Who Should Attend The Rehearsal Dinner?
Who is Usually Invited to the Rehearsal?
Who comes to the rehearsal dinner? The guest list at the rehearsal dinner can include the following.
Immediate Family
The rehearsal dinner primarily involves the immediate family of the groom and bride. This includes the couple’s parents, grandparents, and siblings. This dinner allows families to mingle, bond, and establish connections before your big day.
Wedding Party
Traditionally, all wedding party members make the rehearsal dinner guest list. This includes the best man, maid of honor, groomsmen, and bridesmaids. If you asked the readers, ushers, and others to attend your ceremony rehearsal, invite them to the dinner. If the situation allows, you can invite their partners, spouses, and ones.
If you have a ring bearer and flower girl, you should invite them too. But this usually depends on their age or relationships.
Close Friends and Extended Family
Inviting close friends and extended family members who are not part of the wedding party is common. These individuals are often close to the couple and have been supportive throughout their journey. They can be your cousins, aunts, uncles, godparents, etc.
Out-of-Town Guests
You can extend your rehearsal dinner invitation to out-of-town guests who made an effort and spent money to attend your wedding. These people have likely to travel a long distance. So, show appreciation by allowing them to socialize in a more intimate setting before your hectic wedding day.
Officiant and Ceremony Participants
Inviting the officiant is a customary gesture that is surely welcomed and appreciated. It allows them to get familiar with the venue, readers, or rituals involved. But most officiants only stay for the first hour.
Include ceremony participants, such as readers, ushers, or key participants. This ensures everyone understands their responsibilities for the big day.
How Many Guests Are at the Rehearsal Dinner?
The number of guests at the rehearsal dinner largely depends on several factors, such as your budget, the number of out-of-town guests, and the size of your immediate family and wedding party. But on average, your rehearsal dinner can have 15 to 50 people.
Who Pays for the Rehearsal Dinner?
Traditionally, the groom’s family pays for the rehearsal dinner. The total cost includes food, drink, transportation, entertainment, and venue fees. This allows them to add their flair and style to the event.
What’s the Style for a Rehearsal Dinner?
A rehearsal dinner can be a formal or semi-formal sit-down dinner, picnic, or beachside clambake. Your goal is to have a relaxed time to toast the bride and groom, share food and drink, and socialize before the whirlwind of your big day. Be sure it’s not more lavish or formal than your wedding reception. Guests can wear less formal outfits.
How Should You Send Invitations for the Rehearsal Dinner?
Invitations are often written on fill-in or informal cards. Emails, phone calls, and handwritten notes are other options. Ensure to include RSVP information, such as reply-by date, phone number, or email address. You can send invitations 3 to 6 weeks in advance.
Considerations When Deciding for Rehearsal Dinner Invites
- Consider your budget and the capacity of the rehearsal dinner venue.
- Strive for a balance between inclusivity and cost-efficiency.
- If you’re having a destination or smaller wedding, the rehearsal dinner may include a more intimate guest list, focusing mainly on immediate family and the wedding party.
- Communicate clearly with your guests regarding the rehearsal dinner’s time, location, and specific details or dress code requirements.
A wedding rehearsal dinner is an opportunity to gather with your loved ones and work out last-minute details before your big day. While this guide is helpful, the decision is always yours, whoever you want to invite to the rehearsal dinner.
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