After the wedding rehearsal, it is customary for all participating parties to go out for a rehearsal dinner.  This is normally paid for by the groom’s parents.  Those who should attend include the bride and groom, both sets of parents, immediate families, attendants and their spouses, child attendants and their parents, the officiant and his spouse.  You may also invite grandparents and other close relatives.  Formal invitations are not necessary, but if you prefer them, they should be sent by the groom’s parents since they are the hosts.  In most cases, however, a phone call is sufficient. 

It may be a good idea to make up simple maps with directions from the church to the rehearsal dinner location.  These can be handed out after the wedding rehearsal and will be quite helpful if anyone gets lost on the way to the dinner.  Be sure reservations are made well in advance of the dinner.  For larger parties, you may want to rent out an entire room of a restaurant. 

If cost is an issue for the groom’s parents, you may consider asking if the church does any catering for rehearsal dinners and their prices.  The church in which my daughter was married, not only cooked a wonderful meal for everyone, but they also had the teenagers in the church serve the meal.  The price was much less expensive than a restaurant and the atmosphere was warm and casual. 

The rehearsal dinner is also the time many couples present their attendants with their bridesmaid and groomsmen gifts. 

Normally the evening before the wedding, it is customary to have a ‘run-through’ of the actual wedding ceremony so everyone will know what their jobs are.   This will go a long way to cut down on wedding day jitters, and if small children are involved, it is an absolute must.  

The rehearsal should be held at the site where the wedding will take place if at all possible and typically should last around 30 - 45 minutes.  The officiant will normally go over the order of events for the ceremony, including music and solos, videos (if applicable), unity candle, the marriage charge, and vows.  The attendants will be told any special instructions such as where to stand.  The Maid of Honor and the Best Man will also be informed of their special duties during the ceremony, such as handling the wedding rings, the bride’s bouquet and the bridal train.  

The rehearsal is also a good time to judge whether a young flower girl or ring bearer will be able to stand with the wedding party the entire time or if they should  sit with an adult during the ceremony.  Chances are if they become too fidgety during the rehearsal, the actual ceremony will be a real challenge.