A few days before your wedding, you and your wedding party should walk through the ceremony, just so everyone is clear about their places. Afterward, it is traditional to have a rehearsal dinner as a thank you to the people taking part in the wedding. Here are some common rehearsal dinner etiquette questions:

• Who gets invited to the dinner?

Traditionally, anyone taking part in the rehearsal should be invited to the dinner. However, you might want to invite other family members or out-of-town guests that are already around.

• Who pays?

There aren’t any rules as to who should foot the bill for the rehearsal dinner, but it is traditional for the groom’s parents to offer to pay.

• Where should the rehearsal dinner be held?

Once again, there are no rules when it comes to the dinner. If you have a huge wedding party and a small budget, you can go somewhere very informal or even order pizza to eat at your house afterward. The rehearsal dinner should be all about having fun.

• Should I send invitations?

You can send formal invitations if you want, and that’s a good idea if you’re inviting people not taking part in the rehearsal. However, if it’s just the wedding party, verbal invitations are fine too.

• Should my groom and I plan a toast?

In general, you don’t speak at your wedding to toast your guests or one another, so if you want to say something, now is the time to do it. You aren’t obligated to make a toast are your rehearsal dinner, though.

• Should spouses be invited?
  

If you’re opting for a wedding-party-only rehearsal dinner, you should allow each person to bring a guest – their spouse or a gf/bf. The rehearsal itself can be closed to them, but invite them to meet you at the restaurant or your house for food afterward.

One other important note – your rehearsal dinner is the best time to present your party with gifts to show your appreciation for their help with your wedding. Don’t forget to say thank you to your wedding party and family!

Picture via Joe Shlabotnik.

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