The wedding rehearsal dinner is one of the most significant events to occur before the big day itself. The importance of the rehearsal dinner originates from the fact that it is probably the last time all the members of the wedding parties from both families will be together before the wedding ceremony. With this in mind, many brides and grooms take this excellent opportunity to thank all the members of the wedding party for their help and support throughout the planning process. Some of the people in attendance at the rehearsal dinner will have undoubtedly contributed to the wedding planning more than others, both running countless errands and providing much needed emotional support. While you may wish to single out certain members for special praise, your maid of honor and best man for example, make sure you do take the time to thank everyone as well, not least your parents.

While the wedding rehearsal dinner has traditionally been a small intimate gathering of close friends and relatives of the bride and groom, more and more often nowadays couples are choosing to extend their rehearsal dinner guest list beyond this. So, as far as etiquette goes who should you invite? The entire wedding party is a must, if they are going to be taking part in the wedding ceremony they should be invited along to the rehearsal dinner. Your wedding party will should be present at the ceremony rehearsal. As rehearsal dinners take place shortly after the ceremony rehearsal, more often than not the same day, it makes sense to invite everyone at the ceremony rehearsal along to the dinner. On top of this, members of your wedding party will probably have put a lot of effort into the planning, for example your maid of honor and bridesmaids will have organized and attended your bridal shower and bachelorette party, the best man and groomsmen will have planned the bachelor event. Use the rehearsal dinner as an opportunity to thank them for all the time and effort they have put in.

The location for your wedding rehearsal dinner largely depends upon how many guests will be present. The size of your wedding party and the size of your actual wedding tend to be the controlling factors here. Common locations for rehearsal dinners are local restaurants. This is usually a popular choice rehearsal dinners with a larger guest list. Alternatively, the rehearsal dinner may be hosted at someone's home. Wedding rehearsal dinners held at home tend to be smaller affairs as it can be difficult to cater for large numbers. If you feel you can cater for large numbers, then it is perfectly acceptable to host a larger rehearsal dinner at home. Similarly, if you are having a small rehearsal dinner but fancy eating out, that is not a problem either.

What is the invitation etiquette for a rehearsal dinner? Again this is mostly dependent on the size of your guest list. It is always a good idea to send out invitations if you are inviting a lot of people, whereas you may be able to simple give your guests a quick phone call if you are having a smaller scale event. While the size of your rehearsal dinner is the major determinant here, formality also plays a role. Generally invitations are sent out for a formal rehearsal dinner, large or small. Informal rehearsal dinners tend not to have invitations, but the aforementioned size should be a consideration.

Rehearsal dinner etiquette may seem complicated but it does not have to be. Remember it is an opportunity to thank those who have helped you along your journey towards marriage and a final occasion to bring both families together prior to your wedding day. Enjoy the event and look forward to your wedding.