Most couples think the wedding ceremony and reception to be the most prominent parts of the wedding and the determining factor in its effectiveness. They spend hours, days and weeks planning them without realizing that another important element is being overlooked. The most underrated event of the wedding process is the rehearsal dinner that happens the night before you say your vows.
The rehearsal dinner is important because it is the first time that most close relatives from both sides of the family will meet and intermingle. This gives them the ideal opportunity to get to know each other at this event before the actual wedding. You have the opportunity to see just what the vibe will be like the next day and make any table rearrangements if necessary.
Next, the rehearsal dinner is influential because it sets the tone for the type of wedding day that you want. If you're planning a formal and traditional wedding or a laid-back, relaxed wedding, this is your opportunity to make sure everything is thought through. Don't overlook the power of the rehearsal dinner, as it could make or break the actual wedding day for everyone.
A rehearsal dinner is an ideal occasion to say a few words of appreciation to your guests and family. During the wedding itself, it's only logical that all attention is on the newlyweds, but the rehearsal dinner is a bit more intimate and informal. It is a time when the bride and groom can thank their wedding party for doing all that they have done to "make the wedding happen."
Most venues that host weddings will recommend having a rehearsal dinner to make sure your wedding runs smoothly. In fact, some of them offer it as part of the wedding planning package. Venues, like The Links at Union Vale, even have different wedding packages to meet the individual needs of all couples with or without rehearsal dinners and a variety of customizations. These services can really help you show your bridal party how appreciative you are of them.
Most of the time, those who attend the rehearsal dinner are the bride and groom's parents, siblings and their bridal party. However, that is not to say that you can't invite other close friends, as well as give your bridesmaids/groomsmen the chance to bring a date. In the end, who you end up inviting will be entirely dependent upon how much you are willing to spend.
The most appropriate place to host the rehearsal dinner depends upon your budget. Some people can choose to have them in their home, at a restaurant, or even at the actual wedding venue itself. Inevitably, this dinner is typically on the smaller side, so choosing a place where you can all be close to one another is ideal.
Whatever you choose, know that it's not necessary to spend a fortune on the event, and many brides and couples are opting for less formal rehearsal dinners. You may even use part of the decorations you won't be using at the actual wedding. It may be the perfect way to involve your mother or mother-in-law in the planning of the wedding, as a rehearsal dinner is more focused on family to begin with. Again, don't say "yes" to anything that's outside of your comfort zone, relax and enjoy this night surrounded by loved ones and close friends as you prepare for the most special day of your life.