What is the point of a rehearsal dinner?

Question

sorry but i have never been to one

Answer 1

well, the actual ceremony rehearsal is so that everyone knows what to do during the actual wedding..  the dinner is b/c it is rude to ask people to come and do a favor for you and not feed them..  also, sometimes if the bride or groom's family is from out of town this may be the first opportunity for them to actually visit with their new inlaws..  and during the wedding most families will want to visit among themselves or with friends so this gives the new inlaws a chance to visit with each other..  during the rehearsal dinner is also often when the bride and groom thank their wedding party and families for all their help..

Answer 2

it's just tradition.

Answer 3

The rehearsal dinner is a chance to sit down and break bread with the wedding party as well as an opportunity to thank them for coming and celebrating a once in a lifetime event.  There are informal toasts made to the bride and groom and usually the family (parents) of the couple are in attendance.

One of my old college buddies is getting married on Saturday so I am actually scheduled to attend a rehearsal dinner tomorrow night!

Answer 4

A rehearsal dinner is usually held simply as a way to prevent total disaster at a wedding reception.  Keep in mind this though:  Nothing is one hundred percent; and things can always go wrong with the food, the service, and most of all the guests and participants (often because of nerves, stupidity, and human weakness, sometimes due to alcohol consumption).  Every minor detail, including the toasts of the best man and matron/maid of honor, is part of the rehearsal dinner; and things take place in a manner as close to what is intended to take place at the actual wedding reception, as possible.  Please note that it is customary only for close family and very close friends and of course the four main ones mentioned above to be part of the rehearsal dinner; and the same commonly takes place in a restaurant in a private room (rather than at the hall, etc. where the wedding reception takes place); but if the quality of the food is an issue, it will be held in the same location as where the wedding reception is to be held.

Answer 5

Couldn't have said it better myself:

"While a rehearsal dinner is not necessary, it is a good opportunity to get together with close friends and family members to thank them all for their participation and assistance during the planning of the wedding as well as their participation in the actual wedding itself. The rehearsal dinner gives the couple the chance to extend their thanks to everyone who has been involved with the wedding planning or who has simply supported them in their efforts.

The rehearsal dinner can also be the opportunity to relax and unwind before the wedding. The couple is able to put aside their concerns over their upcoming nuptials and enjoy the time with family and friends. The rehearsal dinner has become a common tradition in weddings but the couple is not obligated to host a rehearsal dinner if they choose not to do so.

The typical activities involved in a rehearsal dinner include meeting at the site of the ceremony to run through the logistics of the ceremony and then gathering at a particular location, a restaurant, catering hall or even a friend's house, to enjoy a meal together.

During the dinner the couple usually takes the opportunity to thank all their guests for their love and support and may choose to honor their wedding party with gifts at this time. There are also usually a series of informal toasts at the rehearsal dinner. The parents of the couple will also usually thank the guests and offer a toast to the couple. Any of the guests at the rehearsal dinner are also free to offer a toast or a few words of wisdom to the couple."

Answer 6

It's a tradition...The wedding party along with some friends and family get together rehearse for the wedding then eat, drink, hand out gifts. I think of it as a to spend some time with those you don't get to see too often before the big party when you'll be too busy.

Answer 7

I remember with my mom and step-dad, it was a chance to taste the dinner that would be served at the wedding. That was over 20 years ago though. Now it's purpose is to thank the wedding party and close relatives for coming and contributing to the wedding. It's also a chance to let loose in a less formal atmosphere than the wedding itself.

Answer 8

To show appreciation to the bridal party and maybe the family.

Answer 9

It was designed to make sure everyone made it to the rehearsal.  Grooms parents are generally responsible for making this event happen.  Brides family for the wedding. A sharing of responsiblitiy.  They have become less formal and more of just a time to get to know everyone in the wedding party because families are so spread out.

Answer 10

i am a wedding planner. rehearsal dinners are obviously the dinner you have after rehearsing the line up and other small details of the ceremony. you absolutely do not have to do a rehearsal dinner, but it is a nice gesture! it's a great time to tell your family and friends thank you for all their help and present your bridesmaids and groomsmen and other close people who have helped you a lot throughout the wedding planning with gifts or small tokens to show your gratitude! plus, they're kind of fun to have! :) i recommend them to my clients!

-and i have to add that they do not have to be anything fancy! at my wedding, we just had a bbq! it was easy, and we had fun and got a lot accomplished on rehearsing!