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

Planning a wedding rehearsal dinner can be a fun part of the wedding process. Traditionally, the groom's parents host the dinner, but you can decide what works for you and your budget. It's a good idea to keep the dinner simple, as the wedding is the next day. You can book a restaurant with a private room, or, if you're on a budget, you could invite fewer people, host a potluck, or choose a venue with a BYOB policy. The rehearsal dinner is a chance to socialise, relax, and say thank you to your bridal party. It's also when the couple gives gifts to their wedding party.

Who is hosting?

Traditionally, the groom's parents host the wedding rehearsal dinner, but you can decide what works for you, your families, and your budget. If the parents are paying for the wedding, the couple may choose to cover the cost of the rehearsal dinner.

If you're planning your own rehearsal dinner, try to keep it simple. You can book a restaurant with a private room, which usually won't charge a venue fee as long as you're ordering food for everyone.

The rehearsal dinner is a chance to socialise, relax, and say thank you to your bridal party before the big day. It's also the time when the couple gives gifts to their wedding party.

When deciding who's hosting, it's important to consider your budget. If you have a smaller budget, you can invite fewer people, host a potluck, or choose a venue with a BYOB policy.

Budgeting

Traditionally, the groom's parents host and pay for the wedding rehearsal dinner. However, it is becoming more common for the couple to cover the cost, especially if the parents are paying for the wedding.

The first step in budgeting for a wedding rehearsal dinner is to decide who is hosting and paying for the event. Once you know who is paying, you can figure out how much you can afford to spend. If you have a smaller budget, consider inviting fewer people, hosting a potluck, or choosing a venue with a BYOB policy.

To keep costs down, it is recommended to keep the rehearsal dinner simple and low-key. You can book a restaurant with a private room, as most won't charge a venue fee as long as you're ordering food for everyone. Another option is to host the dinner at someone's home, which can be more intimate and cost-effective.

It is important to create a timeline and budget for your rehearsal dinner, just as you would for your wedding. Two weeks before the event, confirm the final guest count and reservation details with the venue. Provide a schedule with the ceremony venue address, start time, and rehearsal dinner details to ensure everyone in the wedding party is on the same page.

Gifts

Wedding rehearsal dinners are traditionally hosted by the groom's parents, but you can decide what works for you, your families, and your budget. It's also the time when the couple gives gifts to their wedding party.

• A piece of jewellery, such as a necklace or earrings, for the bridesmaids
• A personalised flask or cufflinks for the groomsmen
• A gift basket filled with their favourite things, such as wine, chocolates, or spa products
• A gift card to their favourite store or restaurant
• A handmade gift, such as a scrapbook or a painting

When choosing gifts, consider the interests and personalities of your wedding party. You want to give them something that they will appreciate and use. It's also important to plan ahead and order the gifts in advance, so you have them ready for the rehearsal dinner.

Venue

When it comes to the venue, there are a few options to consider. Traditionally, the groom's parents host the wedding rehearsal dinner, but you can decide what works for you and your budget. If you have a smaller budget, consider inviting fewer people, hosting a potluck, or choosing a venue with a BYOB policy.

One option is to book a restaurant with a private room. Most restaurants won't charge a venue fee as long as you're ordering food for everyone. This can be a low-key chance to socialise, relax, and say thank you to your bridal party before the big day.

If you're looking for something more formal or want to host a larger group, you may want to consider a venue that can accommodate your guest list. Keep in mind that the rehearsal dinner is typically held the night before the wedding, so you'll want to book a venue that is convenient for your guests and fits within your timeline.

Be sure to confirm the final guest count and reservation details with the venue coordinator, and provide a schedule with the venue address, start time, and any other relevant details to ensure everyone is on the same page.

Timeline

Nine to twelve months before the wedding: Book your wedding venue and decide who's hosting your rehearsal dinner. Traditionally, the groom's parents host the dinner, but you can decide what works for you and your budget.

Two weeks before the rehearsal dinner: Reach out to your officiant and venue coordinator to double-check the ceremony rehearsal time. Follow up with guests who haven't RSVP'd, and confirm the final guest count and reservation details with the venue.

One week before the rehearsal dinner: Finalise the details of the dinner, such as the menu, decorations, and any entertainment you plan to have.

The day before the wedding: Host the rehearsal dinner. This is a chance to socialise, relax, and thank your bridal party before the big day. Keep it simple and low-key, as the wedding is the next day. The dinner can be held at a restaurant with a private room, or you can host it at home.

The day of the wedding: Remind your bridal party of any logistical details for the day, such as the schedule and venue address.

Frequently asked questions