The rehearsal

The rehearsal usually takes place the evening before the wedding at the ceremony site and is a run through of the wedding ceremony. It gives a chance for the bride and groom, attendants (especially if there are children involved), parents and readers to practice the roles they will play at the next day’s event. It gives the attendants their walking order as well as a chance to go over any last-minute details of the ceremony.

The dinner

After the rehearsal, everyone gathers for a dinner, usually put on by the groom’s parents, to celebrate the upcoming event. It is a great way for everyone to relax before the big day. There are often toasts by the couple thanking everyone and by other family members to offer the couple best wishes. This is often the time when the wedding party and other important participants are presented with thank you gifts.

The guests should include immediate family members, the wedding party and their spouses and dates, the parents of any child attendants, and the officiant and his/her spouse. Couples often also invites guests from out of town.