How Long Should Your Rehearsal Dinner Last?
By Meghan Ely, OFD Consulting
You’ve picked a beautiful venue, curated the perfect menu, and maybe even splurged on that chic outfit you’ve been dying to wear. Now, there’s just one question left: How long should your wedding rehearsal dinner actually last?
Maybe you’re planning an elegant multi-course dinner with wine pairings that will stretch into the evening. Or you might be hosting a casual, cozy barbecue that wraps up just in time for everyone to get a full night’s sleep before the wedding day.
Photo credit: Mandee Johnson Photography
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No matter your style, the key is finding a balance between celebrating and resting up for the main event. So, how do you figure out the right timeline for your rehearsal dinner? Let’s break it down.
Budget around 3 hours
When it comes to rehearsal dinners, three hours is generally the sweet spot. It’s enough time to enjoy a delicious meal, share a few heartfelt toasts, and even sneak in some mingling without things feeling rushed.
Alex McClard, Owner & Lead Planner at Vision in White Events, shares, “The rehearsal dinner we suggest is 3 hours, with the first hour being arrival, mingling, and passed hor d'oeuvres, then an hour to an hour and a half for dinner service, followed by any speeches and more mingling as the event wraps up!”
You might need a bit more time if you’re going for something fancier with multiple courses and activities. But if you opt for a laid-back cookout or cocktail hour, you could easily get away with less. Bottom line: Tailor the timeframe to fit your vision.
Let’s Get Rehearsed Editors Note: For more on this, be sure to check out our article on the ideal timeline for your wedding rehearsal dinner.
Plan in reverse
Want to nail down the timing for your rehearsal dinner? Start with the end in mind! Think about what time you want the evening to wind down and work your way backward from there.
“When planning a rehearsal and rehearsal dinner for my clients, I tend to work backward from the timing we know - which, in some cases, is when the reservation is at the restaurant or when guests are arriving for dinner,” notes Loni Peterson, MLS at LP Creative Events. “Once we know this timing, I usually recommend a rehearsal start 1 hour before that time.”
Planning in reverse also helps you avoid those “Oh no, we’re running late!” moments. It gives you a clear roadmap for how much time you can dedicate to each portion of the evening—whether it’s dinner, speeches, or even games.
Photo credit: Julia Wade Photography
Don't get stressed - get Let's Get Rehearsed’s FREE rehearsal dinner guide packed full of everything you need to plan a welcome party, from saving money to celebrating the night before the big day!
Consider your guest list
Your rehearsal dinner timeline also depends on who’s on your guest list. Things will likely move along quicker if it’s just the wedding party and immediate family. But if you’ve invited a larger group or out-of-town guests, you might want to allow more time for everyone to catch up.
Lucy Struve, Owner of Lucy Struve Photography, says, “The size of your group matters a lot! If you have a small wedding party and family, then 1 hour for the rehearsal will probably feel like plenty. Ideally, you want to give yourself enough time to practice the ceremony twice. If you have a large wedding party and family, allot closer to 1.5 hours for the actual rehearsal.”
Plus, think about your guests’ needs. Are there little ones who might get cranky if it’s a late-night affair? Or older guests who prefer to head home earlier? Factoring in your attendees’ preferences will go a long way toward ensuring everyone has a good time.
Let’s Get Rehearsed Editors Note: For more on this, be sure to check out our article who to invite to your rehearsal dinner or get your own copy of our rehearsal dinner guest list organizer.
Avoid anything too lengthy
Sure, you want your rehearsal dinner to be memorable, but there’s no need to make it a marathon. Keeping things short and sweet ensures your guests won’t get restless or overly tired. After all, you want everyone bright-eyed and ready for the celebration ahead!
“A rehearsal dinner sets the tone for the wedding weekend, so keeping it under three hours is usually a good call, especially if the wedding is early the next day,” suggests Craig Peterman, Owner of Craig Peterman Photography & Videography. “If there are multiple speeches or activities, it’s best to do them earlier in the evening to avoid dragging things out too long.”
Rather than cramming everything into one long block, give guests plenty of time to enjoy the evening at a natural pace. And if your dinner menu is on the elaborate side, consider streamlining courses to keep everyone engaged.
Include some buffer time
Let’s be honest—timelines rarely go off without a hitch. That’s why building in a little buffer time is a lifesaver!
Leah Black, Destination Wedding Photographer at Leah Black Photography, states, “Rehearsals are an incredible way to set the tone for your wedding day and also give you and your guests more intentional and meaningful opportunities to connect outside of the more structured wedding day timelines. With that in mind, allow more buffer time than you would imagine and allow as much time as possible to be present and have fun in a casual and relaxed environment.”
Consider adding 15 to 30 minutes of cushion time between activities, especially if you’re coordinating transportation or juggling multiple components. Better to have extra time and not need it than the other way around!
Photo credit: Colton Simmons Photography
Keep it casual
A formal sit-down meal has its appeal, but more couples are embracing laid-back, low-pressure celebrations that let everyone kick back and relax. Think backyard barbecues, food truck feasts, or even a cozy pizza party with your closest friends and family.
“It can be a formal sit-down or more of a welcome party with an open bar and food to graze on,” explains Jesse Reing, Owner & CEO of Events By Jesse. “Any formalities should be done around the middle of the timing to ensure the maximum number of guests are present. I recommend keeping formalities to a minimum, as you want your guests to save their energy for the big day.”
Emily Reno, Owner of Elopement Las Vegas, agrees, emphasizing, “The rehearsal dinner doesn’t have to be overly formal. I’ve seen couples opt for a more casual approach, such as a pizza and beer or wine gathering, to keep costs within budget while still including all of their wedding guests. This relaxed setting allows for a fun, welcoming atmosphere before the big day.”
Remember: Your rehearsal dinner is all about celebrating with your favorite people. Whether it’s an elegant dinner or a backyard bash, finding the right timeline is all about what feels best for you. Just be sure to keep things fun and true to your style. This is your moment to soak it all in and get excited for the incredible day ahead!
Let’s Get Rehearsed Editors Note: For more on this, be sure to check out our article on what to wear to a casual wedding rehearsal dinner and our list of the top rehearsal dinner themes - including casual rehearsals!
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Meghan Ely is the owner of wedding PR and wedding marketing firm OFD Consulting. Ely is a sought-after speaker and a self-professed royal wedding enthusiast.