What happens at a rehearsal/welcome dinner? Speeches? Gifts?

However you want to handle things.

I have been to rehearsal dinners where there is a speech and presentation of gifts, but I have been to some where the bride/groom individually thank everyone, quietly hand out gifts and there is no speech. Whatever style you want is fine.

What is everyone else doing?

Good question! We're having a destination wedding and inviting everyone to the rehearsal dinner (and "I Do" BBQ) so I was thinking that myself and my fiance will thank everyone for coming - but maybe only one of us will do the talking and then the grooms father may thank them as well since he's parents are hosting the dinner. I'm just looking for something fun to do or share to loosen everyone up. I was thinking of doing a slideshow or hanging pictures but I'm just not sure. I fun game would be perfect if I could figure out something besides the shoe game!

We had no gifts or speeches at ours-- it was just a dinner for everyone to get together and chat-- but then, we were *very* informal.

My wedding is on a Sunday, so I'm doing a rehersal dinner the night before. It's kinda a destination wedding. We live near the place, but all our guests are OOT. I don't want to invite all the guests to the rehearsal because that would feel like 2 weddings to me and be costly. What I plan on doing, is having the bridal party, and possibly our parents/siblings be there. We will probably just go over everything then just hang out for the night. I plan on doing something cheap and light for catering like Subway or something (since it won't be anything formal, and neither is my wedding). My family and friends though aren't all about formality and fancy things though so it will be fine for us.

Well, a welcome dinner is different from a rehearsal dinner - are you doing both? or are you saying you are having one event to cover both?

we had a welcome cocktail party for our guests (DW in San Juan) - no speeches... just a relaxed evening where we could welcome everyone and have guests and family start to get to know each other in a setting less formal than the wedding.

we had a rehearsal dinner for immediate family and wedding party... we didnt do formal speeches -- just some lovely toasts. we delivered gifts separately - not at the dinner.

it's really up to you how you would like to structure it -- believe me your guests will just be happy to be with you and celebrate!

Just a welcome dinner, no rehearsal since it is a simple ceremony on the beach. I think I like the idea of a more relaxed welcome dinner with a few toasts. I would feel odd giving out gifts in front of all my other guests during dinner, so maybe afterward is best.

We had a welcome luncheon for our DW. We invited all of the guests who had traveled to Puerto Rico for the big day (50 people). DH and I stood up and thanked everyone for coming. We didn't have any other speeches or hand out gifts at that time. We did give welcome bags to the people we hadn't been able to track down earlier. It was just an opportunity for guests to meet and taste some local foods.