For brides and grooms following a traditional breakdown of wedding expenses, the rehearsal dinner is the responsibility of the groom's family. New accommodations, of course, allow the bride's parents, or a close friend or relative to accept the financial and planning responsibilities. Some people choose to hold the dinner in a restaurant or catering hall, with a sit-down affair. Besides the rehearsal which precedes it and the socializing that go on throughout the event, the rehearsal dinner is typically the time when the bride and groom present their attendants with little gifts, as tokens of their appreciation. Some couples also give a token of appreciation to their parents as a thank you for hosting the wedding.
Toasting is also traditionally a part of after-dinner activities.
The best man should be prepared with a toast to the bride and groom. The couple might also consider a toast their parents. The more creative members of the wedding party, usually the young people, can write poetry, tell stories, and share anecdotes about the couple. Because this party is limited to close friends and family, it affords an opportunity to share childhood memories and stories of friendship. Most are not usually as offensive as rumor may have it.