What is proper etiquette for wedding rehearsal dinner?

What is the protocol for a rehearsal dinner?

“There aren't really any hard and fast rules for rehearsal dinners,” says Whitmore. “It's really just a thank you to the people who are in your wedding party and a chance for the couple and their family and close friends to socialize prior to the big event.

Do you pay for everyone at the rehearsal dinner?

The Hosts. Traditionally, the groom's parents are the hosts of the rehearsal dinner, since the bride's family customarily pays for the wedding. But given the more relaxed standards of modern times, other relatives, close friends, or even the couple themselves can plan and pay for the event.

Who is invited to the rehearsal dinner wedding etiquette?

Your immediate families, the bridal party (including the parents of the flower girl and ring bearer, even if they're not in the wedding), any ceremony readers, and your officiant (plus his or her spouse, if married) should always be invited to the rehearsal dinner.

Who traditionally pays for the rehearsal dinner?

Both the groom's parents traditionally organize (and pay for) the rehearsal dinner. This can range in size from a small occasion for members of the wedding party only to a grand soiree (never to outdo the wedding, of course) that includes half or more of the wedding guests.

REHEARSAL DINNER: Everything You NEED to Know

Does the mother of the groom give a gift to the bride?

Does the mother of the groom give the bride a gift? The mother of the groom traditionally brings a small gift to the bridal shower. When it comes to the wedding itself, the mother of the groom can give the bride a more sentimental gift, like a family heirloom, to officially welcome her into the family.

What does the groom's parents pay for?

What Does the Groom's Family Pay For, Traditionally? The groom's family is responsible for corsages and boutonnieres for immediate members of both families, the lodging of the groom's attendants (if you have offered to help pay for this expense), and sometimes the costs of the rehearsal dinner.

Who is considered immediate family for rehearsal dinner?

This might seem fairly obvious, but the immediate family of the soon-to-be newlyweds should always be invited to the rehearsal dinner. This means parents, siblings, and grandparents. Your wedding symbolizes not only the joining of you and your soon-to-be spouse in marriage but also your families merging.

Do you decorate for a rehearsal dinner?

When it comes to rehearsal dinner decorations at a restaurant, try to keep it to a minimum unless your budget is a little more generous than the average American. This event doesn't last nearly as long and very few people will see them. There's not much sense in spending money you don't really have to.

How long do rehearsal dinners last?

Most rehearsal dinners last two to three-plus hours. Give your guests at least 30 minutes to 1 hour to travel between the wedding rehearsal venue and the rehearsal dinner venue, if they're different places.

Does the mother of the groom get ready with the bride?

She can spend a little time with both the bride and groom.

If that's the case, she may want to start her morning with the bride and her group, then leave once she has her hair and makeup done. After, she can head to the groom's getting-ready area to help him prepare for his walk down the aisle.

Do you invite spouses to rehearsal dinner?

Usually, the wedding party is invited to the rehearsal dinner along with their significant others - spouses definitely included. If the dinner is meant only for the wedding party, a written invitation should indicate this preference. Still, ask your husband to double-check with his friend if you're unsure.

Who walks down the groom's mom?

As the wedding begins, the groom's mother will be escorted down the aisle, to the first pew, right-hand side, by the head usher or a groomsman who is a family member. A nice touch includes the groom escorting his mother down the aisle. As the groom's mother is escorted to her seat, her husband will follow along behind.

What does mother of the groom wear to rehearsal dinner?

What's The Theme? If a wedding and rehearsal dinner invitation specify a theme or dress code, it must be respected. If the fine print says 'black tie', then the mother of the bride should wear a full-length gown (the same goes for the mother of the groom).

What gifts are given at rehearsal dinner?

Rehearsal Dinners: Guests do not bring gifts for the rehearsal dinner. However, the bride and groom may exchange gifts with their attendants at this time. Wedding Receptions: Gifts are always given by invited guests to the bride and groom on the occasion of their wedding, even if a guest can't attend.

Does the mother of the groom give a speech at the rehearsal dinner?

The rehearsal dinner is usually hosted by the groom's parents, and it gives the engaged couple a chance to spend time with their inner circle before the wedding day. The mother of the groom can give a speech or just a toast at the rehearsal dinner, as she is one of the hosts of the event.

Do you serve dessert at rehearsal dinner?

Now on to dessert. Traditionally, the groom's cake is served during the rehearsal dinner as well. Of course, you can serve it alongside the wedding cake on your wedding day, but every good party needs something sweet!

Who speaks at the rehearsal dinner?

Who Gives a Rehearsal Dinner Toast? The host of the rehearsal dinner (traditionally the father of the groom in a heterosexual couple) gives the first speech. This person is followed by members of the wedding party that won't be speaking at the reception (typically anyone other than the maid of honor and the best man).

Who attends wedding rehearsal?

Who attends the Ceremony rehearsal? The wedding couple, the bridal party and their significant others, child attendants (flower girls and ring bearers) and their parents, the wedding couple's parents, and any other family members, including grandparents who will be participating in the processional.

Are aunts and uncles invited to the rehearsal dinner?

Family. Of course your parents should be in attendance at your rehearsal dinner along with your grandparents and your siblings. You are not obligated to invite your extended family, but most couples do include aunts and uncles; especially ones they are close to.

What should the mother of the groom not do?

What are the mother of the groom duties?

How much money should the groom's parents give?

Parents of the bride and groom collectively contribute about $19,000 to the wedding, or about two-thirds of the total cost, according to WeddingWire. The bride's parents give an average $12,000, and the groom's, $7,000. Just 1 in 10 couples pays for the wedding entirely on their own, according to TheKnot.com.

Who cuts the groom's cake at the rehearsal dinner?

"There was the wedding cake that was served to the guests, the bride's cake, which was served to the bridesmaids, and the groom's cake, served to the groomsmen." Eventually, Southern brides and grooms in the United States adopted this tradition, making it their own.

How much should I give my son for his wedding?

Susan, it is so wonderful that you are being so thoughtful with your wedding gift to your son and daughter-in-law on their big day, but the monetary amount would purely be up to what you both as parents can afford to give. There is no set amount deemed by etiquette required, so give what you both feel fit.