Twas the night before the wedding and all through the year,
The bride and the groom have been planning, that's clear
Down the aisle she came with such wonderful flare
The groom was just waiting to greet her there
And after the walk was just perfectly right
They called to their friends, Let's party tonight!

The rehearsal is the time for all of your friends and family to gather and relax before the big day. It is a time for sharing and toasting with the special people whom you have chosen to be a part of your wedding day. So relax and have a good time.

It is a tradition for the groom's family to host the dinner, but in today's world it may be hosted by the both of you or a close friend of the families. No matter who hosts the dinner they need to work closely with the bride and the groom.

Setting a budget will help to make it easier to make a selection as to what type of party you want. How many quests will attend? Do you want a formal dinner or a casual dinner?

The guest list for the rehearsal dinner should include immediate family members on both the bride and groom's side, and all of your attendants and their spouses or dates. Any parents of children who are in your wedding should also be invited. It is also nice to invite your officiate and his/her spouse. If you have a lot of out of town guests you may include them also, but it is not necessary. You may only want the closest of friends present. If the groom's mother is the official hostess of the dinner, then she should send out invitations about a week after the wedding invitations go out.

The choices for the rehearsal dinner can be whatever you and the hosts feel comfortable with. A formal dinner, or a barbecue. A beach party, or a pizza party. Some rehearsal dinners are done at the home of the host. Whatever is decided, remember the reason for the party is to bring everyone together and relax and have fun. You can also set a theme for the rehearsal dinner. Maybe Mexican with all the trimmings. Or, perhaps an ethnic dinner which includes foods from both the bride and grooms heritage. It is also not set in stone that the rehearsal has to be the night before the wedding. You may plan to do it at any time that everyone is available. It also does not have to be dinner. It could be a brunch, or a luncheon. You can also do cocktail party. The sky is the limit.

Whatever you decide to do remember to take the opportunity to toast all of the people you love. If the groom's family is hosting, then the father or someone who is close to the groom should start off the toasting. It is then up to you if you want to say a few words. Some couples pick a relative or friend who will act as master of ceremonies. This is a good way to keep the toasting moving.

This is the perfect time to say “thank you” to everyone who attends. Your families, your attendants and anyone else who needs a thank you. You may also choose to give your attendants their thank you gifts at the dinner. Don't forget your parents. Make sure you give them something they will treasure forever.

So, now you can plan your rehearsal dinner and remember, RELAX, HAVE FUN. ALL THE PLANNING IS NOW DONE!

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