Wednesday, August 21, 2013

Rehearsal Dinner Etiquette FAQ


I've decided to address some rehearsal dinner etiquette questions that I have been asked more & more frequently. It seems that weddings, bridal parties, vendors, showers, rehearsal dinners, etc. seem to need a handbook with all the common rules of etiquette & traditions.

I've said it time & time again; you make your own rules. However, if you are trying to stick to tradition & want to avoid embarrassment by breaking the "rules", I'll answer some of the most common questions I get asked.

Q: Who do I invite to our rehearsal dinner?

A: This is up to you. If it isn't in your budget to have everyone you would like, that is perfectly acceptable. Generally speaking though, you invite immediate family, your bridal party, out of town guests, your officiant & their spouse. You can also extend the invitation to your wedding coordinator.

Q: Do I have to invite every one's spouse in the bridal party?

A: If it is not in the budget, kindly word it in the invitation. You can also personally explain your concern to each attendant. Traditionally speaking, every one's spouse is typically invited.

Q: Do I have to have my rehearsal dinner the actual day before the wedding? Can I have it a couple days before?

A: Absolutely! As a coordinator, I recommend it! You don't want a hungover bridal party, if that's your type of crowd. Don't have it too far in advance though; you don't want your bridal party to forget the rehearsal.

Q: Do I have to send out invitations?

A: Just like any event in your life, the invitation depends on the type of event you're throwing. If you are having a large private dinner at a nice venue, you should probably send out coordinating invitations. If you're having a laid back barbecue, a simple evite will suffice.

Q: Who is responsible for hosting the rehearsal dinner?

A: Traditionally, the Groom's family hosts the rehearsal dinner. It is perfectly acceptable for the couple to host their own rehearsal dinner if it isn't in the Groom's parent's budget.

Q: Is it okay to just serve appetizers & cocktails at the rehearsal dinner?

A: Yes. Just make sure to word it on your invitations.

Q: Who makes a toast at the rehearsal dinner?

A: Traditionally, the rehearsal dinner is more geared toward the Groom & his family. If the Groom's parents host the dinner, they can make a toast. The groom can also toast to his Bride-to-be. It's perfectly acceptable if any close friends/bridal party would like to contribute. Traditionally, the bride does not toast at the rehearsal dinner or the wedding. Pin It

Monday, August 19, 2013

August 9, 2013

I was so very excited to have had the opportunity to coordinate my brother in law's wedding on August 9th. The couple had gone back & forth with what their plans were for over a year. After booking & canceling several venues, they decided to elope at Sand Key Beach in Clearwater. The reception would be held at a private dining room at The Sheraton's Rusty's Bistro. The weather had other plans for them & in a matter of 15 minutes, we all scrambled to get a room ready at The Sheraton for their ceremony. It was a minor hiccup, because the wedding turned out so beautiful.
 









Congratulations to my beautiful brother in law & sister in law!
 
Vendor Credits:
Planner/Coordinator
A Stylish Affair by Jessie
Jessie Gozevich 321.745.5674 Jessie@astylishaffairbyjessie.com
The Sheraton
Darla Napoleon 727-593-6000 ext. 2023 Darla.Napoleon@sheratonsandkey.com
Cake
Publix
Officiant
Joel Kaplan 727.455.3269 weddingservices@email.com
Ceremony
Weddings On Sand Key
Dana 727.593.3939 dpeterson@weddingsonsandkeybeach.com
Photographer
CCS Photography
Roger Slater 727.517.5689 www.ccsphotography.net
Hair & Makeup
Beautiful You Hair & Makeup Services
Karen Boni 813.503.9936 www.beautifulyoumakeup.net

Floral Design
A Stylish Affair by Jessie

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