The dinner is traditionally given by the groom’s parents in a restaurant, hotel, private dining facility, or in their home. Catered 

dinners at home are wonderful because the caterer does all the work, including the 

dishes, and the sole duty of the parents is to be host and hostess.

Invitations are mailed or telephoned two weeks before the wedding and it is helpful to indicate the formality of dress. Invite all 

members of the wedding party with their spouses or special guests, and parents of young attendants. Include clergy and spouse and musicians, if they attend the rehearsal. 

The guest list can be expanded to include grandparents, honored guests or entire 

immediate families - whatever the hosts wish.

Special music will make the event even more elegant, so consider engaging an 

ensemble or pianist, harpist or perhaps an entertaining guitar duo. Generally the hotel 

or restaurant will be pleased to accommodate the entertainers.

Consider using place cards for seating arrangements so that the guests have a chance to mingle and get acquainted. It’s time for reminiscing, laughter, toasts and fun, but remember that tomorrow’s the most important day - so be a Cinderella and go home at a reasonable hour.