DC Wedding Planning - Rehearsal Dinner Invitations
When planning a DC Wedding the largest social event by far is the big day itself. That said, your DC Wedding encompasses more than that day. There are a few other social engagements to plan as well. One of these is the rehearsal dinner.
We are first and foremost an award-winning Washington DC Wedding DJ with a passion for helping couples have their dream wedding. This article is one in a series of articles intended to help not only the DC wedding couples we serve but to help anyone who is planning their wedding.
Who comes to the rehearsal dinner?
A wedding is so much more than the main event! There are several pre-wedding celebrations to prepare for. As you begin to think about planning your rehearsal dinner, it is likely that you'll have a few questions including:
Who do you invite?
Where is the best place to rehearse?
Who pays?
Who do you invite?
When it's time to draft a rehearsal dinner guest list, don't feel pressure to invite half of your wedding's attendees. Only those participating in the big day—meaning your wedding party and their plus-ones—are mandatory inclusions. You will have to run through the ceremony and reception events, after all!
Anyone who plays a role in the ceremony should attend the wedding rehearsal.
This includes the officiant, the wedding party, readers, and parents. Walkthrough the ceremony, establishing the pace and timing, in the order each element will occur and make sure all the participants know their responsibilities.
Bring the unity candle or anything else you will want to have in place for the following day. It is also smart to have some programs and copies of any readings on hand for people to follow along.
Where to have the rehearsal dinner?
Depending on the guest list and budget, the rehearsal dinner can be anything from a formal banquet to a casual affair. The style of the rehearsal dinner can complement the wedding, but it should not overshadow it.
Many rehearsal dinners are held at restaurants with a style of cuisine that has special meaning to the bride and groom. If Italy is the honeymoon destination, for example, an Italian restaurant would be fitting. A place that showcases local flavor, such as a Maryland Seafood restaurant is a good way to introduce out-of-town guests to the area.
Who pays for the rehearsal dinner?
Typically, the groom's parents pay for the rehearsal dinner.
Ultimately, planning your rehearsal dinner should not be stressful. In fact, the dinner is arguably one of the most celebratory of the pre-wedding events, simply because everything is set and ready to go—all you have to do is wake up the next morning and walk down the aisle to meet your best friend!