Who's Invited To The Rehearsal Dinner?

The rehearsal dinner is a pre-wedding event that usually takes place after the wedding rehearsal. It is an opportunity for the couple to express their appreciation to those who have helped plan the wedding, and for both sides of the wedding party to meet and get to know each other. The guest list for this event can be tricky, and while some invites are obvious, such as immediate family members and the bridal party, it can be less clear whether you should invite the bridesmaids' families.

According to wedding etiquette, anyone who is in the wedding should be invited to the rehearsal dinner, along with their plus-ones or significant others. This includes the bridesmaids and the maid of honour, as well as the groomsmen and best man. It is also customary to invite the parents of young attendants, such as the flower girl and ring bearer, even if the parents themselves are not in the wedding.

If your budget allows, it is also nice to invite your entire bridal party's plus-ones, so that everyone at the rehearsal dinner knows someone. If you are having a destination wedding, or if the majority of your guest list is travelling for the wedding, it is a thoughtful gesture to invite out-of-town guests to the rehearsal dinner, so they have something to do the night before the wedding. However, this can be costly, especially if you have a large number of out-of-town guests, so it is not a requirement.

Ultimately, the decision of who to invite to the rehearsal dinner is up to the couple and their budget.

Should you invite the bridesmaids' plus-ones?

The rehearsal dinner is a special event that usually takes place one or two days before the wedding. It is a more exclusive gathering than other pre-wedding events, and the guest list can be tricky to finalise.

According to wedding etiquette experts, anyone who is part of the wedding ceremony should be invited to the rehearsal dinner, along with their spouses or significant others. This includes the wedding party (best man/woman, maid/man of honour, bridesmaids, groomsmen), flower girl, ring bearer, readers, ushers, wedding officiant, and their plus-ones.

If space and budget allow, it is considered thoughtful to give your entire bridal party, including bridesmaids, the option of bringing a plus-one, even if they are not married or in a serious relationship. This ensures that everyone at the rehearsal dinner has someone to talk to and that any plus-ones travelling for the wedding have something to do the evening before.

However, there is no clear-cut rule, and the deciding factors are often the capacity of the venue and the couple's budget. If space or budget constraints exist, it is acceptable to limit plus-ones to only married or engaged partners.

When it comes to out-of-town guests, it is a nice gesture to invite them to the rehearsal dinner, especially if they are staying at a hotel the night before the wedding. This provides them with an opportunity to socialise before the big day. However, if the majority of your guest list is from out of town, you may need to organise a separate welcome celebration to keep the rehearsal dinner more intimate.

Ultimately, the decision on whether to invite bridesmaids' plus-ones rests with the couple, taking into account their budget, venue capacity, and preference for an intimate gathering or a larger celebration.

What about the bridesmaids' family members?

When it comes to the bridesmaids' family members, the general consensus is that it is not necessary to invite them all to the rehearsal dinner. The rehearsal dinner is typically a more intimate gathering reserved for the wedding party, immediate family, and perhaps some close friends. Including all the bridesmaids' family members could result in a large guest list, especially if each bridesmaid has multiple family members.

However, it is important to consider the relationships and dynamics within your bridal party. If any of your bridesmaids have family members who are also invited guests, such as parents or siblings, it may be appropriate to extend the invitation to include their spouses or partners. This can help create a cohesive and inclusive atmosphere, ensuring that everyone feels welcomed and valued.

Additionally, if any of your bridesmaids have family members who are involved in the wedding ceremony or have played a significant role in the planning process, it may be appropriate to include them in the rehearsal dinner. This could be a way to express your gratitude and make them feel appreciated for their contributions.

Ultimately, the decision rests with the couple, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach. Consider your budget, the size of your venue, and the overall dynamic of your bridal party when making your decision. If you are unable to invite all the bridesmaids' family members, you could explore alternative options, such as hosting a separate brunch or cocktail hour for those who are unable to attend the rehearsal dinner.

