Rehearsal Dinner Etiquette

Rehearsal dinner is an important part of your wedding weekend. Wondering who should you invite, when to send the invitations and who should pay? Here’s everything you should know about rehearsal dinner etiquette.

Rehearsal Dinner Etiquette

Who should pay?

Traditionally, parents of the groom should pay for the rehearsal dinner. Parents of the bride should pay for the wedding. Etiquette, tradition and finances have changed, but this is the general rule of thumb for the traditional couples.

How to invite guests?

Rehearsal dinner etiquette isn’t as strict as the wedding etiquette. Invitations don’t have to be formal – phone call or online invitation (e-vite) are perfectly acceptable.

When to send the invitation?

Whether you’re inviting only immediate family members or half of your wedding list, you should send the invitations 4-6 weeks before the rehearsal dinner.

Who should be invited?

The immediate family members of both the bride and the groom (parents, grandparents, siblings), members of the bridal party and their significant others or spouses, the officiant, readers or ushers. Depending on how large their families are, many couples also invite their extended family, godparents, flower girl, ring bearer, out-of-town guests.

Where to hold the rehearsal dinner?

Proximity is very important. Have the rehearsal dinner within 20 miles from the hotel where your guests are staying. The guests have traveled to celebrate your wedding day, so you shouldn’t expect them to travel more than 30-45 minutes to the rehearsal dinner. Provide directions or transportation.

Should the rehearsal dinner be formal or informal?

Rehearsal dinner can be as formal or informal as you like – depending on your desires or budget. Many couples try to have the same theme for their wedding and the rehearsal dinner. This can be done with colors, flowers and even food choices.

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