Wedding Rehearsal Dinner & Welcome Party FAQs: Expert Planning Advice

Planning a Wedding Rehearsal Dinner

What is a rehearsal dinner and why is it important?
A wedding’s rehearsal dinner is a gathering held after the wedding ceremony rehearsal, typically the night before the wedding. It ensures everyone knows their role for the big day and gives family and friends a chance to relax and celebrate before the wedding. The couple getting married oftentimes loves the rehearsal dinner and/or welcome party because it takes pressure off of the big day and it allows them a chance to reconnect with old friends and family they may not have seen in a while in a more relaxed setting. Learn more in our ultimate guide to rehearsal dinners.

How do I plan a rehearsal dinner on a budget?
If you want to stay on budget and not overspend on the pre-wedding celebration the best thing to do is to keep it simple with a smaller guest list, casual food like BBQ or pizza, and DIY décor. Hosting at a restaurant can both save money depending on your guest count. Be very careful about hosting a rehearsal dinner at home or in a backyard, as these events often have unexpected costs that you wouldn’t have with an established venue with amenities, like bathrooms, catering, parking and furniture. See detailed strategies in how to plan a rehearsal dinner without overspending.

How long should a rehearsal dinner last?
Most rehearsal dinners last 2 to 3 hours, long enough for rehearsal, dinner, speeches, and mingling. Be sure to include and plan for transportation time if your ceremony venue where you’re rehearsing isn’t at the same location at the dinner or welcome party. Don’t run too late! Everyone, most especially the couple getting married, needs rest before wedding day. Get more detailed info here in how long should your rehearsal dinner last and the perfect rehearsal dinner timeline.

Can the rehearsal dinner be casual?
Yes, rehearsal dinners don’t need to be formal. Many couples choose relaxed themes like a backyard BBQ, pizza party, or brunch. See inspiration in our top rehearsal dinner themes. Plus, guests always appreciate a rehearsal dinner or wedding welcome party that’s a counterpoint to a more formal or traditional wedding day.

Should the rehearsal dinner have a theme?
Having a theme makes planning easier and fun. It makes it easier for those planning because you can more quickly decide on invitations, location and decor. It makes it more fun and relaxing for your guests because they’ll know what to expect and perhaps what to wear, depending on your theme choice. Themes can guide food, décor, and attire without overshadowing the wedding. Explore our list of rehearsal dinner theme ideas.

Do you need to hire vendors for a rehearsal dinner?
Not always do you need to hire vendors for the rehearsal dinner, however they do make planning, organizing, and day-of logistics much easier, if your budget allows. Many couples DIY invitations, decor, or entertainment. For larger events or destination weddings, hiring wedding vendors for the rehearsal or welcome party may help. If you’re unsure about vendors for the welcome party and pre-wedding festivities, talk to your wedding vendors, they’ll likely have great advice for you. Learn more in our guide: Do you need vendors for a rehearsal dinner?.

Can you combine the rehearsal dinner and welcome party?
Yes, many couples host one combined pre-wedding event. Typically, the rehearsal, where those involved in the wedding ceremony go over what’s to happen at the ceremony, is followed by an intimate dinner with only those who attended the rehearsal and perhaps close family, then all wedding guests join for a welcome party. Sometimes couples choose to invite all out of town guests to the rehearsal dinner portion and combine it into all guest welcome party, which is more common with destination weddings where most guests traveled to attend the wedding. For more, check out what is a wedding welcome party and do we need to have one. You can also get more information in our advice on how to choose between a rehearsal dinner and a welcome party.

Does the wedding rehearsal dinner have to be the night before the wedding?
No, it does not. The right timing depends on your ceremony rehearsal schedule with the venue and officiant, your preferred dinner location’s availability, your guests’ travel plans, and the vibe you want for the night before. Many couples separate the rehearsal and the dinner by a day, especially for Sunday weddings when the venue may hold rehearsals earlier in the week, so confirm logistics first and build your plan from there. For examples and what to consider before you set the date, read our advice on does the rehearsal dinner have to be the night before the wedding?

