Creating Wedding Rehearsal Dinner Invites: A Step-By-Step Guide

Wedding rehearsal dinner invitations should be sent out at least a month in advance, and they can be included as an insert in the wedding invitation suite or sent separately. The wording should be short and to the point, and include the couple's names, the date, time, and location of the rehearsal dinner, the host's name, and RSVP information. The tone of the invitation should match the level of formality of the event. It's also a good idea to include information about the dress code and type of dinner.

What to include

The rehearsal dinner invitation should be short and to the point, and the wording can be more casual than the wedding invitation. However, there is some information that must be included:

• The couple's names (first names are usually fine, but if you're having a more formal event, use full names)
• Date of the rehearsal dinner
• Time of the rehearsal dinner
• Location of the rehearsal dinner (venue name and city/state or full address)
• Host's names (traditionally, the groom's parents host, but nowadays the couple or any close family can host)
• The RSVP deadline and method (email is often the easiest option)
• Any additional information: wedding website, dress code, etc.

If you want to include information about the wedding rehearsal itself, only do so if everyone invited to the rehearsal dinner is also invited to the rehearsal. The rehearsal is usually reserved for immediate family, wedding party members, and the officiant.

You might also include the couple's wedding website address, but this isn't necessary, especially if it's mentioned elsewhere in the invitation.

How to personalise your invite

There are many ways to personalise your wedding rehearsal dinner invitations. Here are some ideas to make your invites unique and memorable:

• Add custom imagery: Feature engagement photos or other personal imagery on the back of your invitation. You can also use built-in filters to transform your images into black-and-white or sepia to complement the design of your card.
• Edit text: Include all the essential information, such as the time, location, dress code, and more. Be creative with your wording, but keep it clear and concise. You can also add a personal touch with an excerpt from your favourite poem or a lyric from your first dance song.
• Select a card shape: Add some character to your invite by choosing a unique shape. Opt for rounded corners, scalloped edges, or a framed cut to make your invite stand out.
• Coordinate colour arrangements: Choose from pre-selected colour themes or create a unique combination that matches your wedding colours. You can work with a design associate to bring your vision to life.
• Select your paper type: Enhance the experience for your guests by printing your invitations on high-quality card stock. There are various paper options to choose from, each with its own texture and durability. You can even select a recycled option made from 100% post-consumer waste.
• Add professional address labelling: Provide the home addresses of your guests, and have them printed stylishly on the envelopes. There are different styling options to choose from, or you can coordinate the styling with the design elements of your invitation.
• Seal in a coloured envelope: Make your invitation stand out by enclosing it in a coloured envelope. Choose from various colours, such as white, silver, antique rose, or cloud blue, to create a stylish first impression.

By incorporating these personal touches, you can create wedding rehearsal dinner invitations that truly reflect your style and personality.

Who to invite

The rehearsal dinner is a more exclusive event than the wedding, with a smaller guest list. The guest list typically includes:

• The wedding party (best man/woman, maid/man of honour, bridesmaids, groomsmen, ushers, readers) and their plus-ones or significant others.
• Flower girls and ring bearers, along with their parents.
• The couple and their parents, stepparents, grandparents, and siblings.
• The officiant and their plus-one or spouse.

If you have a small family or want a larger group, you may also invite:

• Close extended family, such as aunts, uncles, and cousins.
• Out-of-town guests, especially if many are travelling for your big day.
• Close friends, especially those not included in the wedding party.

How to send invites

The rehearsal dinner is the first event of the wedding weekend, so the invitation etiquette is almost as important as for the actual wedding invitation. Here are some tips on how to send invites for the rehearsal dinner:

• Timing: Send invites at least a month in advance to allow people to block their schedules and RSVP. The rehearsal dinner invitation is traditionally sent separately after the formal wedding invitation.
• Printed vs. Digital: Couples traditionally send printed rehearsal dinner invitations, and these are considered more formal. However, if your budget is tight or many guests are travelling from out of town, digital invites are also acceptable.
• Mailing Options: If you are sending printed invites, you can either include them as an insert card with the wedding invitation, or mail them separately. Sending them with the wedding invitation saves on postage, but can get confusing if only certain guests are invited to the rehearsal dinner.
• Guest List: The rehearsal dinner guest list is usually different from the wedding guest list. For example, children may be invited to the wedding but not the rehearsal dinner. In this case, it's best to send separate invitations to avoid confusion.
• Addressing: When addressing envelopes, be clear about who is invited. Only address it to "The Shelton Family" if everyone in that household is invited. Otherwise, use the names of specific invitees. If a guest has a plus-one, try to find out their name to include on the invitation.
• RSVP: Rehearsal dinner RSVPs are usually handled informally, via email, phone call or text. Include an RSVP deadline and contact details for the designated point person who will be receiving responses.
• Matching Invitations: If you are including rehearsal dinner invites as an insert in your wedding invitation suite, it's a good idea for them to match the look and feel of your wedding invites. If you are sending rehearsal dinner invites separately, they should match the vibe of the event, whether it's a casual BBQ or a formal dinner party.

Sample Wording for Rehearsal Dinner Invitations

Formal Wording:

> "Please join us for a rehearsal dinner honouring Nicole and Steven, Friday, the fourteenth of October Two Thousand Twenty-Two. Rehearsal to begin at 4:30 p.m. The Westin Book Cadillac Detroit 1114 Washington Boulevard Detroit, Michigan. Dinner to follow at 6:30 p.m. Savannah Blue 1431 Times Square Detroit, Michigan. Please respond with your attendance by Saturday, October 1, 2022, to (313) 123-4567 or [email protected]. Hosted by Mary and Kenneth Hill."

Casual Wording:

> "Nicole and Steven's Rehearsal Dinner, Friday, October 14, 2022, 6:30 p.m. Savannah Blue 1431 Times Sq. Detroit, MI. Kindly RSVP to (313) 123-4567 or [email protected] by October 1st. Hosted by Mary and Kenneth Hill."

RSVP handling

RSVPs are an important part of wedding rehearsal dinner invitations, as they help you plan the event based on the expected group size. Here are some tips for handling RSVPs effectively:

• Include a designated person's contact information on the invite: Unlike wedding invitation RSVPs, which usually require a paper card response, guests can respond to a rehearsal dinner invitation more informally. Include the contact details (email address and/or phone number) of the designated person who will be receiving the RSVPs.
• Set an RSVP deadline: Supplement the contact information with an "RSVP by" date to ensure guests respond in time and give you enough time to plan.
• Track responses: Use tools like your wedding website, an online spreadsheet tracker, or a basic Excel spreadsheet to keep track of who will be attending. This will help you stay organized and know the expected number of guests.
• Consider a separate invitation for the rehearsal dinner: If the guest list for your rehearsal dinner differs significantly from the wedding guest list (e.g., children aren't invited), it's a good idea to mail separate invitations specifically for the rehearsal dinner.
• Be clear and concise: When wording your invitations, keep the language clear and concise. Avoid flowery or elaborate sentences that may confuse guests or cause important details to be missed.
• Match the tone to the formality of the event: Rehearsal dinners are typically more informal than the wedding itself, so use a casual and friendly tone in your invitations.

Frequently asked questions