Are you recently engaged and beginning to plan your dream wedding? Are you unsure if you should have a rehearsal dinner or not? While it may seem daunting to plan all of the nitty gritty details, I’ve teamed up with Arnela Salihovic, the owner of Fête by Arnela in Kentucky, to answer bride’s most-asked questions and give tips to make sure you’re confident and prepared for your rehearsal dinner! 

What should you do at a rehearsal/ rehearsal dinner?

First, you will go to the rehearsal and then the rehearsal dinner. At a rehearsal, you should practice the ceremony ideally at the actual location of the ceremony. This will ensure that everyone feels comfortable with the events of the ceremony and the timing of walking, standing, etc. At the rehearsal dinner, you should eat and enjoy this special time with all your immediate family and friends! More personal toasts from family and friends are also traditionally given at the rehearsal dinner. 

*Bonus tip: Try to rehearse at the same time your actual ceremony will be held! That way you know the lighting if your ceremony is outdoors and can adjust accordingly.

WhO SHOULD BE INVITED TO THE REHEARSAL/REHEARSAL DINNER?

You should always invite everyone who is participating in the ceremony – bridal party, officiant, immediate family, ushers, and ceremony readers. If possible the musician or DJ should also be invited in order to rehearse with the ceremony music. It is also very common but not necessary to invite all out of town guests.

WhO HOSTS THE REHEARSAL/REHEARSAL DINNER?

Traditionally the groom’s family hosts the rehearsal and rehearsal dinner. However, it is becoming much more common for the couple and/or both families to host.

SHOULD YOU HAVE YOUR PLANNER/COORDINATOR AT THE REHEARSAL/REHEARSAL DINNER?

The coordinator MUST be at the rehearsal. The coordinator is the one who will lead the rehearsal and give all the cues.

HAVE YOU SEEN ANY UNIQUE REHEARSAL DINNER DESIGNS?

I love when the decor for a rehearsal dinner is a completely different vibe than the actual wedding. It’s such a fun way to incorporate different styles of the couple!

Fête by Arnela is an event production company specializing in luxe event + floral design, coordination, and rentals. Visit Fête by Arnela at 6318 Taz Court Warehouse 2 Bowling Green, KY 42104 or head to their website for more information!

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