How to Plan a Wedding Rehearsal Dinner: Step-by-Step Guide

Planning a wedding rehearsal dinner can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. We’ve organized all of our expert tips, real-event inspiration, and advice into one simple step-by-step path. Follow along from the very first decision — like who’s hosting and how to set a budget — all the way through invitations, décor, and toasts. No matter where you are in the process, this guide will walk you through everything you need to plan a stress-free and memorable night-before your wedding.

We’re so glad you found our step-by-step rehearsal dinner guide! If you’d like to know more about who we are, head over to our about page - we’re real people with years of wedding planning experience who want to make your night-before celebration simple and fun. If you have a question that isn’t answered in this guide, we’d love to hear from you. Send us an email anytime - we’re here to help you plan, rehearse, and celebrate!

Nautical Wedding Rehearsal Dinner on Martha's Vineyard on Let's Get Rehearsed

Step 1: Understanding the Rehearsal Dinner

Not sure what a wedding rehearsal dinner is or who’s supposed to host it? We’ll clear up the confusion so you know exactly what this night-before event is all about.

Step 2: Understanding the Welcome Party

Not every couple chooses to host a welcome party, but if you do, it sets the stage for the entire wedding weekend. We’ll walk you through what a welcome party is, how it’s different from the rehearsal dinner, and whether it makes sense to host both, or combine them into one pre-wedding celebration.

Step 3: Setting a Budget

Before you make a single decision, you need to know what you can spend. Learn how to set a realistic rehearsal dinner budget that fits with your wedding plans.

Step 4: Hiring Vendors

Do you really need vendors for the night before your wedding? For some couples, a photographer, planner, or caterer can make the rehearsal dinner or welcome party run smoothly and look polished. We’ll help you decide which vendors are worth bringing on, what’s optional, and how to keep the night stress-free without overcomplicating it.

Step 5: Making the Guest List

Should it just be the wedding party or everyone flying in for the wedding? We’ll help you figure out who to invite (and how to keep the list manageable).

Step 6: Choosing the Venue

Backyard barbecue, favorite restaurant, hotel ballroom, or vineyard? Explore the pros and cons of different rehearsal dinner venues and how to choose the right one for you.

Step 7: Picking a Theme & Style

A theme or vibe ties everything together. From casual game nights to elegant cocktail parties, see how to pick a look that matches your vision and personality.

Step 8: Invitations & Communication

Paper or digital? Formal or casual? Find out when to send rehearsal dinner invitations and the best way to communicate with your guests.

Step 9: What to Wear

The rehearsal dinner is the last outfit you’ll wear before the wedding day. Get outfit inspiration and tips for brides, grooms, and guests.

Step 10: Menu & Drinks

Food is the heart of the rehearsal dinner. Whether you want a buffet, plated meal, or casual bites, we’ll help you choose a menu and drinks that set the right tone.

Step 11: Décor, Signs & Details

The little details make a big difference. From welcome signs to table décor, discover easy ways to make your space feel polished and personal.

Step 12: Flow of the Night

A smooth timeline keeps the night stress-free. We’ll show you how to structure the evening - from the rehearsal itself to dinner, and activities.

Step 13: Activities & Games

Your rehearsal dinner or welcome party isn’t just about food, it’s also a chance to connect and have fun before the big day. From icebreakers that help guests mingle to playful games that bring families together, we’ll share ideas to keep the night lively and memorable without overshadowing the wedding itself.

Step 14: Toasts & Speeches

Who speaks at the rehearsal dinner and what should they say? We’ll break down the etiquette and share tips for heartfelt, stress-free toasts.

Step 15: Gifts & Favors

The night before your wedding is the perfect time to thank the people who’ve supported you most. From thoughtful parent gifts to fun favors for guests, we’ll help you choose meaningful tokens that add a personal touch without adding stress.

Step 16: Mistakes to Avoid

Even with the best intentions, it’s easy to overlook small details that can cause stress the night before your wedding. From waiting too long to book a venue, to forgetting to plan for speeches, to trying to outshine the wedding itself, we’ll share the most common rehearsal dinner and welcome party mistakes, and how to avoid them.

Ready to Put Your Plans Into Action?

Once you’ve got the steps down, it’s time to bring your rehearsal dinner or welcome party to life. Our Let’s Get Rehearsed shop is filled with printable invitations, signs, décor templates, and digital planners designed specifically for the night before your wedding. Stress less, celebrate more — and make your planning beautifully simple.

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