George Boyle
Planning a wedding rehearsal dinner is an important part of wedding preparations. It is a chance for the couple to show hospitality to the wedding party and out-of-town guests, and for the two families to meet and bond. The rehearsal dinner usually takes place the night before the wedding, after the wedding rehearsal, but can also be held two days before to allow for recovery time. The guest list typically includes the couple's immediate families, the wedding party, and their plus-ones, and sometimes close relatives and friends. The groom's parents traditionally host and pay for the dinner, but modern couples may choose to host it themselves or share the responsibility with both sets of parents. The dinner can be formal or casual, large or intimate, and can be held at a venue of the couple's choice, with a menu of their preference. Planning should start a few months in advance to reserve the venue and set a budget, and invitations should be sent out four to six weeks before the event.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| When to host the rehearsal dinner | The day before the wedding, following the rehearsal |
| Who should host the rehearsal dinner | Traditionally, the groom's parents, but can be the couple or any other host |
| Who to invite | Immediate family members, the wedding party, their plus-ones, and officiant. Out-of-town guests and close friends of the couple may also be invited |
| Timing | Start at 6 or 7 pm, leaving enough time for guests to rest before the wedding |
| Invitations | Formal or informal, sent 4-6 weeks before the event |
| Venue | Can be a separate venue from the wedding or at the same location, depending on availability |
| Menu | Creative freedom; can be casual or formal, large-scale or intimate |
| Budget | Average cost is $2,400, but varies depending on the venue and number of guests |
What You'll Learn
The rehearsal dinner is traditionally hosted by the groom's parents
The rehearsal dinner is traditionally hosted and paid for by the groom's parents, although this is not always the case. It is usually held on the eve of the wedding, directly after the ceremony rehearsal. The rehearsal dinner is an exciting part of the wedding weekend and is a great opportunity to build excitement for the main event the next day.
The guest list typically includes the couple's immediate families, the entire wedding party, and their plus-ones. Some couples also invite the officiant, flower girl, and ring bearer, along with their partners. In recent years, rehearsal dinners have evolved into larger events, with some couples inviting extended family members, out-of-town guests, or even the entire wedding guest list.
As the host, the groom's family is responsible for the budget and has complete control over the venue, theme, and decorations. They may also offer alcoholic beverages, such as bottles of wine or champagne, but this is not obligatory, especially if the family does not drink for personal or religious reasons.
It is customary for the hosts to welcome the guests and thank them for attending. Other guests, such as the parents or members of the wedding party, may also give speeches if they wish. Rehearsal dinner favours are not required, but some couples use this opportunity to give gifts to close loved ones, such as the wedding party and parents.
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It's an opportunity for the two families to meet and bond
The rehearsal dinner is an important part of the wedding celebration and a great opportunity for the two families to meet and bond. It is usually held the night before the wedding, after the wedding rehearsal, and is a chance for the couple's immediate families, the wedding party, and sometimes out-of-town guests to come together and enjoy each other's company.
The rehearsal dinner can be a sophisticated celebration with planned speeches, or it can be a more casual and intimate affair, depending on the couple's preferences. It is an opportunity for the couple and their parents to initiate introductions and welcome guests, creating a warm and hospitable atmosphere. The host often welcomes everyone collectively before the meal, and the officiant or a party member may bless the meal.
The rehearsal dinner is also a time for exchanging gifts and toasts. The couple may present gifts to the wedding party, and the groom may toast his bride, followed by speeches from the fathers of the bride and groom. It is a moment for the inner circle to gather and create special memories before the big day, which can often be a whirlwind for those involved.
Planning the rehearsal dinner involves considering the guest list, venue, theme, decorations, and menu. While traditionally hosted and paid for by the groom's family, modern times have seen a shift, with some couples choosing to host and plan the event themselves or share the responsibility with both families. It is essential to have open and honest discussions about expectations, budgets, and hopes to ensure a stress-free planning process.
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It's usually held the night before the wedding
Rehearsal dinners are usually held the night before the wedding. This is a great opportunity for the couple's inner circle to gather and have a quiet or loud celebration, depending on their preference. The purpose of the rehearsal dinner is to show hospitality to the wedding party and out-of-town guests, and it is a time for the two families to meet and bond.
The rehearsal dinner usually follows the wedding rehearsal directly. However, if the rehearsal is not the day before the wedding, the dinner can still be held before the wedding as long as important guests can attend. It is recommended to leave 20-30 minutes, plus travel time, between the end of the rehearsal and the start of the dinner. The dinner usually begins around 6 or 7 p.m., allowing guests to get a good night's rest before the wedding day.