Do you need table numbers or assigned seating for a rehearsal dinner?
Assigned seating is not required at a rehearsal dinner, but it can help the evening flow more smoothly especially if you have a larger guest list, a plated meal, or want to make sure certain people sit together. For smaller or casual dinners, open seating works just fine and feels more relaxed. A hybrid approach is popular too: assign tables so guests know where to go, but let them choose their own seats once there. For pros, cons, and creative ways to organize seating, see our full guide on table numbers or assigned seating for your rehearsal dinner.

Rehearsal Dinner Etiquette & Traditions

Who usually pays for the rehearsal dinner?
Traditionally, the groom’s parents paid for the rehearsal dinner pre-wedding festivities, but today traditional financial wedding decisions are not as common. There are few rules anymore when it comes to weddings and it’s more about what feels right for the couple and those involved. Many couples host and pay themselves, sometimes with family or friend help. See details in who pays and how much to spend on the rehearsal dinner. The most important thing when it comes to rehearsal dinners and money is to decide early and clearly who is paying for what. For help with staying on budget, be sure to get our ultimate Rehearsal Dinner & Wedding Welcome Party Budget Spreadsheet.

Who is invited to the rehearsal dinner?
Usually, those with a role at the wedding ceremony are invited to the rehearsal and the following dinner. This often includes the wedding party, officiant, immediate family of the couple, readers, and anyone involved the ceremony are invited. For the dinner, guests or plus-ones of those who attended the rehearsal are invited. Some couples also include close friends or out-of-town guests and turn it into more of a wedding welcome party. Learn more in our rehearsal dinner invitation guide.

Do kids come to the rehearsal dinner?
Yes, if the wedding is family-friendly, kids are usually included in the rehearsal dinner, if they or their parents have a role at the wedding ceremony, such as a ring bearer or the child of a bridesmaid. Plan fun activities to keep them engaged. See our full list of activities for kids at the rehearsal dinner and shop our collection of kid-approved rehearsal dinner games and decor. Also, here is more advice on how to make the rehearsal dinner kid-friendly.

Should rehearsal dinners include plus-ones?
Yes, it is good etiquette to invite to the rehearsal dinner the plus-ones for wedding party members and close family or anyone with a role at the wedding ceremony, especially if they are traveling to the wedding. For more, check this out one who to invite to your rehearsal dinner and get our advice on how to handle someone who expected an invite to the rehearsal dinner.

What should you wear as a guest to a rehearsal dinner?
Just like with the main event, there are no typical rules for what guests should wear to a rehearsal dinner or welcome party. Attire depends on the theme, season, location, time of day, and setting. Guests usually dress slightly less formal than the wedding day, but it’s more about what make you feel comfortable. If there are attire suggestions on the invitation, such as “casual chic” or “game day ready” be sure to follow the host’s outfit preferences. For more, get our rehearsal dinner guest dress code attire advice, as well as our ideas for what to wear as a guest.

Do you need rehearsal dinner favors?
Favors aren’t required for a rehearsal dinner or welcome party, but can be a thoughtful touch. Many couples or hosts give small tokens, treats, or personalized items. Whatever you decide, be sure to coordinate with and don’t overshadow the favors that the couple might be giving to wedding guests at the wedding itself. Here are some ideas for wedding favors to give out at the rehearsal dinner, and favors your wedding rehearsal dinner guests will actually use.

Are rehearsal dinners required, or can you skip it?
You don’t have to host a rehearsal dinner, but it’s strongly recommended. It ensures everyone is ready for the wedding and sets a relaxed, joyful tone for the wedding to come. If you decide not to have the dinner or the welcome party portion, that’s completely OK and your choice, but you should consider having some sort of walk-through or rehearsal for those involved in the wedding ceremony so that everyone with a role know what to do and when to be where. For more, check out what is a rehearsal dinner and do we need to have one?

