Do's & Don'ts Of Planning Your Rehearsal Dinner
Once the wedding plans and details are all set, it's time to think about planning your rehearsal dinner! The rehearsal dinner typically takes place after the wedding ceremony rehearsal or just as a get together meal for the bridal party and immediate family the night before the wedding. In either case, there are a few things to think about when planning your rehearsal dinner.
Do give your bridal party advanced notice.
Wedding venues and churches are typically only available Monday through Friday for rehearsals. It's important to give your bridal party advanced notice of this because most people work and may not be available otherwise.
Don't be inconsiderate.
It's nice to spread out the events leading up to the wedding day but unfair if your bridal party and family members live out of town. It's unfair to have them make two trips for your wedding.
Do consider location.
Remember to think about the location of your rehearsal dinner in relation to where the actual rehearsal is taking place. Booking a rehearsal dinner that is geographically challenging can make things extra difficult and time consuming for your family members and bridal party.
Don't be inflexible with the date.
The rehearsal dinner is important but if you can't get everyone coordinated for the actual rehearsal, you should consider a rehearsal the day of the wedding. People don't realize that this can be a great option if you plan ahead.
Do set a curfew for the dinner!
The rehearsal dinner, if it's the night before the wedding, should see it's last course (dessert) served by 9:00 pm. Everyone needs to rest and prepare for the wedding the next day, especially the bride.
Also....
Don't mandate that the children from your bridal party attend the rehearsal dinner.
Young children, even if in the bridal party, don't necessarily have to be at the rehearsal dinner. It can get late for them and throw off their whole schedule (and mood) for the actual wedding day. The priority is having them walk down the aisle all smiles and happy!
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