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When it comes to planning the big day, it's important that the events leading up to the wedding are as stress-free as possible. One of the most important events is the rehearsal dinner, which usually takes place the evening before the wedding.
If planned properly, the rehearsal dinner can be a chance for both families to meet, converse and relax before the hustle and bustle of the following day.
If possible, create a checklist four to five months in advance of the rehearsal dinner. During this time, you'll also want to book the venue for the dinner. While it's tradition for the family of the groom to host the dinner, it is fine for the bride to offer options as well. Keep in mind the venue does not have to be a restaurant.
Wherever you decide to host the rehearsal dinner, it's a good idea to come up with the guest list first to ensure the cost of the meal fits within your wedding budget.
Three months prior to the dinner, notify the people you will want to give toasts. This will give them time to prepare their speech. Also be sure to check with the venue where the dinner is being held about access to audiovisual equipment in the event someone would like to present a slide-show presentation.
Plan on mailing out invitations about one month before the wedding. It's also smart to create the seating plan and purchase wedding party gifts for the bridesmaids and groomsmen around the same time. Be sure to get any questions you may regarding the venue answered. While you're at it, go ahead and order flowers for the tables. And if possible, send out final payments for wedding supplies to the vendors too.
During the week of the wedding, send the final guest count for the rehearsal dinner to the venue no later than 72 hours in advance. Once the guest count is set, it's time to make place cards for the tables.
With an organized plan in place, the actual rehearsal dinner will turn out stress-free, allowing you to go into the big day with a clear mind.
