Destination Wedding Rehearsal Invite Timing

Planning a destination wedding is a complex affair, with many factors to consider. One of the most important aspects is timing—specifically, when to send out invitations and save-the-dates. The general consensus is that save-the-dates should be sent out nine to twelve months in advance, giving guests ample time to plan their travels and accommodations. This is especially crucial for destination weddings, where guests need to book flights and hotels.

As for the formal invitations, opinions vary. Some sources suggest sending them out two to four months before the wedding, while others recommend sticking to the traditional timeline of six to eight weeks before the wedding.

Timing: Send invites 4-6 weeks before, or with the wedding invite

When it comes to the timing of sending out your rehearsal dinner invites, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, it is recommended to give your guests at least four to eight weeks' notice. This will ensure they have enough time to plan and make arrangements for attending, especially if they need to travel.

If you're having a destination wedding, it's a good idea to send the rehearsal dinner invites with the wedding invitation itself. This is because everyone is travelling, and sending the invites together will save on postage and reduce confusion. It's also a safe bet to send invites four to six weeks before the event.

However, if you're inviting guests who need to travel, it's a good idea to give them a little more notice. In this case, sending the invites three to four months before the event will give them ample time to plan their trip and make the necessary arrangements.

It's worth noting that some sources suggest sending invites as early as six to eight months before the wedding, especially if you want to give your guests a heads-up to start planning their travel.

If you're concerned about guests forgetting the details, you can always send a reminder text or email closer to the date. This will ensure everyone has the information they need and reduce the risk of no-shows due to misplacement or forgetfulness.

It's also important to consider your guest list when deciding on timing. If you're only inviting a small group of people, such as the wedding party and immediate family, you may not need to send formal invites at all. In this case, a simple phone call or text with the details might suffice.

However, if you're inviting a larger group, including out-of-town guests, it's best to send formal invites to ensure everyone has the information they need and can plan accordingly.

In summary, the timing of sending out your rehearsal dinner invites depends on the nature of your wedding and your guest list. Giving guests enough notice to plan their attendance is key, especially for destination weddings or those requiring travel.

Who to invite: bridal party, family, out-of-town guests, officiant

Who to Invite to a Rehearsal Dinner

The rehearsal dinner is a chance for the wedding party and close family members to come together in a more intimate setting before the wedding celebrations. The guest list for the rehearsal dinner is usually smaller and more exclusive than the wedding guest list, and typically includes:

• The bridal party, including the maid/matron of honour, best man, bridesmaids, groomsmen, flower girl, and ring bearer.
• The wedding party's plus-ones and spouses.
• The parents, grandparents, and siblings of the couple.
• The officiant and their spouse or plus-one.
• Any readers, ushers, or other participants in the ceremony.

Some couples may also choose to invite out-of-town guests, close extended family members, or other friends and relatives to the rehearsal dinner, especially if the wedding is a destination wedding.

When to Send Invites

Rehearsal dinner invitations should be sent out three to four weeks before the event via mail or digitally. They can also be included with the wedding invitation suite, or sent digitally via email or text.

What to include: host, couple's names, date, time, location, RSVP info

When it comes to destination weddings, it is considered good etiquette to invite everyone to the rehearsal dinner. However, this can be challenging if you have a large guest list or are working with a limited budget. In such cases, it is generally acceptable to invite only those who are participating in the ceremony rehearsal, such as the wedding party, immediate family, and the officiant.

Host

It is customary to include the host's name on the invitation, indicating who is paying for the event. Traditionally, the groom's family hosts the rehearsal dinner, but nowadays, the couple may host it themselves or split the cost with their parents. It is also common for other family members, the wedding party, or friends to host the event.

Couple's Names

Be sure to include the names of the couple getting married. This may seem obvious, but it is an important detail to ensure your guests know whose wedding they are attending!

Date, Time, and Location

Provide clear information about the date, time, and location of the rehearsal dinner. This will help your guests plan their schedules and know where to go. Consider including directions or a map, especially if the location is not easily accessible.

RSVP Info

Include the deadline and method for RSVPs. It is often easiest to request RSVPs via email, but you can also provide a phone number or respond by mail. Be sure to give your guests enough time to respond and plan their travel arrangements if they are coming from out of town.

Additionally, you may want to include other details such as the dress code, any special instructions, or your wedding website for further information.

[Host name/s]

Request the pleasure of your company at the

[Couple's names]

Rehearsal dinner

[Date] at [Time]

[Location]

RSVP by [Date] to [Email/Phone number]

Please visit our wedding website for more information: [Website URL]

Remember to send your invitations with enough notice, typically three to four weeks in advance, to give your guests time to plan and make any necessary arrangements.

Invites: digital or paper? Paper is traditional, but digital is OK

When it comes to invites, you have two options: digital or paper. Paper invitations are traditional and can bring more weight to the occasion. They also allow you to set the tone for the wedding weekend and are a good option if you want your guests to pay more attention to the details of the event. However, digital invites are also perfectly acceptable nowadays and can be a convenient choice, especially if you have guests travelling from out of town.

If you opt for paper invitations, you can work with a local business or an online retailer to design and create them. This is a good option if you want to maintain a consistent theme and structure with your other wedding invites. Sending paper invites by mail can also be a more formal approach, especially if you are inviting guests who are not familiar with digital communication.

On the other hand, digital invites are a cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative. They can be easily shared via email, text, or your wedding website. This option is convenient for both you and your guests, as all the information can be easily accessed and stored digitally. Additionally, digital invites are ideal for last-minute changes or updates, as you can quickly notify your guests without incurring additional costs.

Ultimately, the choice between digital and paper invites depends on your personal preference and the style of your wedding. Both options have their advantages, and you should choose the one that best suits your needs and aligns with your wedding plans. Remember to consider factors such as convenience, cost, and the level of formality you wish to convey.

Who pays/sends invites: traditionally groom's parents, but can be couple or shared

Traditionally, the groom's parents would pay for the rehearsal dinner, including the venue, food, drink, decorations, entertainment, and invitations. However, this tradition is not set in stone and there are many ways to split the cost of a wedding.

Nowadays, the couple may choose to pay for the wedding themselves, or the couple's families can contribute. It is also common for the couple to ask their families to split the bill, or to contribute a portion of their own money to the event. In some cases, the wedding party, other family members, or friends may host the rehearsal dinner.

The rehearsal dinner invitations should include the host of the dinner, the names of the couple, the event date, time, location, and the RSVP deadline and method. The host of the rehearsal dinner (whoever is paying) gets the final say on the guest list and sends out the invitations.

It is recommended to start planning the rehearsal dinner three to six months before the wedding, and to send out the invitations four weeks in advance.

Frequently asked questions