Remember, the rehearsal dinner is a wonderful opportunity to express your gratitude, foster connections, and create memorable moments with your loved ones. By thoughtfully considering the guest list, you can ensure that your rehearsal dinner is a meaningful and enjoyable experience for everyone involved.

Are there budget considerations?

Budget is a key consideration when planning a rehearsal dinner. While it's a chance to express gratitude to your wedding party and bring together close family members, the number of guests you invite will depend on your budget.

The cost of a rehearsal dinner can quickly add up, especially if you're paying for it yourself. If you're working with a tight budget, you may need to be selective about who you invite. It's common to invite immediate family and the wedding party, but you may also want to include plus-ones, out-of-town guests, or other relatives such as grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins.

To manage costs, consider the size of your venue and the number of people you can invite. If your budget is limited, you might opt for a smaller, more intimate gathering. Alternatively, you could explore less expensive venues or catering options.

If you have a large number of out-of-town guests, it might not be feasible to invite everyone to the rehearsal dinner. In this case, you could organise a separate, more affordable get-together, such as a casual cocktail hour or dessert party, to welcome your guests.

Remember, the rehearsal dinner is an opportunity to express your gratitude and bring people together. While budget is important, it's also essential to ensure that you're able to celebrate with the people who matter the most to you.

What about venue limitations?

When it comes to venue limitations, it's important to be mindful of the capacity of your chosen location. This is crucial to ensure the comfort of your guests and to stay within your budget, as many venues charge per guest.

If your desired venue has limited space, you may need to be more selective with your guest list. It's generally recommended to invite immediate family and the wedding party, which includes the bridesmaids and their parents, even if the parents are not part of the wedding. You can also extend the invitation to the wedding officiant, ushers, and anyone else who will be participating in the ceremony, such as readers or musicians.

If you have a larger venue, you may choose to broaden your guest list to include extended family, such as grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins, especially if they are travelling from out of town. However, it's not necessary to invite all out-of-town guests, especially if you're having a destination wedding, as this could result in a large gathering similar in size to your wedding.

If you have a limited venue size but would still like to include additional guests, you can consider hosting a separate, smaller event, such as a brunch or cocktail hour, for those who cannot be accommodated at the rehearsal dinner.

Remember, the rehearsal dinner is an opportunity to express gratitude to those who have helped with the wedding preparations and to bring both sides of the family together. So, while the venue limitations may influence your guest list, you can still create a memorable event that aligns with your vision and budget.

Are there alternatives to inviting them to the rehearsal dinner?

There are several alternatives to inviting the bridesmaids' families to the rehearsal dinner. Here are some suggestions:

Intimate Family Dinner

If you prefer a more intimate setting, consider hosting a separate dinner for the bridesmaids' families. This can be a smaller gathering at a restaurant or someone's home, creating a cosy atmosphere for quality time and personal conversations.

Cocktail Party

A cocktail party is an excellent way to include a larger group without breaking the bank. You can offer heavy hors d'oeuvres and drinks, allowing guests to socialise and celebrate without the formality and expense of a traditional dinner.

Casual Gathering at a Bar

For a laid-back alternative, organise a casual get-together at a nearby bar. This option provides structure for those who wish to participate in an "event" before the wedding while maintaining a relaxed and informal atmosphere.

Backyard BBQ

If you have access to a backyard, consider hosting a barbecue! This option allows you to invite a larger group, including out-of-town guests, without the expense of a restaurant. You can keep it low-key or add live music and yard games for a more festive atmosphere.

Rehearsal Brunch

Who doesn't love a good brunch? Host a rehearsal brunch the day before the wedding. This option is more cost-effective than a dinner and provides a perfect, relaxing opportunity to mingle with guests before the wedding chaos commences.

Welcome Cocktail Hour

If you're not keen on a formal dinner, a welcome cocktail hour can be a fantastic alternative. Host it at your venue, your house, or even your favourite bar. It can be as elaborate or relaxed as you like, allowing guests to socialise and celebrate without the structure of a traditional dinner.

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