Planning A Wedding Rehearsal Dinner: When To Send Invites

Planning a wedding is a complex affair, with many moving parts. One of the most important events preceding the big day is the rehearsal dinner, which is usually held the night before the wedding. It is an exciting part of the wedding weekend and a perfect opportunity for the couple's loved ones to socialise and get to know each other in a relaxed setting. It is also a chance for the couple to relieve some pre-wedding jitters.

When it comes to sending out invitations for the rehearsal dinner, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, it is recommended to send out rehearsal dinner invitations after the main wedding invitations have been mailed. This is because the rehearsal dinner is usually a more intimate gathering, with a smaller guest list. The general consensus is that rehearsal dinner invitations should be sent out around four to six weeks before the wedding. This gives guests enough time to make arrangements, especially if they are travelling from out of town.

There are a few options for how to send the invitations. One option is to include an insert card with the wedding invitation, providing guests with all the details about the rehearsal dinner. Another option is to send out separate, more formal invitations for the rehearsal dinner. Ultimately, the couple can choose the option that best suits their preferences and the level of formality they want to convey.

Timing: Send out invites 3-6 weeks before the wedding, after the wedding invites

Wedding planning can be a stressful process, but sending out your rehearsal dinner invitations on time will be one less thing to worry about.

It is recommended that you send out your rehearsal dinner invitations 3-6 weeks before the wedding. This is to ensure that your guests have enough time to make the necessary arrangements, especially if they are travelling from out of town. It is also important to note that etiquette dictates that rehearsal dinner invitations should be sent out after the wedding invitations. This is partly so that you can include an insert card with the wedding invitations that provides guests with all the details about the rehearsal dinner.

If you are sending out paper invitations, it is also recommended that you check the postage amount with the postal service to ensure your invitations are not under-stamped.

If you are inviting out-of-town guests, it is considered polite to invite them to the rehearsal dinner. This is especially true if you are hosting a destination wedding, as it is customary to include everyone who has travelled in the festivities.

If you are planning to host a welcome party or cocktail hour for out-of-town guests, you may want to send out rehearsal dinner invitations earlier, around 2 months before the wedding, to give your guests as much notice as possible.

Remember, the rehearsal dinner is an exciting part of the wedding weekend and a great opportunity to get hyped up for the main event. So, send out those invitations on time and get ready to celebrate!

Format: Paper or digital invites are acceptable

There are a few options for sending out wedding rehearsal dinner invitations. You can send them out as early as four weeks in advance, but it's important to send them after you've mailed your wedding invites. Another option is to include the invite to the smaller group with the wedding invite itself. This saves on postage, but it can get confusing if you have to ensure that only certain guests receive the rehearsal dinner notice.

Digital invites are perfectly acceptable and can save you money. However, some people prefer paper invites as they can bring more weight and help to set the tone for the wedding weekend. If you do opt for paper invites, it's worth checking your postage amount with the postal service to ensure you don't underpay.

If you're having a destination wedding, it's a nice touch to include everyone who has travelled in the festivities, including plus ones. In this case, you could consider sending out the rehearsal dinner invitations at the same time as the wedding invites, or even earlier, to help your guests with their travel arrangements.

Content: Include the date, time, location, hosts, and RSVP details

The rehearsal dinner is usually the first event of the wedding weekend, so it's important to get the invitations right. Here's some content to include in your rehearsal dinner invitations, with a focus on the key details your guests will need to know.

Date, Time and Location

It's important to include the date, time and location of the event. The date can be written out in full (day, month and year) for formal dinners, or use numerals for more casual parties. The time is particularly important as guests will need their beauty sleep before the big day! Be sure to include an end time if you've reserved a private restaurant or banquet hall.

Hosts

Include the name(s) of the host(s). Traditionally, the rehearsal dinner is hosted by the groom's parents, but it doesn't have to be. If both families are co-hosting, you can include both sets of parents' names. Alternatively, the couple may choose to host and pay for the rehearsal dinner themselves.

RSVP Details

Include an RSVP date and how to RSVP. Ask your guests to send their replies about three to four weeks before the rehearsal dinner. If you're not including a stamped and pre-addressed RSVP card, be sure to include an RSVP name, as well as a contact phone number or email address.

Additional Information

You may also want to include any other relevant details, such as the dress code, directions to the venue and any special instructions. If there's a wedding website, you can include the web address so guests can find more information.

Guest List: Invite the wedding party, immediate family, and out-of-town guests

When it comes to the guest list for your wedding rehearsal dinner, there are a few key groups you should focus on inviting. These include the wedding party, immediate family, and out-of-town guests.

The Wedding Party

The wedding party, including bridesmaids, groomsmen, flower girl, and ring bearer, are obvious attendees for the rehearsal dinner. It's also considerate to give them the option of bringing a plus-one, so they have someone to socialise with. This is especially thoughtful if their plus-one is travelling to attend the wedding.

Immediate Family

Immediate family members such as parents, siblings, and their spouses or dates and children, are also essential guests for the rehearsal dinner. If space and budget allow, you might want to invite extended family members like grandparents, aunts, uncles, and close cousins. This is a good opportunity for both families to get to know each other better.

Officiant and Ceremony Readers

The officiant and any ceremony readers, along with their spouses or dates, are usually invited to the rehearsal dinner.

Out-of-Town Guests

If your wedding is in your hometown and you only have a small number of out-of-town guests, it's a nice gesture to include them in the rehearsal dinner. This makes sense logistically if you're already inviting immediate family, as out-of-town guests may not know anyone else at the event. However, if you're hosting a destination wedding or most of your guest list is travelling, you might want to organise a separate welcome celebration, such as a cocktail hour, to avoid hosting a party as big as the wedding itself.

Timing and Invitations

Rehearsal dinner invitations should be sent out three to four weeks before the event, either after the wedding invitations or included within the wedding invitation suite.

Wording: Keep it informal and clear, with a creative opener

The wording of your rehearsal dinner invitations should be a reflection of you and your partner's unique relationship. It should also be informal and creative, with a clear and concise message. Here are some examples of how to word your invitations:

"Let's get this party started! You're invited to a rehearsal dinner, celebrating the union of [Couple's names] on [Date, time] at [Location, address]. RSVP to [Name] by [Date, email address/phone number]."

"Eat, drink, and rehearse! Join us for a rehearsal dinner as we toast to [Couple's names] on [Date, time] at [Location, address]. Kindly respond to [Name] by [Date, email address/phone number]."

"Love is in the air, and we can't wait to celebrate with you! Please join us for a rehearsal dinner honouring [Couple's names] on [Date, time] at [Location, address]. Send your RSVP to [Name] by [Date, email address/phone number]."

"Before we say 'I do', we want to celebrate with our nearest and dearest. Join us for a rehearsal dinner in honour of [Couple's names] on [Date, time] at [Location, address]. Kindly send your RSVP by [Date] to [Name, email address/phone number]."

"We're tying the knot, and we want you there! You're invited to a rehearsal dinner for [Couple's names] on [Date, time] at [Location, address]. Please RSVP by [Date] to [Name, email address/phone number]."

When creating your invitations, consider including a personal touch, such as a favourite poem excerpt or lyrics from your first dance song. Additionally, don't be afraid to explore out-of-the-box options like a video or website invitation.

Frequently asked questions