Wedding Invite Etiquette: Rehearsal Dinner Details Included

Planning a wedding is an exciting but often stressful time. One of the many things to consider is how to include rehearsal dinner info with your wedding invites. While it's not mandatory to send out invites for your rehearsal dinner, it's a good idea if you want your nearest and dearest to join you for a pre-wedding celebration.

If you're opting for invites, there are a few key things to include, such as the host's name, the couple's names, the event date, time, and location, and the RSVP deadline and method. It's also worth noting that the rehearsal dinner invites can be sent out as early as four weeks in advance and should be sent after the main wedding invites.

Who to invite

The rehearsal dinner is usually the first event of the wedding weekend, so it's important to give some thought to who you're inviting.

• The wedding party: This includes all groomsmen and bridesmaids, plus their dates. If you have flower girls or ring bearers, it's customary to invite them and their families, too.
• Anyone else supporting you on your wedding day, such as a personal attendant or reception hosts, should also be invited.
• The officiant and their spouse: No matter who is officiating your ceremony, be sure to invite them along with their significant other.
• Other ceremony participants: If you have other friends or family members participating in your ceremony, it's a nice gesture to invite them to the rehearsal dinner as well.
• Close family members: This can include parents, siblings, grandparents, or extended family members. Ultimately, the decision of who to invite is a personal one and will depend on your unique family dynamics.
• Out-of-town guests: It's optional to invite out-of-town guests to the rehearsal dinner, but it can be a lovely way to show your appreciation for their travel and time. You don't have to invite all out-of-town guests; pick and choose those who are most important to you.
• Children: Whether or not you're having an adults-only wedding, be clear about whether children are invited to the rehearsal dinner. It's your decision, but make sure parents know in advance so they can plan accordingly.

Remember, it's your party, so ultimately the guest list is up to you! You can keep it intimate or turn it into a mini family reunion. Just be careful not to make the rehearsal dinner too large, as you don't want to upstage your actual wedding.

What to include

The following information should be included when sending out rehearsal dinner invitations:

• The host's name(s): Traditionally, the groom's parents host the rehearsal dinner, but it can also be hosted by the couple or other close family members.
• The names of the couple: Just the first names are usually fine, but if you're having a more formal event, use their full names.
• The event date and time: It is customary to hold the rehearsal dinner the day before the wedding, right after the rehearsal.
• The location: Include the name and address of the venue. If it's at a private residence, be sure to specify that.
• The RSVP deadline and method: Email, phone call, or text message are all acceptable ways for guests to respond. Designate an RSVP point person and include their contact information on the invite.
• Dress code: Let guests know whether the event is formal or casual so they can dress appropriately.
• Any other additional information: This could include the wedding website, parking or transportation details, or any other relevant information that will help guests feel prepared.

When addressing the invitations, be clear about who is invited. Only invite children if everyone in the household is welcome. If a guest has a plus-one, try to find out their name to include on the invitation.

How to send

There are a few options for sending out your rehearsal dinner invitations. The most traditional way is to mail paper invitations, but digital invites are also becoming more common and are a good option if you're on a budget or have a lot of guests travelling from out of town. If you do choose to send digital invites, be aware that they might not be received as formally, so you may want to send follow-up reminders closer to the event.

If your rehearsal dinner guest list is quite different from your wedding guest list, it's a good idea to send the invitations separately. For example, if you're inviting children to your wedding but not the rehearsal dinner, separate invitations can make that clearer.

Most couples include rehearsal dinner invitations with their wedding invitations in the form of an insert card. This is easier for the couple, as they only need to print a small number of inserts for the guests who are invited to the rehearsal dinner. However, if the guest lists are very different, it may be simpler to mail a separate invitation.

It's recommended that you send out rehearsal dinner invitations four to six weeks in advance, after the main wedding invitations have been sent out. This gives your guests plenty of time to plan and RSVP.

What to Include

A basic rehearsal dinner invitation should include the following:

• Host's name(s) (traditionally the groom's parents, but this can also be the couple or another close family member)
• Couple's names (first names are usually fine, but use full names for a more formal event)
• Date, time and location of the rehearsal dinner
• RSVP deadline and method (email, phone call or text are all acceptable)
• Any additional information such as dress code or wedding website

Wording

Keep the wording on your invitations clear and concise, with a casual tone that matches the level of formality of the event. Here are some examples:

"Please join us for a rehearsal dinner honouring Nicole and Steven on Friday, the fourteenth of October Two Thousand Twenty-Two. Rehearsal to begin at 4:30 p.m. at The Westin Book Cadillac Detroit... Dinner to follow at 6:30 p.m. at Savannah Blue... Please respond with your attendance by Saturday, October 1, 2022, to [phone number] or [email address]."

"A rehearsal dinner in honour of Avery and Jordan's wedding day. Please join us Friday, September 3rd at 6 p.m. for drinks and dinner at BlackFinn Restaurant and Saloon... Hosted by Amanda and Glen Hill. Please RSVP by May 2nd to [phone number] or [email address]."

RSVP instructions

To make sure your guests can RSVP without a hitch, we've outlined a clear and simple process.

Firstly, designate an RSVP point person who will be in charge of receiving all responses from guests. This is usually the event's host, but it can be someone else if that's more convenient for you.

Next, decide on the deadline for RSVPs and include this date on the invitation. We recommend giving your guests at least three to four weeks to respond, so they have ample time to plan their attendance.

Now, for the RSVP method. Unlike wedding invitation responses, rehearsal dinner RSVPs are typically more informal. Guests can respond via email, phone call, or text message. To facilitate this process, include the designated point person's contact information (phone number and/or email address) on the invitation.

If you prefer a more traditional approach, you can include a stamped and pre-addressed RSVP card with the invitation. This method may be more suitable if you're expecting a large number of responses and want to keep track of them more formally.

Lastly, don't forget to send reminders closer to the RSVP deadline. This is especially important if you've chosen an informal RSVP method, as guests may need a gentle nudge to respond.

By following these instructions, you'll have a well-organised system for managing your rehearsal dinner RSVPs, ensuring that you have an accurate headcount for your special event.

Timing

• Confirm the wedding rehearsal guest list: Besides the couple and the hosts (usually the groom's parents), the guest list typically includes all members of the wedding party, the officiant, and special family members. It is also considerate to invite out-of-town guests if possible.
• Pick a date and time: Rehearsal dinners are usually held the day before the wedding, right after the rehearsal. Choose a time that is convenient and allows for travel between the rehearsal and dinner venues.
• Select the place: Opt for a venue that is in close proximity to the ceremony location. This will be convenient for your guests, especially if they have been part of the rehearsal.
• Finalise the theme: The wedding rehearsal dinner should have its own unique personality separate from the wedding. Have fun with it and come up with a theme that reflects the couple's style or hobbies.
• Wait for wedding invitations to be sent: It is advisable to send out rehearsal dinner invitations after the main wedding invitations have been mailed. This helps to avoid confusion, especially if you have different guest lists for each event.
• Include essential information: Ensure your invitation is both stylish and informative. A basic wedding rehearsal dinner invitation should include the hosts, the couple, date, time, venue, and RSVP details.
• Set an RSVP deadline: Ask your guests to respond by a specific date, usually about three to four weeks before the rehearsal dinner. This will give you enough time to plan and make any necessary arrangements.

Frequently asked questions