Generally speaking, there are 4 things that happen during a wedding rehearsal dinner. Dinner & drinks, gifts (for wedding party & parents), toasts/speeches, and dessert.

Below are the answers to some commonly asked questions!

Who’s invited?

Immediate family (parents, siblings, and grandparents) and your bridal party members (including ushers, personal attendants, flower girls, and ring bearers). Some choose to also invite any out-of-town guests who have traveled a significant distance. Overall, the rehearsal dinner typically consists of a tight-knit group of people who will be participating in the ceremony.

Who pays for the rehearsal dinner?

The groom’s family traditionally pays for the rehearsal dinner. However, in current times it seems to depend on the couple. For example; my husband and I paid for the rehearsal dinner. It depends on financial situations and what works best for the couple and for their respective family members.

What should I wear?

This will be determined by the couple. They will share the dress code or theme if there is one. Usually, a nice dress or suit is appropriate. However, sometimes the couple will opt to do a casual event and then you can dress as comfortably as you wish.

What is appropriate for the meal?

This could be anything from a backyard barbecue, a pizza party in a church basement, or a fancy sit-down dinner. Sometimes the venue you’re holding your wedding at will have the option to hold the rehearsal dinner the evening before. Again, this will be up to the couple or person hosting.

The rehearsal dinner is also a great time, before everyone heads home for the night, to give a quick refresher on the next day’s schedule, including any important timeline details or last-minute changes.

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