Should we give gifts at the rehearsal dinner?
Yes, the wedding rehearsal dinner is a perfect time to give gifts because it is intimate, calm, and everyone you want to thank is in one place. Most couples give meaningful gifts to parents and the wedding party the night before so they are not juggling it on wedding day. Keep the focus on heartfelt thanks with a handwritten note, present gifts just before or after toasts so you do not interrupt service, and save any larger or private gifts for a quiet moment. Don’t forget to thank the hosts of the rehearsal dinner! For ideas and etiquette you can trust, read our guide to gifts to give parents the night before your wedding, gift ideas for rear bearers and flower girls, gift ideas for bridesmaids, and finish the look with printable gift tags from the shop.

How do we avoid rehearsal dinner drama?
Protect the vibe with clear decisions upfront. Keep the guest list focused on the ceremony crew and essential family, set expectations on the invite about timing and dress, and assign a calm point person, like a wedding planner, to handle hiccups so the couple can relax. Seat thoughtfully to avoid friction, keep toasts short and kind, skip roasts or surprises, and set a simple bar plan so the night stays easy. End on the earlier side and save any heavy conversations for another time. Get step by step strategies in our full guide to avoiding rehearsal dinner drama.

Rehearsal Dinner Budget & Costs

How much should you spend on a rehearsal dinner?
There is no standard number for a wedding rehearsal dinner. Start by deciding who is hosting, make a realistic guest list, then choose a theme and venue that match what you are comfortable spending. Treat the rehearsal dinner or wedding welcome party as its own event with its own budget separate from the wedding. Your biggest cost drivers will be guest count, meal style, bar choices, and venue. To keep costs down, keep the dinner intimate (aka small) and invite everyone else to a casual meet-up after, choose simple menus like pizza, BBQ, tacos, or brunch, skip the open bar instead offer of beer, wine, or a signature drink, and DIY light decor like signs or place cards. See full breakdown in how much to spend on the rehearsal dinner and get our advice on how to not overspend on the rehearsal dinner. If you need help with budgeting, be sure to get our Rehearsal Dinner & Wedding Welcome Party Budget Tracker.

How do you save money on a rehearsal dinner?
There are lots of different ways to save money on a rehearsal dinner. Some popular ideas include choosing a casual menu and theme, cutting the guest list, limiting decor, emailing or text invitations and information, or opting for a time of day that isn’t dinner that may or may not be the night before the wedding. Find more ideas in how to save money on your rehearsal dinner.

Is it cheaper to host at home or at a restaurant?
It depends. Home events skip venue fees, but can add costs for parking, rentals like tables and chairs or tents, and catering. Restaurants and established event locations often include food and service in one price. Be careful with advice that encourages hosting your rehearsal dinner or welcome at home or at a house, and be sure to do your research with professional vendors before making this choice. While an event at home on it surface seems like it could be more affordable, oftentimes includes unexpected costs in addition to added stress. For more, check out our advice on what you need to know about planning a rehearsal in a backyard.

Planning A Wedding Rehearsal Dinner

What kind of food should you serve at a rehearsal dinner?
Choose food that fits your theme, the time of day, and how you want the night to feel. If the wedding menu is formal or multi-course, let the rehearsal dinner be the opposite and keep it relaxed. Crowd favorites like pizza, BBQ, tacos, seafood boils, or brunch style menus are easy to serve and budget friendly. If you want to encourage mingling, choose stations or cocktail style bites that let guests move around. If you want a seated moment for toasts, choose a simple plated or family style service to slow the pace. Keep dessert simple but fun and make it photo friendly with a donut wall, mini pies, or a cookie table. Save the cake for the wedding! Get inspiration in our guide to rehearsal dinner desserts and dessert tables, then pair it with a vibe from our top rehearsal dinner themes and our tips for staying on budget.

