Because you and your sweetheart are getting married in six months, you no doubt have been busy planning all the seemingly endless details of the ceremony and reception.

In fact, you're so ahead of schedule that you only have one major thing left to cross off your wedding to-do list: planning the rehearsal dinner.

While you certainly know what a rehearsal dinner entails — you may have attended a few over the years while serving as an attendant at a friend’s wedding — now that it’s your turn, you may not be exactly up to speed on all the proper etiquette and details.

No worries, bride- or groom-to-be. Here are some tips to follow to help this part of the wedding planning go as smoothly as possible:

First, the “Whos”

You may be wondering who hosts this reception and whom you should invite. Traditionally, it's the groom’s family who plays host, although this is not necessarily set in stone.

If they decline — for financial or other reasons — the bride’s family certainly can step up or the happy couple can as well. A combination of family members on the groom or bride's side can also choose to host this occasion.

As for who is typically invited, make sure to include members of your wedding party, as well as their plus-ones, albeit a spouse or significant other.

To make it clear to your bridesmaids and groomsmen that they can bring someone to the rehearsal dinner, make sure to include a card tucked inside the envelope of your wedding invitation that says a guest is welcome. 

Your officiant and his or her spouse should also be invited, as well as siblings of the bride and groom who aren't in the wedding party. Parents of your flower girl and ring bearer, if you're having them as part of your ceremony, are also welcome.

Although you can follow tradition and keep the list to these folks only, you may also invite out of town guests to join you.

Next, the “When”

As you may already be noticing, there is a lot of tradition tied to the rehearsal dinner, particularly for the date on which it's being held. In most cases, the rehearsal dinner takes place the evening before your big day — right after you and your attendants finish your wedding rehearsal.

However, if you feel you'll be too nervous and excited to enjoy the evening so close to your wedding day, there's nothing wrong with holding it at another date. Or, if you'd rather have a nice lunch someplace after a morning wedding run-through, that's fine, too.

And Now, the “Where”

For this part of the rehearsal dinner, it’s really up to you and your sweetie as to where you want to host it. Although many couples decide on a sit-down dinner in a more formal restaurant, there's nothing wrong with choosing a more casual venue, including the place where you had your first date. Just make sure to call ahead for a reservation and ensure there's enough space to accommodate your party.

Depending on the time of year and the weather, you could also do a picnic-style outdoor dinner catered by a local restaurant. Whether you decide on something short and sweet or an extended fancy meal, the location and cuisine are totally up to the two of you.

Just make sure to give your guests plenty of heads up, so they can let you know about any food allergies and dietary restrictions ahead of time.

Enjoy Your Evening and Congratulations!

No matter where you decide to host your rehearsal dinner, one thing is for sure: It will be a wonderful and festive occasion filled with those you hold dear, with plenty of delicious food in an upbeat atmosphere — all of which are wonderful ways to spend your wedding day eve.