The night before the BIG day is typically spent rehearsing for the ceremony and celebrating your last evening as an engaged couple. Thankfully, not much thought has to go into the rehearsal because whoever is officiating the wedding works with the venue to put it together for you. It’s your job to show up and practice! Traditionally, there is a dinner after the rehearsal for family members and the wedding party. I’ve compiled 5 things you need to know when it comes to rehearsal dinner basics. 

1. Theme

One fun aspect of your rehearsal dinner is picking a theme! You don’t have to use the same theme as your wedding. You can choose something that represents you and your spouse’s interests, or something fun and unique! 

2. Toasts/Speeches

It’s a good idea to break the toasts up! I recommend asking one set of parents to give the toasts at the rehearsal dinner, and the other set to give the toasts at the reception. I also recommend asking each member of your wedding party to stand up and quickly introduce themselves and explain how they met/know the happy couple. A lot of times, the rehearsal dinner is the first time the entire wedding party has been together, so it’s a good opportunity to get to know each other.

3. Who, What, When, and Where

While everyone is gathered, it’s a good time to go over the schedule of events for the following day. Set aside some time to talk with your wedding party about who needs to be where, at what time, and what they need to have with them. This will hopefully set you up for success!

4. Gifts

After you’ve gone over the schedule for the following day you can give your wedding party their gifts! This step is not necessary, but it is common for the wedding party to get gifts as a “thank you” for being a part of the wedding. 

5. Have Fun!

The most important step of all – have fun! This will be your last evening as an engaged couple. Soak up every single minute of celebrating with your closest family and friends. 

I hope these tips help you in planning the perfect rehearsal dinner. Don’t stress about all the small details, this evening is meant to kick-off your wedding weekend!