Wedding Rehearsal Dinner Do’s & Don'ts
By Amanda Zack, Lantern Room Creative
As you plan your wedding, the big day often takes center stage. However, events like your wedding rehearsal dinner still deserve your attention! This gathering is a fun way to connect with loved ones, thank them for coming, and kick off your celebration on a high note.
These days, rehearsal dinners can look a little different than in years past, with some couples opting for food trucks and others hosting casual get-togethers with no sit-down meal at all. Regardless of what you want your rehearsal dinner to look like, there are a few things to keep in mind as you plan. Here are our rehearsal dinner do’s and don’ts.
Do: Be mindful of your guest list
There are undoubtedly many people you’re excited to see and celebrate with the weekend of your wedding. But not all of them need an invite to your rehearsal! Typically, the rehearsal dinner guest list consists of the following:
The couple
The couple’s immediate family (including grandparents)
The wedding party
The officiant
The flower girl and ring bearer (and their parents)
Offering plus ones for your rehearsal dinner is entirely up to you. And if your rehearsal feels small, consider hosting a welcome party after dinner where more of your loved ones can join.
(Let’s Get Rehearsed editor’s note: For more on guest lists, check out our article breaking down the wedding rehearsal guest list and take a look at our wedding rehearsal etiquette tips!)
Photo credit: Carter Rose Photography from Luxurious Rehearsal Dinner at The Crescent Club
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!
Don’t: Spend too much money
There’s no need to break your budget for your rehearsal dinner. And with all that you’re spending on the big day itself, know that keeping things casual the night before is more than okay! Remind yourself that it’s your celebration — so if that means a relaxed evening full of pizza and wings, go for it. Or, if it means an elegant three-course meal, enjoy every big of it. Just keep your budget in mind as you plan so you feel comfortable with the amount you spend!
(Let’s Get Rehearsed editor’s note: For more on budget, check out ‘How Much Should We Spend On Our Wedding’s Rehearsal Dinner?’ and take a look at our tips on how to save money at your wedding rehearsal dinner.)
Do: Include personal touches
Fun speeches, old-time videos, and a killer playlist are just a handful of ways you can make your rehearsal dinner stand out. Get creative here, and don’t be afraid to think outside the box regarding your plans! Whether you include a few games to play or have an open mic, your loved ones will feel more comfortable if you create an engaging, inclusive environment.
Photo credit: Carter Rose Photography from Luxurious Rehearsal Dinner at The Crescent Club
Don’t: Expect a full attendance
If you’re hosting an out-of-town celebration, it’s possible that a handful of your loved ones will not make it in time for your rehearsal — and that’s OK. So long as they’re there for your special day, that’s what matters most! Those who opt for a destination wedding should also remember that not everyone will be in attendance. Check in with your guests beforehand to get a solid headcount, then focus on creating new memories with those who will be there.
Do: Thank your attendees
Your rehearsal dinner is the perfect opportunity to pass out thank you cards and let your loved ones know how much you appreciate them. If you’re giving gifts, consider pulling each person aside and sharing a special one-on-one moment with each of them. You’ll be surprised how fast time flies on your wedding day, so using the rehearsal dinner to spend quality time with your closest confidantes is a smart move!
(Let’s Get Rehearsed editor’s note: For more thank you ideas, check out ‘How To Assemble Gift Bags To Give Guests At Your Rehearsal Dinner’ and our collection of the best favors to give out at your wedding rehearsal.)
Don’t: Forget to send invitations
Though your immediate family and wedding party might know the rehearsal dinner is a must-attend, some guests you choose to invite may need a reminder. That’s why it’s vital to send invitations for your rehearsal dinner. You can easily add this invite to your wedding invitation suite, so there’s no need to purchase any additional postage. Just be sure to let each guest know if you request their attendance!
(Let’s Get Rehearsed editor’s note: For more on invitations, check out our article on wedding rehearsal invitation etiquette and shop our customizable invitation printables.)
Photo credit: Carter Rose Photography from Luxurious Rehearsal Dinner at The Crescent Club
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!
Do: Share instructions
When your loved ones receive their invites in the mail, they might have a few questions: What should they wear? How much food will there be? Make sure to include this information alongside your invitations. Let people know the dress code and whether or not they’ll need to eat before or after. It also helps to provide details on your alcohol situation, so your loved ones understand whether to bring cash for a bar or not.
Don’t: Stay out too late
If you’re hosting your rehearsal dinner the night before your wedding, you’ll want to get a good night's rest — which is easier said than done as you feel the excitement of your big day looming! The rehearsal dinner is a fantastic opportunity for you to socialize and start the weekend off with a bang, but it can quickly get out of hand if the drinks are flowing and nobody keeps an eye on the clock. So be mindful of these things and remind yourself how much more fun the next day will be (especially if you’re not hungover!).
Though not as big of an event as your actual wedding, your rehearsal dinner should reflect who you are as a couple. Consider what you want your day to look like, and don’t be afraid to throw out the rulebook as you plan. Make it your own, try new ideas, and soak in that quality time with your loved ones!
If you’re planning a rehearsal dinner, don’t miss some of these must-read resources:
How To Assemble Welcome Gift Bags To Give Guests At Your Rehearsal Dinner
Best Favors To Give Guests At Your Wedding Rehearsal Dinner Or Welcome Party
Wedding Rehearsal Dinner Invitation Etiquette: Wording, Timing & More
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.
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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.