The wedding ceremony is special and meaningful to the bride and groom as this is where they exchange their vows of loving each other for the rest of their lives. The reception should be treated as special as well, since this is the part where the newlywed couple would celebrate with the guests.

If you are planning for your wedding reception, refer to this checklist as your guide:

Venue

• Should be somewhere near the ceremony site ___
• Rental fee and overtime charges must be within the budget ___
• Reasonable refund policy in the event of postponement/cancellation ___
• Allows time for decoration ___
• Can accommodate the number of guests ___
• Restroom facilities must be clean ___
• Secure and has available room for kids ___

Food and Drink

• Wedding cake ___
• Meal options (seated dinner or dessert only) ___
• Payment method ___
• Date for tasting menu ___
• Availability of wine and other beverages ___
• Open bar or Cocktail service ___

Basic Rentals

• China ___
• Glassware ___
• Linens ___
• Heaters/air conditioners ___
• Bar equipment ___
• Tables and chairs ___

Miscellaneous

• Florist ___
• DJ and musicians ___
• Food for the band ___
• Photographer/Videographer ___
• Cake knife ___
• Guest book ___
• Seat plan ___
• Decors ___

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The rehearsal dinner is an opportunity for the wedding couple’s family and the members of the wedding party to socialize just before the big day. It is usually held the day before the wedding, right after the wedding rehearsal. It is also the best time to go over and clarify last minute details regarding the wedding.

While wedding rehearsal dinner etiquette is not set in stone to allow a few adjustments, there are some practices that are best to follow.

The Guest List

Preferably, aside from the immediate family of the couple, the guest list should only include the people who are required to be in the wedding rehearsal. As a courtesy, the officiating person is also invited, but he may choose not to attend, especially if he is not particularly close to the couple.

Formality

Many couples choose a more casual rehearsal dinner. But in general, rehearsal dinners can either be formal or informal. Couples who opt for a casual rehearsal dinner decide so because they are “reserving” the formality for the next day.

The Menu

Rehearsal dinner menus are not as elaborate as the wedding menu. A casual fare of pizza and pasta or barbeque and sandwiches is the common choice although for a formal gathering, a catered dinner is more appropriate. Serving alcohol is generally moderated, if not avoided, to keep the guests from feeling the effects the following day, at the wedding.

Gifts

While some guests may drop off their gifts for the couple, it is best, however, to have the couple take the opportunity to give gifts themselves. Many couples take this moment to present thoughtful gifts to their parents and the wedding attendants. This is to express the couple’s gratitude for their involvement in the wedding preparation.

The groom and his family are usually the ones in charge of the dinner but there are couples who prefer to arrange the event themselves while others opt to split the burden with their parents.

In conclusion, wedding rehearsal dinner etiquette is less strict that the etiquette for the wedding. But it is important to have proper guidelines to help everyone, especially the couple, enjoy the occasion.

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Have you been to many weddings? If you’ve been invited to witness wedding ceremonies as much as I’ve been, chances are that you’ve also noticed how all the grooms looked the same. They’re all wearing a tuxedo!

Not that I have anything against tux, but if I can help it, I’d prefer that grooms wear something else. For a change. If you are a groom looking for an alternative groom attire, good for you.

You see, one of the disadvantages of wearing a tux is that after the wedding, you’ll find out that there aren’t really any other occasion where you can wear your tux again, unlike a black suit – unless, of course, you’re James Bond.

A nice formal suit and tie is a great alternative attire for the groom especially if you want something that you could wear again. Make it a point to match the tie color with the overall theme of the wedding.

For a semi-formal wedding, a formal suit jacket paired with dark trousers is a great idea. This is also perfect if the ceremony is during the daytime. Have a white shirt under that jacket and you are good to go.

Whatever alternative groom attire you prefer, keep in mind that it’s the theme of the wedding that dictates what’s the best attire for the groom. Still, if you can work your way around it, nix that tux.

Technorati Tags: alternative attire, Groom, Tuxedo