Arranging the rehearsal dinner

After the wedding rehearsal, it's customary to treat the wedding party to dinner. This event is traditionally hosted by the groom's parents, who also pick up the tab. But you may be dividing expenses and responsibilities differently, and choose to host the rehearsal dinner yourselves. In still other cases, the bride's parents or a close relative may give the dinner. You can arrange for everyone to go out to a restaurant, perhaps renting a private room or section, or simply have the event at someone's home. Like the engagement party, a rehearsal dinner may be as formal or as casual as you wish. Typically, the clergy person, the parents, grandparents, members of the wedding party and their spouses are invited; in addition, you may want to include out-of-town guests who've come in early for the wedding. Sometime during the dinner, the bride and groom will present their gifts to the wedding party, if they haven't done so already. Toasts are usually made by the best man to the couple, and by the couple to their parents; others may also make toasts. After the party, the couple should write a thank-you to the people who hosted it.