What Happens at a Rehearsal Dinner?

Wedding rehearsals are an important necessity: Practicing getting down the aisle in order will make sure you're all on your A-game come wedding day.The other benefit? Rehearsals are followed by rehearsal dinners. This "party before the party" kicks off your wedding weekend. The most important part of a rehearsal dinner is the chance it offers for both of your families and your wedding party to spend a little more time together before your wedding day arrives.

Not sure exactly how the rehearsal dinner is broken down? Here are the essential moments at this wedding event.

Dinner

The first, of course, is to eat! Whether you're having dinner with just your immediate families or inviting the entire guest list for a pre-wedding feast, it wouldn't be a rehearsal dinner without, well, dinner.

Gifts

The rehearsal dinner is also a great time to distribute gifts to your wedding party and your parents if you aren't planning to do so on your wedding day. You'll be in a smaller crowd and a have little more time to hand out and open gifts.

Toasts

Usually, the hosts of the event will kick off toasts. Then, a spouse-to-be will toast their fiancé and their family. The couple could also stand up together and offer a more personal toast to their families and wedding party at this time.

Want to limit who is speaking on your actual wedding day? Cut down on mic time during your reception by scheduling some of the toasts during the rehearsal dinner, whether it's a free-for-all or a setlist of who is making a toast. For anyone who may want to present a roast instead of a toast, the rehearsal dinner is the more appropriate venue for some good-natured fun.

Dessert

Now, on to dessert. While you can serve anything that fits your fancy, traditionally, the groom's cake is served during the rehearsal dinner. Of course, you can serve it alongside the wedding cake on your wedding day, but every good party needs something sweet!