Although not it's not always done, a wedding rehearsal dinner is traditionally part of any wedding.
It used to take place the day before your wedding, but as with many traditions, things change and evolve.
Now days, it is often celebrated with two separate events: the practice one and the actual meal.
This is the perfect time for everyone to get familiar with what can be expected come your wedding day, so most officiants prefer that you have one.
The bride and groom, the wedding party, and the parents are the core of who usually attends the wedding rehearsal dinner.
You will all be clued in as to what will happen on the official wedding day.
You'll know exactly where to be and where to go so when the day gets here, you don't have that added stress of worrying about doing something right.
That's why it's ideal to be able to have your wedding rehearsal dinner at your chosen wedding venue.
However, that isn't always possible.
Once the actual rehearsal is finished, everyone usually gathers for a less formal dinner.
This is often the first time that some of the people are able to chat and get to know each other, such as the parents of the bride and groom.
It should be a relaxed setting where everyone's attention is primarily on the bride and groom.
This is also a time when everyone who wants to make toasts to the bride and groom do so.
As mentioned before, traditions change.
At one time it was the parents who paid for the wedding rehearsal and wedding rehearsal dinner.
Today it could be anyone.
Immediate family and any of their spouses or children are normally invited.
You don't have to go all out on invitations for this event, though.
Save that for your actual wedding invitations.
Simply let everyone know about the wedding rehearsal dinner and when and where to be (usually right before the wedding, like the day before).
There is no set place or atmosphere for the dinner.
Whatever you prefer will do just fine.
It could be an elegant set up at someone's house or a backyard BBQ.
Just keep in mind that whatever you choose should offer a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere for those who are attending.