Wedding Rehearsal Invitation Wording: A Step-By-Step Guide

A wedding rehearsal is usually followed by a rehearsal dinner, which is a great opportunity for the couple to spend time with their nearest and dearest before the big day. Rehearsal dinner invitations are typically less formal than wedding invitations, but there are still some key details that should be included. So, what does a wedding rehearsal invitation say?

Who to invite

The wedding rehearsal dinner is an opportunity to bring together your closest friends and family members in an intimate gathering. It is also a chance to relax and ease pre-wedding jitters before the big day. The guest list for the rehearsal dinner is typically reserved for the immediate family, wedding party members, and the officiant. This includes anyone who will be walking down the aisle or standing at the altar.

If you are having a formal rehearsal dinner, it is customary to include the hosts' names (traditionally the groom's parents) in a prominent position on the invitation. However, nowadays, the couple or any close family members can host the event. Be sure to specify who is hosting the dinner on the invitation.

It is important to note that the rehearsal dinner guest list may differ from the wedding guest list. For example, if children are invited to the wedding but not the rehearsal dinner, separate invitations should be sent to avoid confusion.

When addressing the rehearsal dinner envelopes, be clear about who is invited. If you are inviting a couple with children, address the envelope to "Mr. and Mrs. Smith" if only the adults are invited. If you are inviting the entire family, including children, you can address it to "The Smith Family."

If you are inviting a guest with a plus-one, try to find out their name to include on the invitation. This will help avoid any confusion and ensure that only the intended guests attend the rehearsal dinner.

Rehearsal dinners are usually more casual affairs, so the invitations can be less formal and more creative. You can include a romantic or fun quote about love, marriage, or family to add a personal touch. However, be sure to include all the essential information such as the couple's names, date, time, location, dress code, and RSVP details.

"Please join us for a rehearsal dinner honoring [Couple's Names]

[Date], at [Time]

[Location/Address]

[Dress Code]

RSVP by [Date] to [Host's Name] at [Phone Number/Email Address]"

What to include

The wedding rehearsal dinner invitation should include the following:

• The host's name: Traditionally, the groom's parents host the rehearsal dinner, but this is not always the case. Be sure to specify who is hosting the event.
• The names of the couple: It is important to include both names of the couple so guests know exactly who the invitation is for.
• The event date and time: Clearly state the date and time of the rehearsal dinner. Typically, the dinner follows the ceremony rehearsal, so ensure there's enough time for a smooth transition.
• The location: Include the full address of the venue, whether it's a restaurant, a family home, or a special event space.
• RSVP details: Provide clear instructions on how and when to RSVP. This helps with planning, especially if it's a catered event.
• Dress code: If there is a specific dress code, include this on the invitation to avoid confusion.
• Additional information: You may also want to include the couple's wedding website address, and any other relevant details such as dietary requirements.

The tone of the invitation should match the level of formality of the event. Since these pre-wedding affairs tend to be more informal, the invitations will be more casual than wedding invitations.

Formal vs informal

The tone of a wedding rehearsal invitation should match the level of formality of the event. As wedding rehearsals tend to be more informal, the invitations are usually more casual in tone than wedding invitations. However, the level of formality is ultimately up to the couple. If you're planning a traditional or upscale event, you may want to use formal invitation wording. If you're going for a casual vibe, informal wording is the way to go.

Formal

• Use full names instead of just first names.
• Include the hosts' names (traditionally the groom's parents) in a prominent position.
• Spell out everything, avoiding abbreviations.
• Use British spellings (e.g. "honour" instead of "honor").
• Provide clear and concise information about the event, including the couple's names, date, time, location, dress code, and RSVP details.
• Use formal language and a more elegant tone.

Informal

• Feel free to use abbreviations, modern wording layouts, and creative language.
• You don't have to use the couple's full names.
• Have fun with the formatting, font, and layout to match the vibe of your event.
• Include all the essential details but keep the wording casual and lighthearted.

Formal

"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. at The Oceanview Ballroom, 123 Seaside Avenue. Please RSVP by October 1st to 555-1234 or [email protected]."

Informal

"Join us for food, drinks, and good times as we celebrate the soon-to-be newlyweds, Emma & Will! Rehearsal Dinner: Friday, October 18th, 2024, 6:00 PM at the Backyard of the Johnson Family Home, 456 Maple Lane. Casual attire. RSVP to Emma at 555-5678 by October 1st."

RSVP instructions

RSVPs for the wedding rehearsal dinner can be received more informally than wedding invitations, for example, by email, phone call or text message. Designate an RSVP point person who will receive all the responses from the 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, so your guests have a clear deadline to respond by and so you have enough time to plan the event based on the expected group size.

If you are sending paper invitations, you can include an RSVP card with a line for the guest's name and a tick box for 'will attend' and 'will not attend'. You can also include a space for guests to indicate any dietary requirements. If you are sending digital invitations, you can include an online form with the same information.

If you are sending the wedding rehearsal dinner invitations separately from the wedding invitations, make sure to send them about three to four weeks before the event. If you are sending them together, send them out six to eight weeks before the wedding.

If you are inviting guests with a plus-one, try to find out their name to include on the invitation. If you are inviting a couple with children, address the envelope to "Mr. and Mrs. Smith" if you are not inviting the children, and "The Smith Family" if you are.

When to send

Rehearsal dinner invitations are typically sent out 4-6 weeks before the event. This gives guests enough time to plan and make travel arrangements. For larger events, it is better to send them out earlier. If you are hosting a smaller, intimate gathering, you could send the invitations a little later, but no less than three weeks before the event.

It is also a good idea to ask for RSVPs about two weeks before the rehearsal dinner. This will give you enough time to finalise the details, such as seating arrangements and catering.

Rehearsal dinner invitations should be sent separately from the wedding invitations. If you are sending paper invitations, it is a good idea to include an RSVP card with a pre-stamped envelope to make it easy for your guests to respond.

Frequently asked questions