Should You Invite Guests To Your Wedding Rehearsal?

Wedding rehearsals are important for the wedding party to run through the ceremony step-by-step and know their key marks, like when and where to walk. The wedding rehearsal generally takes place during the wedding week, usually the night before the wedding. The main people required to attend are the couple, the wedding party, parents, the officiant, and younger wedding party members. Anyone else the couple chooses to invite is a personal choice. The rehearsal dinner is a smaller celebration after the ceremony rehearsal, and it is traditional to invite everyone who attends the rehearsal to the dinner.

Wedding party members

The wedding rehearsal is an important event for the wedding party to practice their roles and movements during the ceremony. It is recommended to have as many wedding party members present as possible. This ensures that everyone knows their role, how to walk down the aisle, who their partner is, and where to stand. It is also an opportunity for younger wedding party members, such as flower girls and ring bearers, to familiarise themselves with the space and their duties.

In addition to the wedding party, the couple, their parents, and the officiant are essential attendees at the rehearsal and dinner. The DJ or any performers may also be included if possible.

Immediate family members

The wedding rehearsal is an important event that allows the wedding party to run through the ceremony step-by-step and prepare for the big day. It is also an opportunity for both sides of the family to spend time together and get to know each other. While the wedding rehearsal is typically attended by the wedding party and their significant others, child attendants, and their parents, the wedding couple's immediate family members are also usually invited to participate in the processional. This includes the couple's parents, grandparents, and siblings, as well as stepparents and siblings' plus-ones.

The wedding rehearsal dinner, which follows the practice run-through of the ceremony, is a chance for the couple to thank their immediate family and friends for their support and to welcome out-of-town guests. The guest list for the rehearsal dinner typically includes the couple's immediate family members, such as parents, grandparents, and siblings, along with their spouses or partners. It is also common to invite out-of-town guests to the rehearsal dinner, especially if they have travelled a long distance for the wedding.

The presence of immediate family members at the wedding rehearsal and rehearsal dinner adds a special touch and strengthens the bond between the couple and their loved ones. It is a time for celebration and unity as the couple's closest relatives come together to support and celebrate with them before the big day.

It is important to note that the guest list for the rehearsal dinner can vary depending on the couple's preferences, cultural traditions, and the size of the wedding party and immediate family. Some couples may choose to include additional family members, such as aunts, uncles, and cousins, while others may prefer a more intimate gathering. Ultimately, the decision on who to invite rests with the couple and their families, taking into account their budget and the size of the venue.

Out-of-town guests

If you are inviting a large number of out-of-town guests, it is perfectly acceptable to skip inviting them to the rehearsal dinner. Instead, you could host a separate, more casual get-together for them, such as a welcome dessert and drinks party, a casual afternoon tea, or a post-wedding breakfast or brunch. This way, you can still spend time with them and express your gratitude for their attendance without the expense of a full rehearsal dinner.

If you do decide to invite out-of-town guests to the rehearsal dinner, it is important to consider your budget and any venue limitations. Rehearsal dinners can cost between $30 to $70 per person, so inviting a large number of guests can quickly become expensive.

Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to invite out-of-town guests to the rehearsal dinner is up to the couple. There is no need to feel obligated to invite them, and many guests may prefer to unwind and settle in upon their arrival rather than attend another event.

Extended family members

If you have a large extended family, you may need to be selective about who you invite to the rehearsal dinner. Consider inviting only those who are closest to you or those who have played a significant role in the wedding preparations.

If you are having a destination wedding or the majority of your guest list is travelling for the big day, you may choose to skip inviting extended family members to the rehearsal dinner to keep numbers manageable. Instead, you could host a separate gathering, such as a welcome cocktail hour or a dessert party, to show your appreciation for their efforts in travelling to the wedding.

Ultimately, the choice of whether to invite extended family members to the rehearsal dinner is up to the couple and whoever is hosting and paying for the event. It is important to consider your budget and venue limitations when deciding on the guest list.

Officiant and their partner

The wedding officiant and their partner are usually invited to the wedding rehearsal and the rehearsal dinner. The officiant plays a big role in the ceremony rehearsal and the wedding day, so it is thoughtful to invite them to the rehearsal dinner, along with their partner or plus-one.

However, some officiants may politely decline the invitation or only attend for a little while. If the officiant is a close friend or family member, they are more likely to be invited to the rehearsal dinner. It is also common to invite out-of-towners to the rehearsal dinner, so they have something to do the night before the wedding.

If you are inviting the officiant and their partner, it is important to give them timely notice. It is best to send a proper invitation, rather than a last-minute invite, which can be awkward and hard to accept.

Frequently asked questions