| While the rehearsal dinner may just seem like | | | | more couples are opting to bear the burden of |
| another expense and another task that needs to | | | | the rehearsal dinner on their own. There are a |
| be completed, it's important to not skip out on | | | | couple of factors that are contributing to this |
| this wonderful opportunity to get together with | | | | changing trend. First the medium ages of couples |
| close friends and family members for a night of | | | | getting married is on the rise and couples who |
| relaxation in a casual atmosphere before the | | | | marry at a later age are typically more financially |
| wedding. This article is intended to answer some | | | | established and capable of affording to finance the |
| of the questions surrounding the planning of a | | | | rehearsal dinner themselves. In addition the |
| rehearsal dinner and to provide the couple with | | | | responsibility of paying for the rehearsal dinner is |
| some necessary information to help them plan a | | | | typically accompanied by the responsibility of |
| successful rehearsal dinner. | | | | planning the rehearsal dinner and many couples |
| While a rehearsal dinner is not necessary, it is a | | | | are unwilling to relinquish the planning |
| good opportunity to get together with close | | | | responsibilities. The couple wants to ensure that |
| friends and family members to thank them all for | | | | the rehearsal dinner reflects their personalities and |
| their participation and assistance during the | | | | tastes and therefore assumes all responsibilities |
| planning of the wedding as well as their | | | | for planning the rehearsal dinner. |
| participation in the actual wedding itself. The | | | | Although the original intent for the rehearsal dinner |
| rehearsal dinner gives the couple the chance to | | | | was to include those who are actively involved in |
| extend their thanks to everyone who has been | | | | the ceremony, the couple is free to invite any |
| involved with the wedding planning or who has | | | | other guests that they choose to join them in the |
| simply supported them in their efforts. The | | | | rehearsal dinner. The rehearsal dinner is an |
| rehearsal dinner can also be the opportunity to | | | | opportunity for the couple to thank everyone |
| relax and unwind before the wedding. The couple | | | | who has supported them throughout their |
| is able to put aside their concerns over their | | | | wedding planning and also to just relax and have a |
| upcoming nuptials and enjoy the time with family | | | | good time with friends and family outside of the |
| and friends. The rehearsal dinner has become a | | | | formality that often surrounds a wedding. With |
| common tradition in weddings but the couple is | | | | this in mind it is appropriate to invite anyone that |
| not obligated to host a rehearsal dinner if they | | | | you want to share in this sentiment. The couple |
| choose not to do so. | | | | may also wish to include out of town guest in the |
| The typical activities involved in a rehearsal dinner | | | | rehearsal dinner in order to thank them for |
| include meeting at the site of the ceremony to | | | | making the trip to be with them on their wedding |
| run through the logistics of the ceremony and | | | | day. While including out of town guests is a |
| then gathering at a particular location, a | | | | wonderful gesture, it is important to understand |
| restaurant, catering hall or even a friend's house, | | | | that the couple is not obligated to do so. If it |
| to enjoy a meal together. During the dinner the | | | | would be too financially cumbersome to include all |
| couple usually takes the opportunity to thank all | | | | of the out of town guests, the couple could |
| their guests for their love and support and may | | | | consider hosting a smaller event such as an |
| choose to honor their wedding party with gifts at | | | | evening of drinks and appetizers for this larger |
| this time. There are also usually a series of | | | | group. Although everyone participating in the |
| informal toasts at the rehearsal dinner. The | | | | ceremony should be included in the rehearsal |
| parents of the couple will also usually thank the | | | | dinner the guest list is not restricted to these |
| guests and offer a toast to the couple. Any of | | | | individuals and the couple can choose to include |
| the guests at the rehearsal dinner are also free to | | | | anyone they wish. |
| offer a toast or a few words of wisdom to the | | | | Planning a rehearsal dinner can seem daunting as |
| couple. While the wedding is shrouded in traditions | | | | the rules are not clearly defined but it is this |
| and expectations, the rehearsal dinner is typically | | | | flexibility that makes planning a rehearsal dinner |
| a relaxed atmosphere with no set agendas. | | | | such a fun challenge. From the invitation list to the |
| The subject of who pays for the rehearsal dinner | | | | activities the couple is under no obligations to |
| is another confusing topic. Tradition holds that the | | | | adhere to any strict guidelines in planning their |
| parents of the groom assume the financial | | | | rehearsal dinner. |
| responsibility of the rehearsal dinner but more and | | | | |