What is it?What is it?A rehearsal dinner is typically an informal meal after a wedding rehearsal, which takes place the night before the actual wedding.

It's a chance for the wedding party to get to know each other better, and most importantly, it's a chance for the bride and groom to thank all the people who have helped them out with the wedding planning.

Who pays?Who pays?

Traditionally the groom's parents pay but nowadays you'll often see couples include the cost in their overall wedding planning budget.

Another scenario is for both parents to host it together.

Who plans it?Who plans it?

It is traditionally the realm of the groom's mother. Check in with your mother-in-law and see if she is willing and able to do so.

If she wants to, it's a good idea to let her – it gives her a role in the wedding and even if the rehearsal dinner is completely different from your taste, guests will presume that you didn't plan it.

The familiar tradition of a flower girl throwing rose petals as she passes down the aisle before the bride is a reminder of days gone by when the bride walked  to the church with her maids in waiting.

Leading the procession was always a young girl throwing flower petals along the lane, so the bride's path through life would be happy and laden with flowers.