Traditionally hosted by the groom's parents, those invited should include the immediate family of the bride and groom, your clergyperson and his or her spouse or special guest and your complete wedding party and their spouses or guests. If you have special friends from out of town who have already arrived, they should be invited to join the party.

Since this will probably be the first time many of your guests will have met, it can be helpful to include place cards. "Betty's Aunt Milly", "Bob's Uncle Clarence" or "Maid of Honor, Barbara Jones", help break the ice. Plan your seating so that your guests enjoy the company of those with whom they are seated, and will also get to meet new people.

The bridal couple and their immediate family generally sit together at the front or focal table. The wedding party can be seated with the bridal couple and their families or seated among your other family members and special guests.

The rehearsal dinner is traditionally the time for the groom's father to make his formal toast to the couple. It's also an excellent time for the couple to give attendants their gifts, especially the gifts that are to be worn by the wedding party in the wedding ceremony.

The rehearsal dinner is a joyous, relaxed time for friends and families to meet, get to know one another and enjoy each other's company.