A wedding rehearsal dinner usually occurs after the wedding rehearsal itself. Of course, the wedding rehearsal and wedding rehearsal dinner are held before the wedding ceremony. A rehearsal usually takes place a day or two prior to the wedding.

Typically, most families embrace the idea of a rehearsal dinner, as it's a great way to exchange ideas and good wishes. For those families that live across the miles, a wedding rehearsal dinner provides an excellent "getting to know you better" situation. And while a wedding rehearsal dinner is not mandatory, it usually is expected. Relaxation is an important aspect of having a wedding . Especially if you want it to become everything you've dreamed it to be.

There seems to be a lot of confusion regarding the payment of such a dinner. Who pays for the wedding rehearsal dinner? Traditionally, the grooms parents plan and pay for the dinner. Nevertheless, anyone can host and finance a wedding rehearsal dinner. Nothing is actually 'set in stone.' Nowadays families bend and blend, creating their own traditions within their own families.

Important things to consider if you are expected to host a wedding rehearsal are:

Booking reservations in advance at a restaurant ? Choosing selections on the menu ? Creating a Guest List ? Phoning those who are invited

Who should you invite? Most guest lists include the bride, groom, their parents and the members of the wedding party. However, grandparents are often invited as well as the priest, rabbi, or clergyman performing the marriage ceremony. Out-of-town guests too, should be invited if you are inviting extended family.

It's not a necessity to send out formal invitations to a wedding rehearsal dinner. Typically, a phone call is sufficient. Despite this, many modern blended; distant; and extended families to occasionally opt for invitations. Should you decide to send wedding rehearsal invitations to family members, remember to accommodate the costs of your invitations in your wedding rehearsal dinner budget.

Your invitations should be very basic and simple. In addition to a map and driving directions (to the restaurant), your statement should be very short and concise:

Please Join us for a Wedding Rehearsal Dinner in Honor of (Bride's Name) and (Groom's Name) at (this location) at (this time)

RSVP: (Hosts Name) at (phone number)

If you do have out-of-towners attending, a carpool is an excellent idea. It's very easy for out-of-towners as your loved one may get lost. A wedding rehearsal dinner is a celebration, carpooling is also a great idea if there will be drinking and driving. Always choose a designated driver or you can volunteer to be the driver.

About the Author
Jen Carter is owner of My Wedding Blog, a free wedding planning guide about weddings.

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