Rehearsal Dinners

You are probably saying, "Why is she talking to me about a rehearsal dinner, when I have so many other things to think about!!" Correct, but in the forefront of stating who will be responsible for what and number of guests to invite, there are some quirky concerns as you work on your budget and speak with your future in-laws. So lets consider them and you can add your questions or ideas right here on the Blog. 1. Financial and Planning Responsibility for the Rehearsal Dinner has historically fallen on the family of the groom. Leaving those concerns out of the bride and groom's worry area. It is vital to communicate in early planning WHO will be responsible for this event.  It is also vital the couple communicate the number of guests to the host of the rehearsal dinner - so they may look for a site. Also, we are seeing some changes in this area as many couples are paying for their weddings and take on this in their scope of planning. 2. The guest list has historically been just the immediate wedding party (groomsmen, bridesmaid, officiant, parents and siblings of each side and the coordinator plus their one guest).  We do see changes in the destination wedding group as they ask many of those who traveled in early for the wedding to join them at the rehearsal dinner. This can get pricey and should be discussed completely with the host/hostess of the dinner. 3. Reason to set the number of guests is because some restaurants do not have room for a larger group than anticipated.  Many rehearsals fall on Friday nights and it is a task to gain a restaurant that wants to serve a group. Friday is one of their best commercial nights. If the final number is less, that is so much better than more.   Crab Feeds and Beach Parties Are Fun  4. Even tho there are children in the wedding, remember a babysitter is an asset as they will be a happier child/children on the wedding day if they go to bed on time.   5. Some times the groom's family cannot afford to pick up the tab on an entire rehearsal dinner.  They may be able to provide a portion and require support from the couple. This is a time where we bring understanding to a situation. Also, couples deal sometimes with the rehearsal dinner being more grand than the wedding day celebration.  Again flexibility is needed and open discussion is necessary. Awesome Picnic Areas You Can Reserve 6. Consider some different ideas for Rehearsal Dinners. Evening picnics in parks or beach parties with games  Art Gallery, Museum or Aquarium dining with a caterer to serve Roof Garden Restaurants overlooking a city Out on the bay in one of the exciting tour ships Backyard swim party Pizza Parlor (at a favorite) Wine country - cave dining or picnic ground use Hotel where most of the out-of-town guests are staying If you have rented a house or a condo in the wedding area, plan the dinner there. Caterers, chefs or potlucks work well, as do pizza take home and salads. A Historic Restaurant In Your Area You will find hundreds of ideas for pre-wedding parties and rehearsal dinners or your date nights on www.WeddingLinks.com.  Photos by JR Moore

2015 Wedding Trends and TIPs On Best Ways To Utilize Them

We are seeing so many creative ideas from brides who want to save money on their wedding planning. Some work out very well and then they become a TREND while other ideas can be luke warm in the affects they have on a wedding day.  Join us on the Blog, we value your insight and input.

1. Having a Friend or Relative marry you. This has backfired for many a bride. We have seen the officiant faint, get sick, not say nice things, be silly or rude and forget to fill out the proper paper work to make it official - leaving couples un-married legally. There are non-denominational officiants, religious clergy, retired clergy, judges and men and women who are trained in creating personalized wedding services for couples at a modest price....best of all you will be legally married with the documents to prove it.

Photo by, DUphotography.com

2. Doing your own wedding flowers. This can work very well if you have refrigeration to store a few days ahead, but lets face facts, our hands and finger nails really take a beating when working with table centerpieces, aisle decor and gazebo flowers and creating bouquets and corsages. Our hands and nails need to look nice with our gowns and for our photos.

3. Deciding to NOT hold a rehearsal prior to the wedding has seen increasing popularity. The friskiness of the wedding party and management of the wedding day can be smoothed out at a rehearsal of one hour or hour and a half. It has been proven statistically and through bridal surveys......That...Involved People feel less insecure on what they should do, and the bride and groom will sleep better the night before the wedding. It truly lowers your wedding stress.

4. Lack of ....Day-Of Management of a wedding can create higher bills by your event running overtime for your site and wedding services. Couples experience hassles - as people ask the bride and groom excess questions and sometimes accelerate arguments over settling bills properly at the event. You will find a FREE wedding planning e-book on WeddingLinks.co with all your wedding management tools
and our newly release "Best Style Wedding & Honeymoon e-Magazine.

There are many methods to cut costs. If you did not receive your Money Saving Tips when you signed up at a bridal show or at our contest area, then e-mail Nancy@weddinglinks.com and ask for this four pages of Money Saving IDEAS.

Join Judith Rivers-Moore on FaceBook and on the Brides Blog on WeddingLinks.com