So Dude lets talk about the one thing in this entire process that you may want to defer to your parents (grandparents or any other willing and able family member) The Rehearsal Dinner.
Traditionally the groom's family hosts the rehearsal dinner/party, though like many other traditions related to the big day, this is not set in stone and can ultimately be decided upon by you and your beloved.
The actual wedding rehearsal is typically headed up by your officiant and/or wedding coordinator and should serve as a review of the wedding day logistics. Expect to extend an informal invitation to your attendants and out-of-town guests, (i.e. Best man, Maid and Matron of honor, Groomsmen, Ushers, Flower girls, Ring Bearer etc.,) essentially anyone who is participating in the wedding ceremony.
The rehearsal party also takes place the day before the wedding and after an official run-through of the ceremony has been completed. The purpose of this jamboree is to thank family and friends for their support; also to allow both families to become more acquainted (prior to the wedding) additionally this is a good time to distribute gifts to your wedding attendants.
Now listen up cause this is where the fun begins. During dinner attendants may want to offer toasts to you and your bride-to-be, with all the love and bubbly flowing, be sure to open the floor to the host (or hosts), the father of the groom, father of the bride and other guests who would like to share their sentiments in your honor.
*A word to the wise, graciously allow guests to offer up well wishes and blessing without letting the night go on endlessly.
And since we are sharing wisdom: It would be sensible to enlist the advice of your bride-to-be and future mother-in-law on the particulars of this soiree. They can help make sure that the themes are uniform across the board, translation; Hawaiian luau rehearsal dinner goes well with a beach themed wedding - though the rehearsal dinner should never outshine the wedding of course.
Taking your rehearsal dinner to the next level:
Consider an outdoor barbecue. Set up several grills with a variety of choices. A few picnic tables and a lemonade stations cold be cool, (especially if you spike the lemonade)!
Invite your wedding attendants to a professional league game. Purchase group tickets in advance to save on time and money. This would be a great way to "take them out to the ball game", buy them some peanuts and cracker-jacks...well you know the rest!
Shake things up a little and host a clam bake or fish fry. Who doesn't enjoy fresh lobsters, clams and coleslaw after a long day of wedding day logistics? This is sure to be a crowd pleasure!
Nevertheless Dude, this shindig should be a time to relax and unwind before the big day, so don't stress about the rehearsal dinner! The flexibly in planning weddings and wedding events has grown more and more trendy these days and tailoring this bash to your taste is the name of the game!
