Wedding Rehearsal Dinner & Welcome Party FAQs:
Expert Planning Advice
Let’s Get Rehearsed is the first and only wedding website and shop 100% dedicated to wedding rehearsal dinners, welcome parties, pre-wedding and the night-before-the-wedding celebrations. Known as the most trusted source for expert planning advice, practical tips, and curated tools, we help couples, families, and friends host stress-free, meaningful pre-wedding celebrations that set the tone for the wedding weekend. This FAQ hub is designed to answer every question you might have about rehearsal dinners and wedding welcome parties, with quick answers and links to full guides where you can learn more.
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Planning a 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. 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.
Etiquette & Traditions
Who usually pays for the rehearsal dinner?
Traditionally, the groom’s parents paid for the rehearsal dinner pre-wedding festivities, but today many couples host and pay themselves, sometimes with family help. See details in who pays and how much to spend on the rehearsal dinner. There are few rules anymore when it comes to weddings and it’s more about what feels right for the couple and those involved. 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.
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?
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?
Choose casual menus, cut the guest list, host at home, or opt for brunch. 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 rentals and catering. Restaurants often include food and service in one price. [Content Gap: Needs Blog Post]
What kind of food should you serve at a rehearsal dinner?
Popular choices include BBQ, pizza, tacos, seafood boils, or brunch. Keep it fun and distinct from the wedding menu. See examples in top rehearsal dinner themes.
Do you need an open bar at the rehearsal dinner?
Not necessarily. Offering wine, beer, or a signature cocktail keeps costs down while still feeling festive. [Content Gap: Needs Blog Post]
Invitations & Logistics
When should you send rehearsal dinner invitations?
About 4–6 weeks before the event, after wedding invitations have gone out. See more in our rehearsal dinner invitation FAQ.
Should rehearsal dinner invitations match the wedding invitations?
They don’t need to match. Many couples choose simpler or themed invites. Explore options in our invitation shop.
Can you send rehearsal dinner invites digitally?
Yes, e-invites are perfectly acceptable. Many couples choose email or online invitations for convenience. See our guide on invitations.
What information should go on a rehearsal dinner invitation?
Include date, time, location, dress code (if any), and RSVP details. Learn more in our invitation FAQ guide.
How do you create a rehearsal dinner timeline?
Plan at least one hour for the rehearsal, then dinner, speeches, and mingling. Keep it structured but relaxed. [Content Gap: Needs Blog Post]
Toasts, Speeches & Activities
Who gives toasts at the rehearsal dinner?
Typically, hosts, parents, the couple, and sometimes wedding party members speak. Learn more in our guide to rehearsal dinner toasts.
What do you say in a rehearsal dinner speech?
Keep it short, light, and heartfelt. Share gratitude, funny memories, and excitement for the wedding. See more tips in rehearsal dinner toasts and speeches.
Should you have a slideshow at the rehearsal dinner?
Yes, but keep it short and place it at the right moment so it doesn’t disrupt the evening. [Content Gap: Needs Blog Post]
How many speeches are too many?
Don’t schedule more than 3 in a row. Break them up with food or activities to keep the flow. See our toasts and speeches guide.
What activities are fun for kids at a rehearsal dinner?
Provide coloring books, games, or a small activity table. See our full list of kid-friendly rehearsal dinner activities.
Wedding Welcome Parties
What happens at a wedding welcome party?
It’s a casual gathering for all wedding guests, often after the rehearsal dinner. Drinks, desserts, or light activities make it festive. [Content Gap: Needs Blog Post]
Who should be invited to the wedding welcome party?
Typically, all wedding guests are invited, especially those traveling. Learn more in our guide to rehearsal dinners and welcome parties.
Do you need a theme for a wedding welcome party?
Not required, but a theme makes it more fun. Popular choices include tropical, wine and cheese, or game night. [Content Gap: Needs Blog Post]
Can the welcome party replace the rehearsal dinner?
Yes, some couples host only a welcome party instead of both. If so, consider a short run-through of the ceremony separately. [Content Gap: Needs Blog Post]
What kind of food and drinks are best for a welcome party?
Keep it casual with cocktails and desserts, food trucks, or a themed buffet. [Content Gap: Needs Blog Post]