Do you need an open bar at the rehearsal dinner?
You do not need an open bar for a rehearsal dinner or wedding welcome party, unless it fits with in your budget and the type of event you want to host. A smaller, well chosen drink list keeps costs and decisions under control without feeling cheap. Offer beer and wine only or add one signature cocktail that ties to your theme, location or the couple’s story. If you are hosting at a restaurant, ask about a capped bar package so you know your final number. If you are hosting at home or a private space, buy in returnable quantities and plan for self-serve water and a non-alcoholic option. Mocktails are on trend and could be a great option to keep everyone feeling their best for the wedding day if your event is the night before. For budget tips that actually move the needle, read our guide to not overspending on the rehearsal dinner. If you want to dress up a simpler bar, our printable rehearsal dinner bar menus make it feel intentional.

Can we host our wedding rehearsal dinner in a backyard?
Yes, and it can be wonderful, but it takes more planning than a restaurant and is not always cheaper. Budget for rentals, lighting and power, catering, and restrooms, confirm any permits, noise rules, and parking, and have a weather backup you actually like. If you want it to feel easy, bring in a planner or caterer so you can enjoy the night. Get the full checklist and thinks to watch out for in our guide to a backyard wedding rehearsal dinner at home.

How do we make the wedding rehearsal dinner different from the wedding?

Create contrast on purpose. Choose a different vibe, venue, and menu than your wedding day, think pizza party instead of plated, stations instead of a seated meal, casual dress instead of formal, and music that invites mingling. Keep the guest list smaller, save meaningful toasts or a short slideshow for the rehearsal dinner, and end on the early side so everyone is rested. Get step by step ideas in our full guide to making your wedding rehearsal dinner different from your wedding.

Rehearsal Dinner Invitations & Logistics

When should you send rehearsal dinner invitations?
Send your rehearsal or welcome party invites after your wedding invitations go out, once you know who is traveling and who is part of the ceremony. Four to six weeks out works for most local events. If many guests are flying in, send earlier or follow with a quick email reminder so they have the details in their inbox. Build in an RSVP deadline that gives your host or restaurant enough time to lock in a headcount. Get answers to the most asked questions in our rehearsal dinner invitation FAQ and see our printable invitation designs. For help with logistics, be sure to get our rehearsal dinner RSVP tracker spreadsheet.

Should rehearsal dinner invitations match the wedding invitations?
They do not need to match. Many couples or rehearsal hosts choose something more playful or themed for the night before so it feels different from the wedding day. What matters most is clarity and detailed information on when to be where. The invite should make it easy to understand who is invited, do they get a plus-one, what to expect, and how to RSVP. Track your RSVPs here in our rehearsal dinner guest list organizer spreadsheet. See examples and etiquette in our rehearsal dinner invitation FAQ guide, and browse coordinating options in our rehearsal dinner invitation shop.

Can you send rehearsal dinner invites digitally?
Yes, digital invites, like email and text, are perfectly acceptable for a rehearsal dinner or wedding welcome party. They are fast, easy to update if plans change, and guests appreciate having the details on their phone. Keep the tone consistent with your theme and include a clear RSVP button or email address. If you prefer something printed for keepsakes, send a digital invite first and follow with a printed card for close family. More etiquette and wording ideas are in our rehearsal dinner invitation FAQ and you can track your rehearsal RSVPs in our guest info spreadsheet.

What information should go on a rehearsal dinner invitation?
Include who is hosting, the date and start time, the locations for both the ceremony rehearsal and the dinner or party if they are different, parking or transportation notes, dress code suggestions if you have them, RSVP instructions with a deadline, and a clear note on who is invited such as a plus-one, partner and children. If you are inviting everyone to a later welcome party, say so on the invite so guests can plan their arrival. See wording examples in our rehearsal dinner invitation FAQ and find printable templates in the rehearsal dinner shop.

