Who pays for the rehearsal dinner?

Tradition dictates that the groom's family pays for the full cost of the rehearsal dinner, even though the bride's family and friends attend the event as well. That includes food, drink, venue fees, entertainment, and transportation. Often the groom's family cherishes this responsibility.


Is it rude to make guests pay for rehearsal dinner?

It's not really appropriate to ask guests to pay for the rehearsal dinner, the reason being that the wedding party is required to attend the rehearsal; it is not an optional event that they can bow out of if they cannot afford the dinner. For this reason, you really can't expect them to pay for their own meal.

What is the groom's family supposed to pay for?

What Does the Groom's Family Pay For, Traditionally? The groom's family is responsible for corsages and boutonnieres for immediate members of both families, the lodging of the groom's attendants (if you have offered to help pay for this expense), and sometimes the costs of the rehearsal dinner.


Who is paid for at a rehearsal dinner?

Both the groom's parents traditionally organize (and pay for) the rehearsal dinner. This can range in size from a small occasion for members of the wedding party only to a grand soiree (never to outdo the wedding, of course) that includes half or more of the wedding guests.

What do the bride's parents pay for?

The Bride's Family

Think everything from invitations and stationery (with the exception of rehearsal dinner invites) to accommodations for bridesmaids. Also included are obvious things like the wedding dress, accessories, and hair and makeup.


Wedding Rehearsal Dinners: Everything You Need to Know



What should the mother of the groom not do?

Here are a few things a mother-of-the-groom shouldn't do.
  • Don't overshadow the bride's mother. ...
  • Don't act (or dress) like a bridesmaid. ...
  • Don't get too critical. ...
  • Don't steal the bride's spotlight with your mother-of-the-groom outfit. ...
  • Don't try to invite extra guests. ...
  • Don't skip the pre-wedding events.


Does the groom's family pay for alcohol?

Tradition dictates that the groom's family pays for the full cost of the rehearsal dinner, even though the bride's family and friends attend the event as well. That includes food, drink, venue fees, entertainment, and transportation. Often the groom's family cherishes this responsibility.

Is it mandatory to have a rehearsal dinner?

No, having a rehearsal dinner is not mandatory. Some may not agree, but the majority will say it is up to the bride and groom to decide. Like with all things related to your special day, it is ultimately up to you!


What is the protocol for a rehearsal dinner?

According to tradition, the wedding party (bridesmaids and groomsmen), the couple's immediate family and anyone else participating in the ceremony—such as the officiant, flower girl and ring bearer—are invited to the rehearsal dinner, along with their partners and plus-ones, Davies says.

Who walks down the groom's mom?

As the wedding begins, the groom's mother will be escorted down the aisle, to the first pew, right-hand side, by the head usher or a groomsman who is a family member. A nice touch includes the groom escorting his mother down the aisle. As the groom's mother is escorted to her seat, her husband will follow along behind.

What groom's parents are responsible for?

Traditionally, the groom's parents are the ones to plan and host the rehearsal dinner. They are usually also responsible for hosting any other welcome parties for the rest of the guests. They may want to utilize the couple's wedding planner to help with the event, or they can choose to plan it all on their own.


Does groom's father speak at rehearsal dinner?

According to tradition, the mother and father of the groom give a speech during the rehearsal dinner. This is because traditionally the groom's parents hosted the rehearsal dinner while the bride's parents hosting the wedding.

How much money do you give your son for his wedding?

THE ETIQUETTE

She offers these guidelines to wedding-goers wherever they might be: A distant relative or co-worker should give $75-$100; a friend or relative, $100-$125; a closer relative, up to $150.

Do and don'ts for rehearsal dinner?

Proper Wedding Rehearsal Dinner Etiquette: 8 Do's & Don'ts
  • Don't: Overspend on the Rehearsal Dinner. ...
  • Do: Invite the Right People to the Rehearsal Dinner. ...
  • Don't: Forget to Tell Guests the Dress Code. ...
  • Do: Include Speeches and Toasts. ...
  • Don't: Forget to Accommodate Kids at the Event. ...
  • Do: Be Flexible with Out-of-Town Guests.


Do out-of-town guests attend the rehearsal dinner?

Out-of-Town Guests

For guests that are traveling for your big day, it's a nice token to extend a rehearsal dinner invitation. They're taking on the expense of time and money to celebrate you, so including them in your pre-wedding celebrations is often customary.

Do you give parents gifts at rehearsal dinner?

While it's quite common for the bride and groom to bring gifts to the rehearsal dinner (which they'll distribute to their parents and their wedding party), it's unusual to see guests arrive with a gift in hand, as well.

How long is a rehearsal dinner usually?

Two to three hours is a typical length for a rehearsal dinner. You can budget about 30 minutes for people to arrive and get settled, 60 to 90 minutes to eat, and another 30 minutes for speeches, gift-giving, or anything else on your agenda.


How long is a typical rehearsal dinner?

The dinner takes place immediately after the rehearsal, usually around 7 p.m. For a Sunday or holiday wedding, you have more options, and some couples decide to hold the rehearsal dinner two nights before the wedding so that everyone has more time to relax and recuperate before the big day.

Who toasts at rehearsal dinner?

Who Gives a Rehearsal Dinner Toast? The host of the rehearsal dinner (traditionally the father of the groom in a heterosexual couple) gives the first speech. This person is followed by members of the wedding party that won't be speaking at the reception (typically anyone other than the maid of honor and the best man).

Do parents pay for alcohol at rehearsal dinner?

Does groom's family pay for alcohol? Tradition dictates that the groom's family pays for the full cost of the rehearsal dinner, even though the bride's family and friends attend the event as well. That includes food, drink, venue fees, entertainment, and transportation.


Do you dress up for wedding rehearsal?

Unless you've been specifically told otherwise, assume a wedding rehearsal is, at minimum, a business casual event. Dress slacks or khakis and a collared shirt (polo or button down) should be the least formal you dress.

Do you pay for yourself at a rehearsal dinner?

Many couples now choose to pay for their wedding rehearsal dinner themselves. Or they may ask both sets of parents to pitch in. However, there's no rule that says you can't let other family members host the dinner if they've requested the honor.

Who pays for the honeymoon in a wedding?

Traditionally, the groom's family paid for the honeymoon, but like every wedding, no two couples are alike — and neither are their families. The question of who pays for the honeymoon often depends on family relationships, traditions, and, of course, the couple's personal preference.


Do the groom's parents pay for the honeymoon?

Traditionally, the groom's parents pay for the entire cost of the honeymoon. Honeymoon costs include flights, hotels and fun vacation activities. Note: More modern couples are saving for their honeymoon together or requesting their wedding guests to pay for some parts of the honeymoon as a wedding gift.

How much money should the groom's parents give?

Parents of the bride and groom collectively contribute about $19,000 to the wedding, or about two-thirds of the total cost, according to WeddingWire. The bride's parents give an average $12,000, and the groom's, $7,000. Just 1 in 10 couples pays for the wedding entirely on their own, according to TheKnot.com.