Rehearsal Dinner Checklist

Pre-Planning

• Plan to have the rehearsal dinner as close as possible to the actual weddingA day before is highly ;recommended.
• Plan to have the ;rehearsal ;first, then dinner;Business ;first, pleasure later! The dinner will allow guests to unwind, relax, and indulge in the delicious meal you've planned for them.
• Estimate number of guestsHow many people are in your bridal party? Are you inviting others to the dinner as well? Have an aproximate number to give the restaurant.
• Call the wedding venue or wedding planner to schedule the rehearsalEnsure the venue is available for the rehearsal, preferably the day before the wedding.

Research a Venue for the Dinner.

• ;Look for ;restaurants ;or venues close to the wedding venue itselfEnsure the venue can ;accommodate ;your party on the specified date.
• Compare at least 3 venues by price, menu options, location and atmosphere;Many restaurants offer great group rates for special parties, so be sure to ask for all the details.
• Go to the ;restaurant ;beforehand to taste the food, if you haven't done so alreadyIf you're using a planned menu, be sure to sample at least some of the items your guests will be served.
• Drinks, Desserts, and extrasIf you have a planned (Set) menu, typically desserts are included, but ask to be sure. Bringing your own cake or wine? Check with the venue first to confirm if this is allowed. If you plan on serving other alcoholic beverages with the meal, find out what drinks (if any) can be included.

1 Month - 2 Weeks before the Wedding

• Book the Dinner venueEnsure a seating plan, or at least get an idea of how the tables will be organized. Even if you can't all fit at one table, the arrangement should make everyone feel that they are together as part of the group.
• Give enough time for the rehearsalFor example, if your rehearsal begins at 6, you may want to make your reservation for 8. Allow enough time for unexpected delays.
• Finalize the meal optionsTake into consideration any diet restrictions your guests may have, such as shellfish or nut allergies.
• Send out invitations for the rehearsal dinner, or call those invited and confirm RSVP.
• Make a list of the general plan for the weddingThis includes the number and order of all those participating in the wedding.
• Go over the details with the wedding planner or event coordinatorCome up with a basic plan for entrance and exit, where your bridal party members will stand, and any other details that need to be addressed.

The Eve of Rehearsal

• Coordinate with guests to ensure everyone arrives at the wedding venue at the same time.
• Hand out maps or directions to both the wedding venue and the restaurant.
• Make adjustments for any missing guestsAsk someone to stand in. If someone can't make it to the rehearsal, make sure they know the plan on wedding day.
• Practice walking down and up the aisle (before and after the ceremony)How will your bridal party be standing? How should they exit? You, your wedding planner or venue coordinator should iron out the details and ;ensure ;everyone understands their respective roles.
• Help children learn their part.If you have flower girls or ring bearers,
• If any of your guests (including yourself) are wearing very high heels, bring these to practice walking down the aisle.
• During the dinner, be sure to interact with all your guestsEnsure everyone has enough to eat and drink, and refreshment requests are being fulfilled by the waitstaff.