How do you create a rehearsal dinner timeline?
A clearly communicated timeline is one of the most important parts of a rehearsal dinner. It sets the tone for the whole weekend and helps to ensure a smooth wedding ahead. To make a timeline, plan from the ceremony rehearsal backward. Most run-throughs take about an hour with buffer time for arrivals and traffic. Build in travel time to the dinner or welcome party once the rehearsal is over. Aim for a short welcome window with drinks so late arrivals do not miss the meal. Seat guests and serve, then sprinkle short toasts and slideshows or videos, throughout the evening rather than stacking them all at once. Keep the night on the early side so everyone is rested, especially if the wedding is the next day. If you are also hosting a welcome party, transition clearly by announcing when all guests are welcome to join. For budget friendly pacing ideas and where to put speeches and slideshows so they feel natural, start with our guides on not overspending on your rehearsal dinner and the top rehearsal dinner themes, then add signage and programs from our rehearsal dinenr shop so guests know what to expect.

Toasts, Speeches & Activities for Rehearsal Dinners

Who gives toasts at the rehearsal dinner?
Keep this intimate and meaningful. Hosts (i.e. who paid for the event) often welcome guests, parents may speak, the couple can each say a few words, and you can invite wedding party members who are not speaking on the wedding day. The night before is a great time to let loved ones share without taking time away from the wedding reception. If a friend or relative is speaking at the wedding, let them save their remarks for the big day and allow others a chance at the rehearsal dinner. For flow and etiquette, check out our advice on who gives a speech or toast at a rehearsal dinner.

What do you say in a rehearsal dinner speech?
Keep it warm, short, and specific. Thank the hosts, share a personal story that shows why the couple works, offer a toast to their future, and sit down before you say it all twice. Avoid roasting, exes, inside jokes, embarrassing the couple, or anything that might dampen the mood. Practice out loud and aim for a couple of minutes - tops. If more than a few people want to talk, plan them throughout dinner so guests can enjoy food and conversation in between. For more, check our advice on how to nail a rehearsal dinner toast or speech.

Should you have a slideshow at the rehearsal dinner?
A short slideshow or video works beautifully at a rehearsal dinner because the guest list is smaller and more personal. But, just like with the toast, this is not a chance to roast or embarrass anyone, especially the couple. Keep it under five minutes (longer than that and it starts to feel awkward), mix childhood photos with moments that include both families and the wedding party, and place it after the main course or just before dessert when guests are seated and relaxed. Test your A/V ahead of time and mind the room layout so screens do not block service or seating. If you want to keep it simple, set up a looping photo album on a side screen during cocktails. For decor ideas that frame your slideshow and make the space feel special, see our rehearsal dinner decorations you will adore.

How many speeches are too many?
Plan for a few thoughtful toasts at the rehearsal dinner and spread them out throughout the dinner portion of the night. Be sure that the couple of honor is aware that speeches and toasts might happen, so they aren’t caught off guard or embarrassed. As a rule of thumb, do not schedule more than a small handful in a row. Break up remarks with food courses or a quick cheers so the night never drags. If many loved ones want to participate, invite them to write cards for the couple to read later or save additional remarks for the welcome party. Keep it smooth and stress free with our tips on structuring the rehearsal dinner evening and advice on who gives a speech at the rehearsal dinner.

What activities are fun for kids at a rehearsal dinner?
Create a kid corner or table with coloring pages, crayons, and puzzles, and choose a spot that is close enough for parents to keep an eye out while still enjoying the rehearsal dinner. Ask your venue for a simple kids menu, and ask their parents if they would like the kid’s food to come out quickly or be served with the adult meal. If your theme allows, set out a few small prizes or a table game to keep little hands busy. We have a full list of ideas in our post on the best activities for kids at your rehearsal dinner, and you can find kid-approved printable placemats and games for rehearsal dinners. You can also get our advice on how to make the rehearsal dinner kid friendly.

Wedding Welcome Parties

What happens at a wedding welcome party?
A welcome party is a relaxed gathering for all wedding guests, usually the night before the wedding. It sets the tone for the weekend and gives everyone a chance to say hello without the time pressure of the reception. Many couples follow the wedding rehearsal ceremony run-through with a smaller dinner for only those who attended the rehearsal, and then open the doors for all wedding guests to join for drinks and dessert. You can keep it short and sweet or turn it into a full evening if most guests are in town. For ideas that keep it fun and easy, start with our rehearsal dinner themes and our guide to not overspending at your rehearsal dinner. Here is more about what exactly is a wedding welcome party.

