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Site Admin Joined: 07 Jun 2002 Posts: 618

My brother is getting married in July. Both he and his bride live here. However, the bride is from another town, about 5 hours away. The wedding will take place in her home town. We (my parents & I) have some questions regarding the rehearsal dinner. 1) Is it proper to have the rehearsal dinner at the bride's parents' home? 2)Who is usually invited to the rehearsal dinner? 3)What part does the brides' family have in the planning of the dinner? 4) What are the responsibilities of the groom's family for the rehearsal dinner?

Site Admin Joined: 07 Jun 2002 Posts: 618

Traditionally, the rehearsal dinner is the responsibility of the groom's family unless there are extenuating circumstances, such as in your case. Your parents should first talk to your brother to find out what he and his fiancee want. Then, they should approach her parents, if they have volunteered their home. No matter where the dinner is held, your parents should offer to pay for the food. Everyone who is in the wedding party should be invited to the dinner, along with their spouses. The children in the wedding party should be accompanied by their parents. The minister and spouse and wedding coordinator should also be invited. It is a courtesy, but not a requirement, to also invite relatives and close friends who have come from out of town rather than leaving them at a hotel alone for the evening. It sounds as though the bride's family may have overstepped their role and have planned the dinner already. If this is the case, and your brother and his fiancee are happy with the arrangements, I would let them go ahead and handle the arrangements. However, your parents should still offer to pay for the food. They do not have to pay for alcohol, though, if they would not have served it at a dinner that they planned. If the bride's parents refuse to accept payment, you have at least done what is socially proper.

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Glenna Tooman, Wedding Expert, ForeverWed.com
Memory Makers Event Planning, LLC
http://www.memorable-events.com

Site Admin Joined: 07 Jun 2002 Posts: 618

Our son is getting married next June and we are responsible for providing a dinner for the wedding party and family after the wedding rehearsal. We know nothing about giving such an event. HELP!!! Thanks.

Site Admin Joined: 07 Jun 2002 Posts: 618

There's really not much to the rehearsal dinner other than choosing a place that's close to where the actual "rehearsal" will take place so everyone doesn't have far to drive. It should be a place that offers adequate seating and pricing for what you can afford - unless you're going to throw it at your home with the help of a caterer.

People to invite are:

1. Entire wedding party and their spouses
2. Immediate family
3. The officiant and spouse (who probably will decline)
4. VERY close family friends that travelled far and wide

It should remain intimate and not get out of hand - no need to spend a fortune.

There aren't favors given - but this is a good time to toast the couple since it's really just the best man that gets this honor on the "special day."

This is also the time when the bride and groom give their attendants gifts for being a part of the wedding party.

Have Fun!