The guest list typically includes the couple's immediate families, the wedding party, and their plus-ones, as well as the officiant. Some couples also invite close relatives and friends who are not part of the wedding party. The host usually covers the bill and acts as the creative director, deciding on the venue, theme, and decorations.
Planning for the rehearsal dinner should start a few months in advance to reserve the venue and finalise the budget. About two weeks before the dinner, it is essential to confirm the rehearsal time with the officiant and venue coordinator and follow up with guests who have not RSVP'd. Creating a timeline for the ceremony run-through and rehearsal dinner is also a good idea to ensure everything runs smoothly.
The rehearsal dinner can be formal or casual, large-scale or intimate, depending on the couple's preferences. There is no strict etiquette for invitations, and an online invitation or phone call is acceptable. However, for more formal affairs, a formal invitation via post is customary.
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The guest list is smaller than the wedding's
The rehearsal dinner is a special event that usually takes place a day or two before the wedding. It is an opportunity for the couple to spend quality time with their immediate families and the bridal party before the big day. The guest list for the rehearsal dinner is typically smaller than the wedding guest list, and it is not as strict as wedding invitation etiquette.
If you're planning a small and intimate rehearsal dinner, the guest list should include the couple's parents and siblings, the bridal party (with or without their dates), any readers or ushers, and the officiant. This group can range from 10 to 25 people, creating an intimate setting for meaningful conversations and mingling.
For those inviting out-of-town guests to the rehearsal dinner, it is a thoughtful way to show appreciation for their time and effort in attending the wedding. However, if a large number of guests are travelling, it might be more feasible to host a welcome cocktail party or a dessert party after the rehearsal dinner. This way, you can keep the rehearsal dinner intimate while still welcoming all guests with a fun and casual celebration.
The rehearsal dinner guest list is ultimately up to the couple's discretion. Some couples prefer to keep it exclusive, focusing on immediate family and the bridal party, while others may invite nearly half of their wedding guest list. It is essential to extend invitations in a timely manner, giving guests at least a month's notice to arrange their schedules and travel plans.
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It can be formal or casual, large-scale or intimate
The rehearsal dinner is a time-honoured wedding tradition that can be formal or casual, large-scale or intimate. It is usually held the night before the wedding, directly after the rehearsal at the ceremony venue, but can also be held two or three nights before. It is an opportunity for the couple's inner circle to gather and enjoy a quiet or loud celebration. The purpose of the rehearsal dinner is to show hospitality to the wedding party and out-of-town guests, and it is often a chance for the two families to meet and mingle.
The host of the rehearsal dinner usually takes care of the bill and is typically the groom's parents, but this is changing, with some couples choosing to host the party themselves. The host also gets to decide the venue, theme and decorations. If you are hosting on behalf of the couple, be sure to get their input on the major details, such as the guest list, date and time frame. The guest list for a rehearsal dinner can vary greatly, from immediate family members only to nearly half of the wedding guest list.
The dress code for the event is an important factor to consider when planning a rehearsal dinner. While some couples opt for a formal, plated dinner at a favourite restaurant, others choose a casual backyard BBQ or dinner at a fun pizza place. The venue and theme will largely dictate the vibe and dress code of the event. For example, a barn-style BBQ might call for boots and cowboy hats, while a black-tie affair at an upscale restaurant would require a more formal outfit.
When it comes to planning, it is recommended to start a few months in advance to reserve the venue and finalise the budget. In the last few weeks before the wedding, tie up any loose ends, such as confirming the final guest count and reservation details. It is also important to provide a schedule with the ceremony venue address, start time and rehearsal dinner details to ensure everyone is on the same page.
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Frequently asked questions
The rehearsal dinner usually takes place the night before the wedding, after the rehearsal. It's a good idea to start planning a few months ahead to ensure there's enough time to reserve the venue and decide on a budget.
Traditionally, the groom's parents host the rehearsal dinner, but anyone can host. The host usually takes care of the bill and gets to decide on the venue, theme, and decorations.
The couple's immediate families, the entire wedding party (with their plus-ones), and the officiant are usually invited. Some couples also invite out-of-town guests, close friends, and other relatives. The guest list is ultimately up to the couple's discretion.
Rehearsal dinner invitation etiquette is not as strict as wedding invitation etiquette. Formal invitations are typically sent for formal affairs, while casual gatherings may use phone calls or evites. Guests should be informed four to six weeks before the event. The dinner can be formal or casual, depending on the couple's preference.