Who should be invited to the wedding welcome party?
Most couples invite all wedding guests to the welcome party, especially out of town friends and family who have traveled to celebrate. If you are keeping it simple, set a clear start time on your rehearsal dinner invitation that says when all guests are welcome to join. If the welcome party is its own event, send a separate invite or include the details on your wedding website. For wording, timing, and RSVP tips, see our rehearsal dinner invitation FAQ.

Who pays for the welcome party?
Traditionally, who ever is hosting and paying for the rehearsal dinner would also paying for the welcome party. However, wedding financial decisions are becoming more and more untraditional as couples are doing what works for them. Additionally, couples are opting for less formal unhosted wedding welcome parties where all wedding guests can meet up at a central location, like the hotel lobby bar, and everyone pays for themselves. Check out this wedding weekend planning advice from a real couple.

Is it OK to just meet at the bar instead of a formal welcome party?
Yes, it is more than acceptable to have a wedding welcome party that is informal and everyone who is in town and free can meet at an agreed-upon location. In this case, the welcome party is oftentimes (not always) u-hosted, which means that everyone pays for themselves. Oftentimes, the couple will have a wedding ceremony rehearsal followed by a dinner only with close family and those with a role in the wedding ceremony. And then, all wedding guests are invited to meet up at a neutral location, like a local restaurant or the hotel lobby bar where most guests are staying. In this case, be sure to let all guests know when and where to meet and be sure to let them know that this is un-hosted. For more, check out this on the difference between a rehearsal dinner and a welcome party.

We’re having a destination wedding, should we invite all of our guests to the welcome party?
If you’re having a destination wedding where all of the guests are out of town and have traveled to the wedding, oftentimes the couple will opt for a welcome party instead of a traditional rehearsal dinner. This could mean that those involved with the wedding ceremony, such as the couple and wedding party, will meet to do their ceremony walk through earlier in the day, and then all guests are invited to a welcome party kick off celebration. This is a great chance for all wedding guests to connect and turns it into a wedding weekend of celebration. For more, be sure to check out our advice on how to make the welcome party different than the wedding day.

Do you need a theme for a wedding welcome party?
You do not need a theme for the welcome party, but a theme makes planning decisions faster and can make the night more memorable. Choose something that reflects the location or your story as a couple and let it guide the menu, decor, venue and music. The best advice is to try to make sure that the welcome party is different than the wedding, which is why most end up doing something more casual or informal for the welcome party, like this game-day before-the-big-day themed wedding welcome party. Browse easy ideas you can pull together quickly in our top rehearsal dinner themes, then bring it to life with printable rehearsal dinner signs and menus.

Can the welcome party replace the rehearsal dinner?
It can. Some couples host only a welcome party and skip a formal rehearsal dinner. If you do that, plan a short run-through or rehearsal at the wedding ceremony site earlier in the day with the wedding party and anyone with a role so everyone knows where to be. You can still give a quick toast at the welcome party to thank guests for traveling and to share any wedding day reminders. Use our planning tips on staying on budget fore your pre-wedding to right size the party without overdoing it the night before. For more, check out our advice on the difference between a rehearsal dinner and a wedding welcome party and how to decide what’s best for you.

What kind of food and drinks are best for a welcome party?
Keep it casual and mobile so guests can mingle. Think sliders and salads, tacos and churros, oysters and a raw bar, or sweet stations that work after the rehearsal dinner. Late night snacks are always a hit if guests are arriving in waves. Pair it with beer, wine, and one fun signature drink. If you want to make dessert the star, build from our ideas for rehearsal dinner desserts and dessert tables and keep the rest light. Above all, be sure that your welcome party food and drinks are different from the wedding. Here’s more help on how to make you pre-wedding celebration different than the wedding.