The Rehearsal Dinner Dear Fran:
Please give us information on what is expected and what is accepted for Wedding Rehearsal Dinners given by the groom's family.
Please give us formats of different things that can be done at Wedding Rehearsal Dinners.
Thanks,
Bill Dear Bill:
The wedding rehearsal dinner
is traditionally given by the groom's family. All attendants, the bride and her fiancées immediate families, the officiate and spouse, as well as out-of-town guests, are generally included in the guest list. Family and friends of the bride or the host may also be invited. It is considerate to invite the spouse or significant other of each attendant.
The rehearsal dinner is usually held in a restaurant or private home and is as formal or informal as the host/hostess would like,
just so long as the wedding remains the main attraction. A suggestion for different formats could include a semiformal rehearsal dinner.
This is a wonderful opportunity for the bride-to-be to wear her mother's wedding gown the evening of the rehearsal, yet have her own gown on the day of her wedding. The groom and his attendants would wear suits and ties, the bridesmaids, a prior worn formal dress, such as a prom gown or a lovely dress possibly worn as a bridesmaid in another wedding, (colors are not an issue) the children, party clothes, and the parents of the couple in suits, ties and a nice formal dress or suit, (possibly a dress worn to another siblings wedding).
When one of my three sons married several years ago, we had a barbecue in the backyard, in a western motif, using red and white checkered tablecloths, bales of hay tossed around the side of the swimming pool, a couple saddles thrown up on the bales, and sunflowers in vases on the tables. The wedding party and guests enjoyed swimming and laughing well into the evening, with bamboo lanterns lighting the entire area.
The menu was simple with barbecued ribs and chicken, honey baked beans, potato salad, cole slaw, fresh fruit, homemade banana pecan ice-cream and strawberry lemonade. Six years later, friends still remember the fun they shared with our family that evening. The ideas are endless. Use your imagination and I am certain you will come up with a wonderful and memorable party.
Sincerely,
Fran | 
