Rehearsal Dinner
By Kathy Thomas Photography

Typically held the evening before the big day, the rehearsal dinner is a great opportunity for the happy couple’s closest friends and family to gather, celebrate and share kind words in an intimate setting before the hectic wedding weekend begins.

Whether opting for an elegant extravaganza or a laid-back gathering, here are five tips for planning a meaningful event that complements the big day in the best way.

#1. DON’T: Put off planning.

With all of the excitement surrounding the wedding ceremony and reception, it can be easy to put rehearsal dinner planning on hold until closer to the big day. Tradition tells us the groom’s family typically foots the bill for the dinner, but it’s 2023, and anything goes.

When planning the wedding, it’s important to prioritize conversations around who will plan the rehearsal dinner, what it should look like and what a comfortable budget may be. Once roles and responsibilities are outlined, the details surrounding the venue, meal and activities can begin to fall in place, and should be solidified well in advance of the weekend.

To aid in establishing a timeline, Casey Cannon, owner of EBJ & Company, suggests sending invitations for the rehearsal dinner shortly after wedding invitations have been sent, about seven to nine weeks before the big day.

#2. DO: Select a theme.

An event theme can range from something subtle to a full-blown commitment to the bit. It’s important to nail down the general direction of the event early in the planning process — will it be a formal seated dinner, an outdoor party with games and food trucks or a casual gathering? Of course, the preferences of the soon-to-be newlyweds should be considered, as well as logistics that make sense for the guest list.

Whether centered around a color scheme, a season or something unique to the couple, establishing a theme can guide all aspects of the event, from invitations to decor, to venue and vendor selection.

#3. DO: Consider the location. 

Traditionally, the aptly named “rehearsal” dinner follows a run-through of the wedding itself. When planning a location for the dinner, it’s helpful to know if the rehearsal will take place at the wedding venue or elsewhere.

As the rehearsal dinner often includes out-of-town guests, selecting a location near the wedding venue can help reduce travel expenses and keep the festivities centrally located. 

#4. DO: Set expectations. 

Rehearsal dinners and speeches go hand-in-hand, but the last thing a guest wants is to be put on the spot without a statement prepared. If speeches and story-sharing are part of the plan (and Casey recommends they are), let your guests know!

“We always recommend having all speeches at the rehearsal dinner, aside from a toast from the father of the bride or someone close to the couple to kick off the evening at the wedding,” Casey shared. “That allows more time on the wedding day for dancing, and those closest to you will better enjoy the meaningful stories shared in the intimate setting of the rehearsal dinner.”

Similarly, be sure to include any pertinent info alongside the rehearsal dinner invitation, such as duration and dress code. 

#5. DON’T: Stress!

After months and months of planning, the time has come to enjoy the much-anticipated wedding weekend. Don’t let stress ruin the fun! The rehearsal dinner is a low pressure opportunity to celebrate the couple through laughter, libations and lots of love.

If you want to ensure the evening goes off without a hitch, consider hiring an event planner to assist, or connect with the wedding planner already overseeing the big day, if applicable. “Knowing your entire wedding weekend is in the hands of a professional will provide your guests a cohesive and memorable experience, and it allows you to enjoy every step of the way stress-free,” Casey added.