Weddings can be complex. Each element has its own procedures and traditions. Planning a wedding is often a full time affair. Even rehearsal dinner etiquette can be rigorous. But if the rules are understood, there's no reason for it to be anything but an enjoyable element of an overall enjoyable wedding experience.

The rehearsal dinner is often hosted by the groom's parents. They plan it and organize. Some couples hold this task for themselves as their way of thanking the wedding party, but should always be careful to console the groom's parents with this news. If the groom's parents insist, let them do it. Why take on more work when letting others manage it makes them happier?

Plan the dinner for the night prior to the wedding day. This ensures that all the guests and family are in town, available to attend. Don't hold it a long time before the wedding. That makes it harder for people to attend. There's no reason to make a wedding hard on anyone . Happy guests make for a better wedding.

Make sure to invite the immediate relatives on both sides of the wedding. The entire bridal party, each with a guest, should also be asked to attend along with any other friends and family the bride and groom would like to have at the dinner. Make sure to invite the priest or minister or person who administers the vows. Don't be too hasty when it comes to planning the invites. Maybe uncle Albert is a little rude, but is it worth a lifetime of bad blood to exclude him?

Include a social time before the dinner so people can relax and talk. Be aware of the pressure people face at a wedding, so lighten the mood. Don't make the dinner too far out of line with the overall wedding budget. If it's a million dollar wedding then the rehearsal dinner should reflect this. Make the dinner less involved when the wedding is simpler. Finally, make sure the dinner ends fairly early so people can be well rested for the next day's festivities.

Toasts are generally made to everyone involved in making the wedding a success. This includes both the bride's and groom's parents, and anyone else who has helped. This toast takes place after the main meal, delivered by the couple to be. The best man and maid of honor toasts are appropriate at the reception, not during the rehearsal dinner.

A good wedding can be better with a smooth rehearsal dinner. Don't ignore rehearsal dinner etiquette.