The Complete Guide to Wedding Rehearsal Dinners
Who to invite, who pays, and what happens. Everything you need to know to plan a flawless wedding rehearsal dinner.
Our editorial team combines decades of wedding industry experience with data-driven insights to help couples plan their perfect day.
What is Rehearsal Dinner?
A rehearsal dinner is a pre-wedding event usually held the night before the wedding, immediately following the ceremony run-through. It functions as a welcome event and an opportunity for both families and the wedding party to mingle.
The rehearsal dinner kicks off your wedding weekend. It's the moment when the planning stops and the celebration begins.
Who Do You Invite?
The guest list for the rehearsal dinner has a strict \"Must Invite\" list:
- The wedding party (bridesmaids, groomsmen, etc.)
- The officiant and any readers
- Immediate family (parents, siblings, grandparents)
- Plus-ones of everyone listed above
What Happens at the Rehearsal Dinner?
Besides eating, the rehearsal dinner serves a few key functions. It's typically when the couple gives gifts to the wedding party. It's also the time for speeches—usually more informal and open-mic style than the structured toast schedule at the reception.
