Image by Blancorazon Wedding. Keep reading for our rehearsal dinner planning guide
As the final event before the big day, the rehearsal dinner acts as the bridge that takes the couple, the family, and the wedding party from planning mode to wedding weekend mode. While the general idea of the rehearsal dinner has remained the same, the execution and expectations have evolved through the years. In order to help you plan the perfect rehearsal dinner to kick off your wedding weekend, we’ve put together a guide with answers to the most common questions, theme ideas, and outfit suggestions.
Image by Lara Onac
Common Questions
Who pays for the rehearsal dinner?
Traditionally, one side of the family–typically the side that’s not helping pay for the wedding–pays for the rehearsal dinner. However, more and more couples today are either paying for the rehearsal dinner themselves or splitting with both sides of the family. If one partner’s parents are more traditional or you’re looking for ways to get the in-laws involved, this is a great opportunity to do that. It will give them a substantial role in the wedding weekend and will take one thing off your to-do list, which is a serious win-win.
Who is invited?
The guest list for your rehearsal dinner is entirely up to you. You can keep it small and traditional with just family, the wedding party and their plus-ones. You can also open it up to all out-of-town guests–especially if you’re having a destination wedding. Opening up the list to your rehearsal dinner can give you more quality time with your guests than you’ll be able to get on the wedding day, and in a much more casual setting.
If you want to meet somewhere in the middle between a traditional rehearsal dinner and a more modern pre-wedding event, you could also keep the dinner small and invite other guests to an after-party at a nearby bar or a relative’s home. That way you get an intimate dinner with your family and wedding party and also get to spend more time with guests before the big day.
Are invitations required?
If you’re keeping the rehearsal dinner small–with just immediate family and the wedding party–invitations aren’t required. Just be sure to let everyone know where they need to be and what time. If you’re opening the event to more guests, an invitation might be the best and easiest way to let everyone know the details and request an RSVP.
If you’re having a more formal wedding and want to carry that through all pre-wedding events, send paper invitations. If you want to keep things more casual, send an e-vite or put the rehearsal dinner information on your wedding website. All that matters is that everyone has the information they need. Don’t stress too much about how it’s delivered.
Image by Rachel Wakefield
When should invitations be sent?
If you are sending invitations, you should send them at least four weeks before the dinner. You want them to arrive after the wedding invitation but with plenty of time for guests to RSVP.
When does the rehearsal dinner take place?
Traditionally, the rehearsal dinner takes place right after the ceremony rehearsal. Everyone who is involved in the ceremony will meet with the wedding planner and officiant to walk through the ceremony and iron out any last-minute details. Then, after the rehearsal, everyone celebrates with a meal or an activity.
What events typically happen at the rehearsal dinner?
Regardless of the format of your rehearsal dinner, there are some elements you should consider including. After the meal or during dessert, the hosts should make a toast to the couple, welcoming them into the family. Then, as a couple, you should make a toast to your wedding party and family, thanking them for all they’ve done to help the wedding come together.
Following those toasts, you could then open the floor for anyone to give a toast, so those who aren’t speaking at the wedding reception have a chance to tell you how much they love you both. It’s also a wonderful time to hand out wedding party and parent gifts.
Lastly, before the event wraps up, you should make any last-minute announcements or reminders for the wedding day, such as start times and locations or transportation details.
Image by Erin Prado for Vivian Chen Photography
Theme And Activity Ideas
Even though the name hasn’t changed, the ideas and expectations certainly have. Gone are the days when the family needs to host a formal, sit-down dinner right after the ceremony rehearsal. Nowadays, couples are opting for unconventional meals or activities to kick off their wedding weekend celebrations and we are so here for it.
Brunch, a game night at home, or even a winery or brewery tour are all fantastic options for a rehearsal dinner get-together if a formal sit-down meal just doesn’t fit your vibe. We’ve got even more fun, unconventional ideas right here. And, if you’re having a summer wedding, we’ve got a list of fun summer rehearsal dinner ideas specifically curated for those warm summer days.
What to Wear
No matter what you decide to do, we know you’ll want to look your best. Your outfit should match the formality of your rehearsal dinner, but don’t be afraid to choose something a little dressier, even for a casual event. This is your wedding weekend, after all, so wear what makes you feel the best. Think dresses, jumpsuits, rompers, and suits.
Image by We Are The Bowsers
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