How Much Should We Spend on the Wedding Rehearsal Dinner? — Wedding Rehearsal Dinner & Welcome Party Planning Ideas, Advice & Etiquette

By Amanda Zack, Lantern Room Creative

When you’re in the midst of wedding planning, few things are more sacred than your budget. After all, nobody wants to start a marriage with piles of debt and only some pretty photos to show for it (even if they are the best memories!). You’ll also want to consider your wedding rehearsal dinner budget, as well.

And with a whole host of vendors and plenty of décor to buy, the expenses can really add up. So it should come as no surprise that many couples try to save where they can — and a budget-friendly rehearsal dinner is one excellent way to cut costs.

But that begs the question…

Chic Floral Rehearsal Dinner — Photo credit: Carter Rose Photography from Chic Floral Themed Rehearsal Dinner

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!

How much should you really spend on the rehearsal dinner?

According to The Knot, the average rehearsal dinner cost around $2,300 in 2021 — or about 6-7 percent of the average wedding budget of $34,000. But as you create your rehearsal dinner budget, there are a few factors that will influence whether you spend more or less on your pre-wedding celebration:

Your guest list

Rehearsal dinners typically carry a much smaller headcount than wedding receptions, but if budget is a concern, be mindful to avoid the guest list from ballooning out of control. Most rehearsal dinners include the couple (of course!), their immediate family, wedding party members, out-of-town guests, and the officiant.

But if you’re hosting a destination wedding or most of your guests are from out-of-town, you may choose to limit your rehearsal dinner to your inner circle. Don’t worry — you can still provide a list of restaurants and activities for guests to explore the area on their own!

Your venue of choice

Since you don’t need to worry about accommodating hundreds of guests for your rehearsal dinner, there’s plenty of flexibility around where you host it. And whether you dream of an elegant historic building or you want to celebrate with pizza in your backyard, your venue significantly impacts your budget.

As you mull over venues, here are a few considerations to keep in mind:

Weather: An outdoor celebration under the stars might sound ideal, but if you're tying the knot during the rainy season, it might not go as planned. Pick wisely!
Convenience: If many of your guests are coming from out of town, they’ll likely stay in the room block at your chosen hotel — and they may not have a car. Opt for a venue close enough for folks to carpool or share an affordable Uber to and from the rehearsal dinner.
Accessibility: A beautiful venue may look perfect, but it can prevent challenges for guests if it’s not easily accessible. This is especially important if you’re expecting people who use wheelchairs or other mobility aids to attend. Confirm your venue has accessible parking, restrooms, and paths throughout the property.

Site fees: While some restaurants waive any rental fees with an in-house menu order, others charge a flat rate to book their space. You’ll also face site fees to use public spaces like parks, museums, and historical sites, so plan accordingly.

Your vibe

Do you envision a rehearsal dinner as the glamorous prelude to your more-glamorous wedding? Or are you eager to enjoy a chill night with your loved ones before the festivities pick up? Your rehearsal dinner vibe determines how much you’ll need to spend on food, entertainment, and décor.

For example, if an at-home potluck is your speed, you can get away with spending a couple hundred dollars on drinks and some decorations. But if a luxurious five-course experience is in the cards, you might need to set aside several thousand dollars for food, beverages, musicians, floral arrangements, and more.

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!

Tips for saving money on your rehearsal dinner

If you’re on a tight budget, you might be wondering how to cut costs for your rehearsal dinner. Here are some ways to trim down your expenses:

Host a rehearsal brunch instead! Brunch foods are significantly more affordable than dinner menus, and your guests certainly won’t be disappointed by the chance to sip on bloody marys and mimosas.
Skip live music in favor of a well-curated playlist. While a DJ or band is often expected at weddings, you can definitely get away with a great playlist and Bluetooth speaker (or aux cord) at your rehearsal dinner.
Keep the décor minimal. While décor is a common area to splurge for a wedding, the rehearsal dinner is an intimate gathering of loved ones, so there’s no need to shell out on Insta-worthy details. A few framed photos and some grocery store flowers can certainly suffice!
Get creative with your food offerings. While restaurants typically limit you to set menus, you can explore alternative options if you’re hosting at a non-traditional venue. Think potlucks, BBQs, or food trucks — all affordable approaches to satisfy even the pickiest of eaters! (Want to go super chill? Order delivery from your favorite restaurant!)

With that said, the reported average price tag of $2,300 can serve as a benchmark for your rehearsal dinner. However, the reality is that your rehearsal dinner costs are entirely in your control — whether you want to spend no more than $100 or you have a $10,000 cushion set aside for the occasion.

If you’re planning a rehearsal dinner, don’t miss some of these must-read resources:

About Let’s Get Rehearsed!

Welcome to stress-free and easy wedding rehearsal dinner planning and ideas! Let’s Get Rehearsed is the best, most helpful planning and inspiration resource for all things wedding rehearsal dinners, wedding welcome parties, and the night before the wedding celebrations. If you’re in rehearsal dinner planning mode or looking for unique ideas, check out our real rehearsal dinner and welcome party photos, rehearsal dinner ideas and inspiration, advice for planning a wedding rehearsal dinner, and a rehearsal dinner printable and download shop.

Don’t forget to visit the Let’s Get Rehearsed Shop where you can find fun and affordable wedding rehearsal dinner invitations, wedding welcome party signs, printables, digital downloads and more.

Let’s Get Rehearsed is all about getting you rehearsed before the wedding, so you can get to the celebration!

Amanda Zack is the owner of Lantern Room Creative, a boutique copywriting agency that specializes in brand messaging and digital marketing solutions for creatives and wedding professionals.

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