b"0-3 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 whatQUESTIONS TO ASKEveryone involved in the ceremony shouldkind of party the host envisions. Most commonly,Ceremony Venue: attend the rehearsal, including bridesmaids,rehearsal dinners are held at local restaurants.1. What time will the rehearsalgroomsmen, parents, flower girl and ring bearer,However, you can use a banquet hall or yourbegin?officiant, readers, and musicians. Its consideratereception venue as well. 2. How long will the rehearsalto invite the spouse or significant other of eachWhat takes place at the rehearsal dinner? take?attendant to the rehearsal dinner.Traditionally, the best man offers a toast to the3. Who should come to theRegarding the dinner, the guest list can be assoon-to-be spouses. The groom then followsrehearsal? simple as including your immediate family,with a toast to his bride and her parents. YouRehearsal Dinner Venue: the wedding party, and their significant others,should make sure that all guests are introduced1. How many can you seat? although its becoming more popular to make it ato one another, either by formal introductions 2. Do you have a special larger event for out-of-town guests. If you prefer an intimate gathering, but dont want to excludeor through mingling. A special touch would bemenu?other guests, consider hosting the rehearsalto introduce your wedding party and say some-3. How many servers will youdinner two nights before the wedding day andthing personal about each one, like how you metprovide?having a welcome party for out-of-town guestsor why you asked them to be in your wedding. 4. Can you accommodatethe night before the wedding. If youd rather have a more relaxed and casualspecial dietary needs? atmosphere with no formal speeches, thats okay 5. Is there a bar?Where should we hold the dinner? too! The rehearsal dinner is a great time to relax 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 4 REHEARSAL|0-3 MONTHS UNTIL I DO|TODAYS BRIDE 179"