About a month before the wedding, you should do some final checks to ensure that everything is organised and nothing has been forgotten. In particular, make sure that by now you've completed the arrangements for the flowers, and have arranged the hiring of the banquet hall and caterers.
When giving the numbers of guests to the caterers and to the organisers of the hall or location where the wedding banquet and celebration are to be held, it is always best to add a few more to the numbers just in case there is anyone that you may have forgotten, or some guests who originally had declined the invitation but decide at the last moment that they will be able to attend after all.
Also of vital importance to be sure you've got everything in place in time, the rings, limousine rental or choice of wedding car, selection of music and the hiring of the the video and stills photographers should be fully arranged by now. It is useful to go with the photographer to the church and the banquet hall or location where the wedding celebration will be held, so that the photographer can get an idea of the good places to take pictures from. This will allow you to discuss the intricate details with the photographer whilst you are "on location" before the actual wedding day.
Often couples decide to go through a complete wedding rehearsal , so this is an opportunity to get the stills and video photographers in on the rehearsal for a practise run.
It has become a popular idea to have a rehearsal dinner a few days before the wedding, or even on the day before the wedding. The purpose of the rehearsal dinner is for the bride and groom to thank all of those who have helped in the organisation of the wedding. This can be either a formal or informal affair and does not necessarily need to be anything lavish or over-the-top. Etiquette is much more loose than for the big day itself and you don't necessarily need to send out formal invitations - you can simply invite people by word of mouth, over the telephone for example.
A simple dinner, drinks and desert in a local restaurant will suffice for the rehearrsal dinner, or even a meal at the bride or groom's parents' house. All of the wedding party including bridesmaids, ring bearer, best man and matron of honour should be invited. A light speech to thank the attendees should be performed by the father of the groom, and then anyone else who wishes may give a toast or a brief speech.
If you are performing a wedding rehearsal, it is a good and logical idea to hold the rehearsal dinner at the end of that day. This way, everyone is already gathered together and in the proper wedding mood.
