Who to invite to the rehearsal dinner
Traditionally, everyone in the wedding party is invited to the rehearsal and the rehearsal dinner. The guest list needs to include all bridesmaids, grooms men, ushers, flower girl, ring bearer, candle lighters, the minister or officiant, musicians needing rehearsal, the bride and groom, their parents, plus immediate family members such as grandparents or other important family members, and of course… the wedding coordinator.
Other close family, friends and loved ones from both sides of the aisle may also be invited, depending on how elaborate those planning the dinner want it to be. The wedding party’s spouses or significant others should be invited and it’s a very nice gesture to invite out of town guests who have arrived early to these pre-wedding festivities as well.
Who pays for the Rehearsal Dinner?
The groom and groom’s family are usually responsible for hosting, planning, and paying for the rehearsal dinner, but if that isn’t possible, other family or friends can host it. Someone else taking the responsibility enables the bride and her family time to focus on any last minute details for the wedding and a little peace of mind. The peace of mind comes when the bride and groom know everyone involved in their big day is aware of what is expected of them.
The rehearsal dinner is a celebration, but it is also a forum for last minute instructions, confirmations, and it gives the bride and groom an opportunity to thank their wedding party for participating in their big day. The bride and groom often give a gift to their bridesmaids, groomsmen and other attendants at the rehearsal dinner as a token of their appreciation.
Invitations to this pre-wedding celebration depend on the type of event being planned. If it is a simple gathering at a nearby restaurant, then simple invitations will suffice. If it is to be a formal affair, then a formal invitation is appropriate.
Invitations should be mailed to out of town guests and those expected to attend, no less than three weeks prior to the event. Sending invitations not only informs everyone about where to go and when, the RSVP’s also help the grooms family get a head count for catering needs and/or restaurant reservations.
A rehearsal dinner party is just that, a party, so make sure the people you cherish are there to enjoy it and celebrate with you.