Wedding weekend traditions include having a wedding rehearsal and rehearsal dinner party thereafter.
This is the time wherein close family, other invited relatives and friends can casually meet before the big day and be able to interact with each other.
It is also the time wherein wedding party gifts are being given by the couple to their bridesmaids and groomsmen and at that time, petit fours are being served at the end of the meal to close the occasion.
It is called a rehearsal dinner party but it does not necessarily have to be held during dinner time.
It can be during brunch, a get together for lunch or an afternoon tea party.
Hosts of the Party It is usually the groom's parents who handle the plans for the rehearsal dinner and pays for it as well.
But with some families, it has been practiced that other relatives and sometimes friends do the party for the couple - and it is an acceptable norm.
Invited Guests to the Rehearsal Dinner The rehearsal dinner is usually a cherished and relaxed event wherein the bridal party and close kin see each other for the last time before the wedding.
Traditionally, the bridal party and their spouses or partners, siblings and parents of both bride and groom and the officiant are the attendees of the rehearsal dinner; the people who are included in the rehearsal and the wedding entourage.
But some families, who can afford it, include every member of their clan because this is the time to be intimate and calm - giving of wedding party gifts and words of wisdom - other than the wedding celebration itself.
The Best Place to have a Get Together It really depends upon the lifestyle and the choice of the family.
It can be a posh restaurant for a dinner celebration or for a smaller bridal party; it can be at home with some finger food, tea and petit fours served.
Uncommon but very nice is an afternoon picnic party at the park.
Some couples would like to invite extended family with kids and being kids, they won't be able to play inside fancy places.
Activities during the Party This is the "toasting" time.
The bridal party will give their thoughts and share blessings.
The parents will impart important messages for the couple about being married and how to stay married.
Other family members will share their words of encouragement and inspiration while some friends would make the toast a little bit comedic.
It's alright since this event is informal and easy going.
After everyone has given their piece of mind, the couple will then offer their thanks to everyone and give out their wedding party gifts.
Some make the event playful by doing some ice breaker games or the hosts can present an in-home movie video of the couple through-out the years - on a funny note.
Some wine drinking, champagne and petit fours are needed.
To end the night slowly, some have slow dances and then closing ceremonies.
Creativity on handling the event to make it more unique and special for the people involved, especially the couple is a breath of fresh air.
Modern twists have been applied on making the rehearsal dinner party a memorable one.
Note for the Couple If you have problems on what unique favors or wedding party gifts to give, there are lots of sources to which you can shop at online.
You can give personalized jewelry as wedding party gifts for your bridesmaids or maid of honor.
For groomsmen gifts, a personalized beer mug is nice.
Think about the gift as something which can be used for a long time by the people close to you.
Other popular choices include: personalized bath wraps and bath robes, initialed tote bags, engraved wine glasses and army knives, embroidered flip flops and monogrammed cufflinks.
For wedding favors, you can give your guests individual towel cakes with cards, personalized fortune cookie with custom message and engraved glass coasters.
Fans are also a favorite among wedding favors.
All of these are useful, practical and very into the wedding theme or scenario.