Your Rehearsal Dinner and Morning After the Wedding Brunch

There are many events associated with a wedding beyond the ceremony and reception. The rehearsal dinner and morning after brunch are two examples of these events. Here are some details surrounding the planning of these events.

Rehearsal Dinner

What is a rehearsal dinner?
A rehearsal dinner is a meal that takes place after the wedding rehearsal. It takes place prior to the actual wedding, usually the night before. It's a a chance for the bride and groom to thank everyone involved in the wedding. It's also a nice time for the wedding party and families to get to know each other. 

What if you aren't have a ceremony rehearsal?
You can still have a rehearsal dinner to just meet and get together with family and friends before the wedding day.

Who hosts the rehearsal dinner?
Traditionally the groom's parents host the rehearsal dinner. However, if this is not the case, many couples include this in their wedding budget and host it themselves. 

Who is invited?
The guest list is really up to you. All people involved in the ceremony should be invited. This includes your immediate families, the wedding party: bridesmaids and groomsmen (and spouses/significant others), flower girls and ring bearers (and their parents), and anyone else participating in the ceremony (readers, officiant, etc). If your budget permits, some brides and grooms like to include all out of town guests.

What kind of invitation is sent?
Typically a written invitation is sent to guests about four weeks prior to the event. It does not have to be anything fancy, just something to inform guests of the rehearsal dinner. Never include the rehearsal invitation with the wedding invitation. These are two separate events!
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Morning After the Wedding Brunch

What is a morning after brunch?
A morning after brunch, also referred to as a farewell brunch/post wedding brunch, is a great way for the newlyweds and guests to say goodbye and wind down the festivities from the previous day. 

Who hosts the morning after brunch?
Traditionally, the bride's parents host the morning after brunch. However, some couples like to host the brunch as a thank you to their parents and guests. 

Who is invited?
Traditionally, the immediate family and wedding parties are invited. Some may choose to only invite those staying at the hotel overnight or close family members/bridal party. However, everyone who was invited to the wedding can be invited to the brunch. Just be sure to be discreet when extending invitations if everyone is not invited.

What kind of invitation is sent?
A formal invitation is not needed for the morning after brunch. It depends on how formal or casual the brunch is going to be. Usually a note is included with the formal invitation if everyone is invited. Invitations can be spread by word of mouth or email if it is a casual brunch.

Where is the brunch held? 
It's up to you! Usually, the brunch is held near the location of the wedding or hotel that the guests are staying. Depending on the guest list, you can have the brunch at the host's home or a local restaurant.
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-Nicole

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