b"3-8 MONTHS REHEARSAL DENNIS CRIDER PHOTOGRAPHYPlanning your rehearsalWhen does the ceremonydinner options from the wedding mealsuch rehearsal and dinner take place? as offering steak or seafood if youre having an The ceremony rehearsal traditionally takes placeItalian menu at your receptionso guests can the day before the wedding. You can host thehave different experiences!meal prior to or after the ceremony rehearsal, Where you decide to have the rehearsal dinner or you can hold both on entirely different days.depends on the budget of whoever is throwing Who should we invite? it (traditionally the grooms parents), and what Everyone involved in the ceremony shouldkind of party the host envisions. Most commonly,QUESTIONS TO ASKattend the rehearsal, including bridesmaids,rehearsal dinners are held at local restaurants.Ceremony Venue: groomsmen, parents, flower girl and ring bearer,However, you can use a banquet hall or yourWhat time will the rehearsalofficiant, readers, and musicians. Its consideratereception venue as well. begin?to invite the spouse or significant other of eachWhat takes place at the rehearsal dinner? How long will the rehearsalattendant to the rehearsal dinner.Traditionally, the best man offers a toast to thetake?Regarding the dinner, the guest list can be assoon-to-be spouses. The groom then followsWho should attend thesimple as including your immediate family,with a toast to his bride and her parents. Yourehearsal? the wedding party, and their significant others,should make sure that all guests are introduced although its becoming more popular to make it aRehearsal Dinner Venue: to one another, either by formal introductionsHow many can you seat? larger event for out-of-town guests. If you preferor through mingling. A special touch would be an intimate gathering, but dont want to excludeDo you have a special menu?to introduce your wedding party and say some-thing personal about each one, like how you met other guests, consider hosting the rehearsalHow many servers will you dinner two nights before the wedding day andor why you asked them to be in your wedding.provide?having a welcome party for out-of-town guestsIf youd rather have a more relaxed and casualCan you accommodate spe- the night before the wedding. atmosphere with no formal speeches, thats okaycial dietary needs? Where should we hold the dinner? too! The rehearsal dinner is a great time to relaxIs there a bar? The rehearsal dinner should be held near thewith your family and friends without worrying Don't forget to ask the general ceremony site. Its considerate and fun to vary thetoo much about tradition. questions on page 4REHEARSAL|3-8 MONTHS UNTIL I DO|TODAYS BRIDE 171"