When planning a wedding , it often happens that all attention is devoted to the big day, but the night before the wedding will also be remembered. A get-to-know-you night for wedding guests can be a warm introduction to the wedding day. There is joyous excitement about the upcoming special day and all kinds of thoughts and excitement take over, as is usual on the eve of big life events. What better way to spend this evening than in the circle of the closest people, sharing emotions, gratitude and discussing the upcoming event.

Rehearsal dinner or "do you really have to try dinner?"

Rehearsal dinner or “rehearsal dinner” is a social event the night before the wedding, which is traditionally held in the United States, but such a dinner is not uncommon in Europe as well. In order not to get lost in translation, it should be explained that in America, couples tend to rehearse the wedding ceremony the day before, and this rehearsal is followed by a dinner with a small group of guests. Therefore, the rehearsal dinner is rather not a dinner rehearsal, but a dinner after the ceremony rehearsal.

Although it could not be called an old and established wedding tradition, it has become an ongoing trend that emerged in the middle of the last century, as the wedding industry developed and weddings became a grand and carefully planned event. There was a need to discuss the last details of the scenario the night before the wedding, to discuss the roles of the wedding guests, as well as to simply spend time with your loved ones, as an increasing number of guests were invited to the wedding. However, it doesn't take a grand American wedding to consider the idea of ​​a small pre-wedding reception.

Introducing and welcoming wedding guests

the purpose of this dinner is to show hospitality, to introduce the guests to each other and to express our gratitude to them. The dinner is organized and the guests are invited by the couple, they are usually the closest relatives and friends, as well as those who were most directly involved in wedding planning and helped in the organization, provided their support. It is a great opportunity for the closest people of the bride and groom to get to know each other, as well as to meet those who only know each other from a distance, so that the wedding day will have a more cohesive atmosphere from the very beginning. It happens that the guests of first meet at the solemn ceremony, but for most of the day all attention is focused on the couple, and the evening has already come, when the guests have the opportunity to get to know each other and talk in an informal atmosphere. Therefore, getting to know the wedding guests early on helps to "break the ice" and establish friendly relations between the guests.

If guests from abroad come to the wedding, they most likely arrive on time, at least a day before, in which case the introductory dinner is also an opportunity to warmly welcome and receive the guests who have traveled a long way. In this way, getting to know each other can be combined with a kind of welcome party. The wedding day for the bride and groom will be emotional and overflowing with impressions, and it may not be possible to devote so much attention to each of the guests individually. A special welcome to guests who have not met for a long time and who have come from afar the night before will make them feel really important and welcome.

Thanking the wedding guests

The pre-wedding dinner is also held by the couple with the intention of saying thank you and presenting gifts to wedding guests and family members who especially helped and supported during the process of organizing the wedding . Thanking your loved ones the night before the wedding allows you to do it slowly and thoughtfully, devoting more attention to your loved ones. Of course, it is not necessary for the couple to give gifts to their loved ones the night before the wedding, but it can be considered, especially if you are planning a large wedding with many guests and a busy evening program, during which you may not be able to devote so much time to show your gratitude. Also, when giving gifts to guests before the wedding, the couple can include something in their gifts that will be useful for them on the wedding day, for example, some beautiful accessories or jewelry, kept in the style of the wedding.

On the other hand, guests do not have to come to this dinner with gifts, it is better to save them for the wedding day, the scenario of which will include a moment to welcome the new couple.

End the party on time

Although a night of getting to know each other before the wedding is usually held in an informal and relaxed atmosphere, there is certain etiquette that should be observed. Mainly, it's about not leaving dinner too long, allowing the couple to leave in time to spend time together, prepare for the wedding day and, most importantly, get some sleep. Also, the guests should end the evening in time so that they arrive at the festive event rested and ready to energetically participate in the celebration. Therefore, all kinds of non-alcoholic drinks, such as mocktails, will be perfect for the pre-wedding dinner.

A special evening not only for guests

A wedding and the process of organizing it would be unthinkable without the involvement of those around you, but at the same time, this event is the rare occasion when you occasionally allow yourself to forget about everything and everyone, focusing only on yourself and your loved one. A social dinner is a good way to spend the last night as a single person, but don't be afraid to leave the guests and go enjoy the evening as a couple, enjoying all the wonderful and exciting emotions that accompany the anticipation of the wedding day.

Author of the article: RENĀTE BERGA

Photo: JACK HENRY PHOTO