b'Rehearsal Dinnerraditionally the rehearsal dinner is held on the eveningWHERE DO I HAVE THE REHEARSAL DINNER?before the weddingright after the ceremony run- Keep it less formal than tomorrows wedding. Make it personal, through. It is normally hosted by the grooms parents. However,perhaps a favorite restaurant (with a private room for your party), the bride and groom often host this event because both sets ofmaybe something casual like an ale house (have a beer tasting), parents are sharing the cost of the wedding and the couple want aunder a large tent in a nice backyard (catered)yours or a family special venue for this relaxed and happy evening. When will youfriends, at the family home (pizza and beer, clambake, potluck, ever have the people who love you the most in one room at thefood trucksyour choice).The beauty is its a relaxed time same timeits rareremember that before the big day.WHO IS INVITED TO THE REHEARSAL DINNER? DONT FORGET THE TOASTS!Every member of the wedding party (bridesmaids, groomsmen,The grooms father goes rst (if hes the host). He welcomes ushers, and their spouses or dates),ower girls and ring bearersthe guests. Next is the best man. Then the oor is open to any (and their parents), the parents of the bride and groom, grand- and all who wish to toast the couple. Make sure you toast each parents, siblings and their spouses or dates, close family friends,other (bride and groom) and thank everyone for coming and a the ofciant, pastor, or special clergy, and out-of-town guests andspecial thank you to the hosts. relatives.WHEN DO THE INVITATIONS GO OUT? GIVE OUT YOUR PRESENTSFour weeks before the wedding you send out the rehearsal din- This is the perfect time to give presents to your bridesmaids ner invitations (and AFTER the wedding invites have gone out.) and groomsmen. As you give the gifts, make note of a special or funny moment these people have brought to your life.If the gift is WHAT ABOUT MY OTHER FRIENDS? something that you want your bridesmaids to wear at the wed-Have those who are not invited to the rehearsal dinner meetdingmake sure they know this. Thank and gift any other special up with the group for a rehearsal party in the restaurants bar for apeople (grandparents, special family friends) and let them know drink and some toasts to the couple. This is a nice way to includehow much their support and love have meant to you both.more peoplethey wont even know the dinner occurred.OTHER SPECIAL PRESENTATIONSAnother idea is to send an evite to everyone saying the bride andIf youre presenting a montage of photos of the two of you (set groom will be at a certain bar, restaurant, hotel, or house from 8to music), do that before you do the gifts.to 10pmcome by for a rehearsal toast.'