Welcome Party vs. Rehearsal Dinner: What's Best for You?
By Meghan Ely, OFD Consulting
These days, wedding weekends are no longer just about the “I do’s.” More couples are embracing the idea of multi-day celebrations that bring their favorite people together for a full weekend of fun. And that means rethinking the events that lead up to the big day.
Enter: the welcome party and the rehearsal dinner. Both are fantastic ways to kick off your wedding weekend, but which one is right for you?
Whether you're aiming for a laid-back vibe or a more formal affair, each option brings something unique to the table. This guide will help you weigh the pros and cons, explore what each celebration looks like, and ultimately choose the experience that best fits your vision (and your guest list!).
Photo credit: Julian Ribinik Studios
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!
Welcome Party Pros
Interacting With More Guests
Wedding days go by fast, and it can be tough to have more than a quick hug or “thank you for coming!” with everyone. A welcome party gives you and your partner the chance to actually chat with guests and soak in the moment without feeling rushed.
Kawania Wooten, Principal Consultant at Howerton+Wooten Events, shares, “A welcome party gives the couple an opportunity to engage with many of their wedding guests, which takes away the pressure of visiting every dinner table during the wedding reception.”
It also helps break the ice between different friend groups and family members. That “stranger at the ceremony” quickly becomes “the person I played cornhole with at the welcome party.” Win-win!
Having A Bigger Guest List
Welcome parties are typically more inclusive, which is perfect if you want to celebrate with everyone who made the trip to be there. Unlike the rehearsal dinner, often limited to immediate family and the wedding party, a welcome party can open the doors to all your out-of-town guests (or even your full guest list if you’d like).
“One of the primary benefits of a welcome party is that there really is no limit to the guest count or the activities,” confirms Tracy Autem, Owner of Tracy Autem Photography. “It can be formal or relaxed. It can also be come and go, with a much more casual feel than a traditional dinner. That gives you more time to mingle, which means more time to hit the dance floor on your wedding day.”
This is especially popular for destination weddings, where guests often travel long distances. Offering a casual, fun gathering the night before says, “Thanks for coming, we’re so glad you’re here!” without the pressure of a formal dinner. Think food trucks, backyard vibes, or a chic cocktail hour to kick things off.
Let’s Get Rehearsed Editor’s Note: For more inspiration on choosing a theme for your wedding rehearsal dinner or welcome party, check out our list of top 10 rehearsal dinner themes.
Photo credit: Bambino International by Michelle Jackson
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!
Rehearsal Dinner Pros
Practicing Before The Big Day
As the name suggests, the rehearsal dinner usually follows the actual wedding rehearsal, so those who want to walk through the big day will find this event helpful. It’s a chance to walk through the process with your officiant, wedding party, and close family members, ensuring everyone knows their role and where to be.
Michael Thomas, Owner of John Michael Catering and Weddings, says, “If you have a complex ceremony, then a rehearsal will be more critical than ever - practice makes perfect! You can always do the practice run before the dinner and make the dinner more of a welcome party, adding in other guests besides just those from the rehearsal.”
This approach lets you check off the logistics while still keeping the celebration inclusive and fun. It’s the best of both worlds: structure for those who need it, and a warm welcome for everyone else.
Making Things Personal
The rehearsal dinner is the perfect setting for more heartfelt, intimate moments. Because it’s typically a smaller group, couples often take this opportunity to express gratitude, tell stories, and truly connect with those closest to them.
“If you’re craving a more personal moment before the wedding, a rehearsal dinner is gold,” advises Craig Peterman, Photographer & Videographer at Craig Peterman Photography & Videography. “You get to slow down, have deeper conversations, give toasts, and just be present with the people who’ve likely been your biggest support system through the planning process.”
You can also have more creative freedom here. Want to serve your favorite hometown comfort food? Play a custom trivia game? This is your moment to do that. Rehearsal dinners are all about personal touches that might not fit into the formality of the wedding day.
Photo credit: Alicia Parks 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!
Making Your Decision
Consider The Vibe You Want
Start by thinking about what kind of energy you want to kick off your wedding weekend. Your personalities, location, and guest dynamics all play a role in this decision.
Meaghan Cody, Owner of Sweet Pea Events, suggests, “Consider who all is on the guest list, as well as what type of vibe you are going for! Rehearsal dinners tend to be more intimate with toasts from your dearest. But we understand the desire to include guests who have traveled from out of town as well.”
Picture how you want to feel the night before your wedding. Are you roasting s’mores with your extended family by a bonfire, or sitting down for a heartfelt toast with your parents and best friends? That’s your answer.
Opt For Both
Can’t decide? Good news: you don’t have to. Many couples are now choosing to do both a rehearsal dinner and a welcome party. This allows you to have a more formal or emotional moment with your inner circle, and then open up the celebration to everyone afterward.
“A lot of our couples opt for both, starting with a rehearsal dinner for immediate family and the wedding party, then transitioning into a larger welcome party once the formalities of the rehearsal dinner are done,” notes Michelle Jackson, Owner & Photographer at Bambino International. “It's a great way to keep the evening intentional while still including more guests.”
Photo credit: Tracy Autem 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!
No matter which route you take, what’s most important is creating a celebration that feels true to you. These pre-wedding events set the tone for the entire weekend, giving you and your guests the chance to connect, relax, and get excited for the big day. So lean into what feels right and start your wedding weekend off in style!
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Wedding PR expert Meghan Ely loves celebrating every stage of the planning process—including rehearsal dinners. She’s also a national industry speaker—learn more about her work here or visit her at meghanely.com.