Planning A Wedding Rehearsal Dinner: A Step-By-Step Guide

Planning a wedding rehearsal dinner is a big task, but it's important to remember that this is a more relaxed event than the wedding itself. It's a chance for guests to mingle and get to know each other, so the focus should be on conversation rather than elaborate centrepieces or expensive meals. The host usually pays for the event, and they also get to choose the venue, theme and decorations. It's a good idea to use checklists to stay organised, and to create a digital document that can be shared with co-hosts to keep everyone in the loop.

Who pays for the wedding rehearsal dinner?

When it comes to wedding rehearsal dinners, the host usually pays the bill. This means they get to be the creative director, choosing the venue, theme and decorations. However, if you are hosting the wedding rehearsal dinner on behalf of the couple, it's important to get their input on the major details, such as the guest list, date and time frame.

The host of the wedding rehearsal dinner should also be mindful of the couple's wedding week schedule, as the rehearsal dinner is the pregame, not the main event. There is no pressure to spend big on elaborate centrepieces and expensive four-course dinners. The focus should be on conversation and mingling, so it's okay to keep this event a little more low-key.

Traditionally, the family that did not pay for the wedding pays for the wedding rehearsal dinner expenses. This means that if one family paid for the wedding, the other family would usually host and pay for the wedding rehearsal dinner.

However, it's important to keep in mind that wedding traditions are constantly evolving, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach. The most important thing is to communicate openly and honestly with the couple and the other family to ensure that everyone is on the same page and that the wedding rehearsal dinner is a fun and memorable event for all.

What to wear to a wedding rehearsal dinner

Rehearsal dinners are more casual than the wedding ceremony or reception, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't put some thought into what you're going to wear. If you're the host, your outfit should be fairly dressy and appropriate for the venue, but it doesn't need to be as formal as your wedding day attire. You might opt for a white rehearsal dinner dress or a tailored suit.

If you're a guest, you should also dress fairly smartly, but you can afford to be a little more relaxed than you would be at the wedding itself. It's a good idea to check with the host or couple getting married to get an idea of what they're planning to wear, so you don't end up overdressed or underdressed.

The venue will also play a part in what you decide to wear. If the rehearsal dinner is taking place somewhere more formal, like a fancy restaurant, you'll want to dress accordingly. On the other hand, if it's a more casual affair, like a barbecue in someone's backyard, you can afford to dress down a little.

Finally, don't forget to consider the time of year and the weather. If it's going to be hot, you'll want to choose something light and breathable. If it's cold, layers are your friend. And don't forget to pack an umbrella if there's a chance of rain!

How to send invites to a wedding rehearsal dinner

Rehearsal dinners are more casual than the ceremony or reception, but it's still important to maintain the same level of communication and note-taking.

If you're hosting the rehearsal dinner on behalf of the couple, be sure to get their input on the guest list, date and time frame. It's important that everything aligns with the rest of their wedding week schedule.

You're inviting a smaller group of guests, so the focus should be on conversation and mingling. This means it's okay to keep this event a little more low-key.

Two weeks before the rehearsal dinner, follow up with guests who haven't RSVP'd. Give your guests at least 30 minutes to 1 hour to travel between the wedding rehearsal venue and the rehearsal dinner venue, if they're different places.

Because this event is more relaxed, eco-friendly digital invitations from sites such as Paperless Post work well. However, if you want a more high-end luxury feel, go for paper invitations that complement, but don't outperform, your wedding ones.

How long does a wedding rehearsal dinner last?

Rehearsal dinners are more casual than the wedding ceremony or reception, but it's still important to be organised.

Most rehearsal dinners last two to three hours, or even longer. It's a good idea to give your guests at least 30 minutes to an hour to travel between the wedding rehearsal venue and the rehearsal dinner venue, if they're in different places.

If you're only doing a meal, use the first half-hour of the event to greet guests, give everyone a chance to mingle, and let servers take care of drink orders. This is the pregame, not the main event, so don't feel pressured to spend big on elaborate centrepieces and an expensive four-course dinner. You're inviting a smaller group of guests and the focus should be on conversation and mingling, so it's okay to keep this event a little more low-key.

What activities to include in a wedding rehearsal dinner

Rehearsal dinners are more casual than the ceremony or reception, but it's still important to be organised. The host usually pays and gets to be the creative director, but it's important to get the couple's input on the guest list, date and time.

The focus should be on conversation and mingling, so it's okay to keep this event low-key. If you're only doing a meal, use the first half-hour to greet guests and give everyone a chance to mingle.

Some rehearsal dinners include activities such as watching sports games or cooking out, so schedule the appropriate amount of time for whatever it is you have planned. You could also play games, such as a wedding-themed quiz or a game of 'Mr & Mrs' with the couple.

Frequently asked questions