Ever wonder what are the key elements to having the perfect wedding rehearsal dinner? How does that couple pull off the perfect dinner that goes seamlessly without any flaws? How do they seem to cool, calm and collected? How do they remember to breathe and smile amongst all the things that must be running through their mind? Here are some guidelines and tips that should help you plan your very own perfect wedding rehearsal dinner. Listen up and take notes!

What makes a great wedding rehearsal dinner?

Traditionally, the rehearsal dinner is a space where both families can get together and meet and mingle with one another. Introductions are made, speeches are given and the couple will usually take this time to show their gratitude.

When is it?

Most couples have their rehearsal dinner the night before the wedding (generally after the ceremony run-through), but you can choose to have yours whenever it suits you and your guests.

Who pays?

It's tradition for the groom's parents to pay for the rehearsal dinner. However, in today's day and age, tradition is usually the road less taken. Sometimes the bride and groom will cover the rehearsal dinner costs themselves, or they may even ask both sets of parents to cover the costs.

Who's invited?

The rehearsal dinner can be as small as you want or as large as you want. Usually, the people who are invited no matter how big or small the event are the immediate families, the wedding party, and the officiant and his/her spouse. However, many times it's common for couples to invite out-of-town guests and even spouses or significant others of the wedding party. Mainly the reason why out-of-town guests are invited, besides the fact that they traveled a long ways for your wedding, is to entertain them the night before your wedding and make sure they're not just stuck at their hotel bored to death. You can always figure out different options for your guests, such as meeting them afterwards, asking a friend to host them or recommending good locations for dinner. Whatever you do, make sure the dinner is within your budget and that everyone invited has a good time-after all, you are the host.

How formal should the rehearsal dinner be?

This again is up to you and your soon to be spouse. However, the key point is not to let the rehearsal dinner's formality exceed the formality of the actual wedding. Send out invitations after you've received the wedding RSVPs.

Where should the dinner be held?

With all the chaos of wedding planning, the chaos of the day before and assuming the chaos of the morning of, you should strive to keep the rehearsal dinner simple. Many people choose a restaurant with a private room, someone's house/backyard, or even somewhere as casual as a pizza parlor. Regardless of where it's held, the dinner should be somewhere people can mingle and have a good time. If most of your dinner guests are staying at the hotel, opt for a restaurant nearby so that transportation can be easily arranged.

Important moments not to miss:

• Toasts: Whoever is the host can welcome the guests with a formal (or not so formal) toast. The best man can also make a toast, along with anyone else who may have a few loving words to say. During this dinner, you and your fiance may want to take the time to make a little speech thanking your hosts and toasting to each other. The toasts on this night may be a little more casual and humorous than the ones at your wedding.
• Gifts: Your wedding party has dedicated time, effort, love and money to be a part of your crew so this is the perfect occasion to hand out a thank you gift for these special friends, especially if it's a gift you want them to wear or use at the wedding.
• Performances: If your wedding ceremony will be a little more traditional, this is a great place for secular performances to take place.
• Special Presentations: You may want to include a video or slideshow to share with your guests on how far you and your fiance have come since your first date. While the mood is light, who wouldn't want to laugh at some old photos of you two?