A dinner following the wedding rehearsal is not a necessity, but it is a lovely way to begin your wedding festivities and allows your attendants and families to relax and get acquainted.
It is traditionally hosted by the groom’s parents in a restaurant, hotel, private dining facility, or in their home. (Catered rehearsal dinners at home are wonderful; your caterer can furnish an experienced serving staff to do everything, including the dishes.) On this special occasion, the groom’s parents’ one role is host and hostess!
Invitations may be sent two weeks before the wedding, or a simple phone call informing the expected guests of the time, location, and perhaps formality of dress, would be appreciated. Invite all members of the wedding party, and their respective spouses or guests. The parents of the young attendants should also be invited. Include the clergy person and spouse, and musicians (if they attended the rehearsal). Don’t forget to count parents and the bride and groom! The guest list can be expanded to include grandparents, honored guests or entire families, as the groom’s parents wish. Special instrumental music will make this event even more elegant. Consider engaging a pianist, ensemble, harpist, or an entertaining guitar duo. Generally the hotel or restaurant you have chosen will be pleased to accommodate the space for special music unless your group will be in a main dining area where music is already provided.
Consider using placecards to ease seating arrangements, and decorating the dining area with flowers and candles. These lovely touches help everyone to relax and enjoy the party and set the tone for the festivities to come. It’s a perfect time to thank your attendants, parents and everyone involved in making your wedding come together.
The rehearsal dinner is a time for laughter, toasts, reminiscing and fun! However, in anticipation of the beautiful and busy day to follow, remember to end at a reasonable hour…
It is almost Good Friday and Easter weekend! We, here at The Wedding Guide, want to wish you and all of your family a very happy Easter however you choose to celebrate. We will be having fun being together with our family and that is our favorite way to spend any Holiday! 
Here are some Fun Wedding Facts for you... ALL BRIDES STAND TO THE LEFT! There used to be a good reason for the bride to stand at the altar at the left hand of the groom and on the way out of the church, to be on his left arm. It was not just a meaningless matter of etiquette. It enabled the groom to keep his right (and sword) hand free to defend his bride and himself from attack and capture by jealous rivals. BRIDAL PHOTOS: The first photograph of a bride was made in 1854 by a pair of ‘daguerreotypists’ named Southworth & Hawes. Have you selected your Daguerreotypist yet? THE TOAST: In days of yore, a piece of toasted bread was placed in the bottom of a wine goblet which was then passed to every guest. The last to receive it was the honored lady. She ate the wine soaked toast and received everyone’s compliments. The custom of sharing a drink then became known as a toast. The traditional toast to the newlyweds is “Health, Wealth and Happiness.” 
Have a wonderful Easter!
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