Addressing Rehearsal Dinner Invites To Your Bridesmaids

The rehearsal dinner is a time for the wedding party and close family members from both sides of the family to come together in a more intimate setting before the wedding. It is usually hosted by the groom's family, but this is not always the case. The wedding party, their guests, and immediate family are typically invited, but sometimes the rehearsal dinner turns into a larger welcome reception. Bridesmaids are almost always included in the wedding party, so they are typically invited to the rehearsal dinner. If you are sending separate rehearsal dinner invitations, it is important to be clear about who is invited.

Who to address

The rehearsal dinner is usually attended by the wedding party, the couple's immediate family, and anyone else participating in the ceremony, such as the officiant, flower girl, and ring bearer. Their plus-ones are also invited. In recent years, some couples have transformed the rehearsal dinner into a larger welcome reception that includes extended family members, out-of-town guests, and even the entire wedding guest list.

If you are having a traditional rehearsal dinner with an intimate group (immediate family and wedding party), you don't need to send separate invitations for the rehearsal dinner. However, it is a good idea to create an itinerary for them that includes all of the wedding events during the weekend, along with their duties, to ensure everyone is on the same page and can book travel arrangements accordingly.

If your rehearsal dinner guest list is quite different from your wedding guest list, you might consider sending the rehearsal dinner invites separately. For example, if you are inviting children to your wedding but not the rehearsal dinner, separate invitations may make that clearer.

When addressing rehearsal dinner envelopes, be clear about who is invited. Only say "The Shelton Family" if everyone in that household (including kids) is invited. Otherwise, say "Blake and Sandy Shelton". If you're inviting a guest with a plus-one, try to find out that person's name to include on the invitation.

Who Pays and Who Sends the Invitations

Traditionally, the groom's parents pay for and host the rehearsal dinner, but this is not always the case. The couple can host the rehearsal dinner themselves, or the couple's families can chip in together. The wedding party, other family members, or friends may also host the event. Whoever pays for the event gets the final say on who to invite, sends out the invitations, and receives the RSVPs.

What to include

When it comes to wedding rehearsal dinner invitations, there are a few key components that should be included to ensure your guests have all the information they need. Here is a detailed list of what to include:

The Host

Traditionally, the groom's parents host the rehearsal dinner, but this can vary depending on the couple's preferences and dynamic. Be sure to specify who is hosting the event on the invitation. This is usually done by including the host's name at the beginning or end of the invitation.

The Couple's Names

Include the names of the couple getting married. This may seem obvious, but it's important so that guests know exactly who the invitation is for and to set the tone for the event.

Date, Time, and Location

Clearly state the date, time, and location of the rehearsal dinner. Typically, the dinner follows the ceremony rehearsal, so ensure there's enough time for a smooth transition. Include the full address of the venue, whether it's a restaurant, family home, or special event space.

RSVP Details

Provide clear instructions on how and when to respond to the invitation. This helps with planning, especially if it's a catered event. Include the designated person's contact information, such as a phone number and/or email address, and an RSVP deadline.

Dress Code

If there is a specific dress code, such as formal or casual attire, include this information on the invitation to avoid confusion and help guests prepare accordingly.

Additional Information

You may also want to include other relevant details such as the wedding website, any special instructions, or information about the wedding ceremony rehearsal itself if all invitees will be in attendance.

"Mr. and Mrs. John Smith cordially invite you to the rehearsal dinner in honour of Emma Johnson and William Smith on Friday, the 18th of October, 2024, at 7:00 p.m. The Oceanview Ballroom, 123 Seaside Avenue. Please RSVP by October 1st to 555-1234 or [email protected]. Black-tie attire."

When to send invites

When it comes to sending out invites for a wedding rehearsal dinner, timing is crucial. As a general rule, it's best to mail these invitations four to six weeks before the event. This gives your guests ample time to plan their schedules, make travel arrangements if necessary, and respond to your invitation promptly.

It's important to note that rehearsal dinner invitations should be sent out after the wedding invitations. This is a key point of etiquette to ensure your guests receive the correct information in a timely manner. If you're working with a tight timeline, sending the rehearsal dinner invite along with the wedding invitation is an option, but only if you're inviting the same guests to both events. Otherwise, it can get confusing, and it's best to send separate invitations.

For a small, intimate gathering, you may be able to send the rehearsal dinner invitations a little closer to the event date. However, for larger events, it's always advisable to give your guests more advance notice.

Additionally, consider the timing of your RSVP deadline. Be sure to include an RSVP date in your invitation, giving your guests enough time to respond while allowing you to plan the event based on the expected group size.

How to send invites

There are a few options for how to send invites for a wedding rehearsal dinner. The most traditional way is to send paper invitations by mail, but digital invitations are also becoming more common and are perfectly acceptable. If you're sending paper invitations, you can include them as an insert in your wedding invitation suite, or mail them separately. If you go digital, you can send email invitations or e-cards, or get creative with a video or website.

If you're sending paper invitations, it's best to start planning your rehearsal dinner three to six months in advance, and send out the invites three to four weeks before the event. This gives your guests enough time to plan their schedules and make travel arrangements if necessary. For digital invitations, you can send them out a bit later, up to four weeks in advance.

Whether you choose paper or digital invitations, make sure to include all the important information such as the host's name, the couple's names, the date, time, and location of the rehearsal dinner, the dress code, and RSVP details. It's also a good idea to include the wedding website and any other special instructions for guests.

Keep the wording of your invitations clear, concise, and casual, reflecting the level of formality of the event. You can also add a personal touch with a favourite poem or lyric. Don't forget to proofread your invitations carefully before sending them out!

RSVP instructions

RSVPs for the rehearsal dinner are usually more informal than wedding invitation RSVPs. Guests can respond via phone call, text message, or email.

Designate a point person to receive all responses from guests. This is usually the host of the event. The rehearsal dinner invitation should include a phone number and/or email address for this person, as well as an RSVP deadline.

If you are the one tracking responses, consider using your wedding website, an online spreadsheet tracker, or a basic Excel spreadsheet to keep tabs on who will be attending.

Frequently asked questions