't forget that most times, this dinner, just like every other event having to do with your wedding, needs invitations.
This takes the guesswork out of where to go, what time to be there and who is expected to attend.
2.
Who pays for the dinner?Traditionally, the groom's family pays for the rehearsal dinner.
But in the past few years, that has changed from the bride's parents paying to the couple themselves paying.
But remember that this is something that should be worked out ahead of time.
3.
There really are not any rules as to what kind of dinner you would like.
Get creative.
4.
Make sure that there is room to mingle.
This is a perfect time to allow new family members to get to know each other.
5.
Normally, your guest list consists of the wedding party, immediate family members and anyone else that the bride and groom would like to invite that they are close to.
Many couples will extend the invitation to include out of town guests, but again, that is up to you.
6.
If the number of people at your rehearsal dinner is fairly small, it is always nice to have them back to one of the parent's home for beverages and dessert.
This is not truly "etiquette" but falls under the category of "optional.
" 7.
This is the perfect event to hand out wedding party gifts and for the bride and groom to be able to say thank you.
There will not be time for this at the wedding, and traditionally, the reception is when the best man and maid of honor makes their toasts and give congratulations.
8.
Since it is customary to have the rehearsal dinner the night before the wedding, remember to keep the drinking of alcoholic beverages to a minimum for yourself and the wedding party, especially if the wedding the next day is an early ceremony.
Breathe, it's almost over.
At this point everything is done and planned.
So take this time to reconnect with family and friends and each other.
Just remember that it's almost over and you will regret it, if you fill these last days with stress and negativity.
So, to help you with your last days before the big event, here are some points to remember about rehearsal dinner etiquette.
It will make your "last meal" run much more smoothly.
1.
Don't forget that most times, this dinner, just like every other event having to do with your wedding, needs invitations.
This takes the guesswork out of where to go, what time to be there and who is expected to attend.
2.
Who pays for the dinner?Traditionally, the groom's family pays for the rehearsal dinner.
But in the past few years, that has changed from the bride's parents paying to the couple themselves paying.
But remember that this is something that should be worked out ahead of time.
3.
There really are not any rules as to what kind of dinner you would like.
Get creative.
4.
Make sure that there is room to mingle.
This is a perfect time to allow new family members to get to know each other.
5.
Normally, your guest list consists of the wedding party, immediate family members and anyone else that the bride and groom would like to invite that they are close to.
Many couples will extend the invitation to include out of town guests, but again, that is up to you.
6.
If the number of people at your rehearsal dinner is fairly small, it is always nice to have them back to one of the parent's home for beverages and dessert.
This is not truly "etiquette" but falls under the category of "optional.
" 7.
This is the perfect event to hand out wedding party gifts and for the bride and groom to be able to say thank you.
There will not be time for this at the wedding, and traditionally, the reception is when the best man and maid of honor makes their toasts and give congratulations.
8.
Since it is customary to have the rehearsal dinner the night before the wedding, remember to keep the drinking of alcoholic beverages to a minimum for yourself and the wedding party, especially if the wedding the next day is an early ceremony.
Breathe, it's almost over.
At this point everything is done and planned.
So take this time to reconnect with family and friends and each other.
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