What's the purpose of a rehearsal dinner?

The purpose of the rehearsal dinner is for the relatives and friends of the bride and groom to meet and have a good time. The couple generally takes this opportunity to thank everyone who has helped with the wedding preparations.

Is the rehearsal dinner necessary?

About the Rehearsal Dinner

The rehearsal dinner is not a required event, but it does give the couple's immediate families and members of the bridal party the opportunity to socialize before the wedding.

Who typically pays for a 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.

Is the rehearsal dinner about the groom?

The difference between a rehearsal dinner and groom's dinner is simply who is hosting. Traditionally, the bride's parents pay for the majority of the actual wedding, and the groom's parents would host a celebratory meal the night before (a.k.a. the groom's dinner).

Is the rehearsal dinner paid for?

Tradition dictates that the groom's family pays for the full cost of the rehearsal dinner, even though the bride's family and friends attend the event as well. That includes food, drink, venue fees, entertainment, and transportation. Often the groom's family cherishes this responsibility.

REHEARSAL DINNER: Everything You NEED to Know

What does 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 gives a speech 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).

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 decorate for 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.

What do you wear to a rehearsal dinner?

"For formal rehearsal dinners (not black tie), men should wear dark suits and ties, and women should wear cocktail dresses or long gowns. For semi-formal rehearsal dinners, men should wear jackets, suit pants (or slacks) and ties, and women should wear cocktail dresses or pantsuits or dressy skirts and blouses.

What should the mother of the groom not do?

Who walks the mother of the groom down the aisle?

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.

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.

Do parents give gifts at rehearsal dinner?

The only gifts the wedding couple typically give out at a rehearsal dinner are to members of the wedding party (and perhaps the parents) to thank them for their support. If you are looking for some ideas, be sure to review our collection of unique gifts for the wedding party.

Is it rude to not go to rehearsal dinner?

All of your out-of-town friends and family do not need to be invited to the rehearsal dinner. We agree that you should take time to greet them and show your gratitude to them for making the long distance trip, but it does not need to be the rehearsal dinner.

Is it rude not to have a rehearsal dinner?

Scheduling a rehearsal for your wedding ceremony and a formal dinner to follow may be the norm in western wedding culture, but it is absolutely not obligatory. If your relatives, friends or vendors are shouting that “you must” and frightening you that “something might go wrong” silence that noise.

What activities do you do at a rehearsal dinner?

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!

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 mother of groom get ready with 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.

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.

What do I tell my son on his wedding day?

“I have been looking forward to this day since the moment you came into this life. I hope this marriage will mean new things for you my son, Congratulations!” “May blessing upon blessing be on you as you tie the knot today, I am proud you made the right choice with the right woman. Congratulations my son!”

Does father of bride speak at rehearsal dinner?

Traditionally, rehearsal dinner speeches are given by the Father of the Bride or the Father of the Groom. Sometimes the Maid of Honor, Best Man and Bride, and Groom can give short rehearsal dinner speeches or toasts of their own, but it is not mandatory.

Does mother of groom speak at wedding?

While this speech has traditionally been given at rehearsal dinners, it's not unusual for the mother of the groom to speak at the wedding reception, either. If you're struggling to put words on paper to express the joy, happiness, and love you have for your son, you're not alone.

Who gets invited to the rehearsal dinner for a wedding?

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.