Rehearsal
and Reheasal Party
The Rehearsal
The rehearsal is incredibly important, not only for
obvious reasons, but also because it reduces the risk of ceremony
surprises, tends to relax the wedding party, and gives his side
a chance to mingle with her side. It also makes the reception even
more fun and personal.
The worksheet link above provides a cheat sheet of
everything you both need to remember about the rehearsal, including
what you both should take along (such as the wine and the marriage
license) that you will need on your actual wedding day.
Rehearsal Party
The rehearsal party immediately follows the official
rehearsal. While the party is traditionally hosted by the groom's
family, more and more groom's parents now choose instead to help
with the overall reception costs, which, with the exception of the
bar bill, were traditionally covered only by the bride's parents.
The rehearsal party is a chance for the bride and
groom to mingle with loved ones and introduce wedding attendants
from his family to wedding attendants from her family. It's also
traditionally the time for the couple to give gifts to each wedding
party attendant.
Rehearsal parties can run the gamut. They can be quite
formal or casual. They can be in a restaurant or a private home.
They can include dinner or simply be drinks and appetizers. In other
words, anything goes and anything is acceptable.
All members of the wedding party are included
on the rehearsal party guest list, as well as their spouses. All
parents, the officiant (and his or her spouse), and the coordinator
(if any) are also invited. Some couples also invite other wedding
vendors (the musicians, photographer, etc.) and out-of-town guests,
but that is entirely optional.
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