Out-Of-Town Wedding Guests: Rehearsal Dinner Invite Expectations

The rehearsal dinner is a highly anticipated pre-wedding event that usually takes place a day or two before the wedding. It is customary to invite out-of-town guests to the rehearsal dinner, especially if they have travelled a long distance to attend the wedding. However, this is not mandatory and can be decided based on the couple's budget and preferences. If you have a large number of out-of-town guests, you may choose to invite only immediate family members, the wedding party, and their plus-ones to the rehearsal dinner, or you could arrange a separate get-together for dessert and drinks after the dinner.

Out-of-town guests are not obliged to be invited

If you are concerned about your out-of-town guests feeling left out, there are alternative ways to welcome them. For example, you could provide a list of local restaurants or host a separate get-together for dessert and drinks after the rehearsal dinner. A casual meet-and-greet at a hotel bar or a welcome party for all guests arriving from out of town can also be arranged. This way, you can still show your appreciation for their presence without the pressure of hosting a large rehearsal dinner.

The key consideration is to ensure that your closest friends and family, as well as those actively participating in the wedding, are included in the rehearsal dinner. This allows you to express your gratitude and spend quality time with them before the big day.

Remember, the rehearsal dinner is different from a wedding welcome party. It is meant to be a more exclusive event, so it is understandable if not all out-of-town guests are included. Etiquette experts advise that it is perfectly acceptable to limit the guest list to those directly involved in the ceremony and the wedding party, along with their plus-ones and immediate family members.

It's a nice gesture to invite out-of-town guests

It's a lovely idea to invite out-of-town guests to the rehearsal dinner, and this is becoming an increasingly popular trend. It's a great way to make guests feel welcome and is a thoughtful gesture, especially if they have travelled a long way. It's also a chance for the couple to spend quality time with their nearest and dearest before the big day.

However, inviting out-of-towners is by no means obligatory. If you have a large number of guests travelling, it can be costly and logistically challenging to include them all. In this case, you could consider a separate get-together for dessert and drinks, or a more casual meet-and-greet at a hotel or bar. Alternatively, you could provide a list of local restaurants or host a welcome party the night before the wedding.

If you do decide to invite out-of-town guests to the rehearsal dinner, it's important to be consistent. Try to avoid inviting some and not others to prevent any hurt feelings. It's also worth bearing in mind that not everyone will be able to make it, especially if they've had a long journey.

Alternative arrangements can be made for out-of-town guests

Alternative arrangements for out-of-town guests

If you don't want to invite all out-of-town guests to your rehearsal dinner, there are several other options to consider. Firstly, you could provide a list of local restaurants or bars, which is a good idea to post on your wedding website anyway. This gives guests the freedom to choose where they would like to eat and allows them to arrive and leave as they please.

Another option is to set up a meet-and-greet at a hotel, bar, or restaurant, where guests can come and go as they please. This can be a more casual event with drinks and desserts, keeping costs down. Alternatively, you could ask local friends to host a dinner, barbecue, or cocktail party for the out-of-town guests, providing a more intimate setting for guests to socialise and get to know each other.

If you're having a destination wedding, you could host a welcome party for all guests, with drinks and finger foods, creating a relaxed atmosphere for everyone to mingle. This can be held after a smaller, more intimate rehearsal dinner with just the bridal party and immediate family.

For a more informal option, consider a day-after get-together, such as a casual brunch or lunch, to thank guests for their attendance and give everyone a chance to socialise before they depart.

Inviting out-of-towners has become a trend

Inviting out-of-towners to the rehearsal dinner has become a trend, although it is not obligatory. It is a nice gesture to include them in the pre-wedding celebrations, especially if they have travelled a long way. However, it is not always feasible, as it can become very expensive, and the guest list can become unmanageable.

If you are unable to invite all out-of-town guests, there are alternative arrangements you can make. You could provide a list of local restaurants, organise a meet-and-greet at a hotel or bar, or ask local friends to host a dinner, barbecue, or cocktail party. You could also host a casual get-together after the rehearsal dinner for dessert and drinks, or a separate get-together for out-of-town guests. This could be a welcome party, a casual day-after get-together, or a simple welcome meal.

If you are inviting out-of-towners to the rehearsal dinner, it is important to be clear about who is invited. For example, you could invite only relatives and not friends. It is also important to be mindful of your budget and the circumstances when making your decision.

The rehearsal dinner is different from a wedding welcome party

The rehearsal dinner usually takes place after the wedding rehearsal, hence the name. It is a chance for the couple to celebrate with those who will be actively participating in the wedding ceremony, such as the bridal party, immediate family members, and the officiant. The guest list for a rehearsal dinner is therefore much smaller and more exclusive than that of a welcome party.

The welcome party, on the other hand, is typically a more relaxed event that serves as a fun social gathering to kick off the wedding weekend. It is a chance for the couple to welcome all their guests and for guests to mingle and get to know each other before the wedding. Welcome parties can range from cocktail receptions to backyard barbecues or dessert parties, depending on the couple's preferences and budget.

While both events may include toasts and heartfelt speeches, the rehearsal dinner is generally a more formal occasion. It is also an opportunity for the couple to thank their parents and wedding party for their support and help with the wedding preparations. The décor at a rehearsal dinner can be nostalgic, with family photos and mementos of past gatherings or weddings.

In summary, the key differences between the rehearsal dinner and the wedding welcome party lie in the guest list, level of formality, and purpose of the event. The rehearsal dinner is smaller and more intimate, while the welcome party is open to all guests and sets the tone for the wedding celebrations to come.

Frequently asked questions