Planning on having a rehearsal dinner the night before your wedding but not sure who to invite? Can't decide who should be the host and hostess? Whether you're having an intimate family affair or a bigger bash get the answers to the three most commonly asked rehearsal dinner questions here.
Q. Who is invited to the rehearsal dinner? My fiance says family, everyone in the wedding, and all the out-of-town guests. I personally don't want to include all the out-of-towners.
A. The rehearsal dinner guest list can include just the two of you, your immediate families, the wedding party, and the officiant and his spouse. Or, it can be a larger event, including all the out-of-town guests (or at least all those who will have already arrived in town for the wedding). It's up to you, but the reason many couples do include out-of-towners (especially when the rehearsal dinner is the night before) is so they're not left stranded in their hotel rooms. It's all about being a good hostess. However, it's your prerogative to want an intimate party (for budgetary reasons or just as a matter of opinion). If you know the out-of-towners will be fine entertaining themselves, don't worry about it. Or, ask another relative or friend to host a cocktail party for the out-of-town guests that evening. Another option is to have your rehearsal dinner two nights before the wedding, and hang out with your out-of-towners the night before.
Q. Is it necessary to send out formal invitations for the rehearsal dinner or can it be done by word of mouth? We are trying to cut costs and think this may be a good way to do that.
A. Unless your rehearsal dinner will be as big and formal as your wedding reception, you don't have to send out formal, engraved invitations. If the crowd will be small (just you two, your families, and the wedding party), you can absolutely invite everyone and give them details by word of mouth. If you're also inviting out-of-town guests, you might want to send a written invitation so you won't be bombarded with last-minute calls because people forgot where and when the party is. If you don't want to spend a lot on custom-made invites, create your own in a nice font on computer paper, or buy ready-made invites from a party store.
Q. Is it improper for the bride and groom to host the rehearsal dinner?
A. Not at all. Traditionally, the groom's parents plan and host this dinner, but that's not always a possibility for a variety of reasons. Keep in mind that the rehearsal dinner can range from a banquet-style meal at a hotel to a pizza party at your favorite restaurant. You'll be able to have the party you want if you're in charge of planning it.
--The Knot
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