How long are rehearsal dinners

Times are changing. Sometimes it will even be a mix of all parties," says Povey. Under the traditional assumption that the bride's family is footing the wedding bill, general etiquette suggests the groom's side organize and pay for the rehearsal dinner. We all know that in modern times, finances, etiquette, and tradition have expanded and changed, but for super-traditional couples, this is the general rule of thumb.

For all couples, a general rule is to have an open and honest discussion, similar to that of who's footing the wedding bill, about your plans, budget, and hopes with both families to ensure a drama- and stress-free rehearsal dinner. When it comes to rehearsal dinner invitation etiquette, it's not as strict as wedding invitation etiquette.

While everyone coming should receive some kind of invitation , it doesn't have to be a formal invitation. For a rehearsal dinner, an online invitation or phone call is perfectly acceptable. Typically, more formal affairs come along with a formal invitation via post, and more casual, laid-back gatherings come with a phone call or e-vite. As with any organized event, guests should be informed four to six weeks prior to the date for planning purposes. Rehearsal dinner guest lists cannot be assumed, as some couples opt for immediate family only and others invite nearly half their wedding guest list.

Let your guests know in a timely and considerate fashion. Generally speaking, you should invite "immediate family members, the wedding party, their guests, and sometimes out-of-town guests if they've traveled a long way," Povey says.

Additionally, the officiant and any readers or ushers may be added to the wedding rehearsal dinner guest list. Depending on how large your families and bridal party are, that can add up to a pretty sizable crowd right there. Beyond that, many couples also invite extended family and the ring bearer and flower girl depending on their ages and closeness to the couple.

For traditional Saturday weddings, rehearsal dinners are most often hosted on the wedding's eve, directly after rehearsing the wedding ceremony. Couples that don't have an actual rehearsal often opt to still celebrate with a dinner or gathering.

For the increasingly popular Sunday or Friday weddings, dinners can be hosted the Thursday, Friday, or Saturday prior. In regard to timing, plan so that all guests and the soon-to-be bride and groom, of course don't have too late of an evening. After all, the main event is yet to come!

Proximity is key. Keep in mind that your guests are traveling to celebrate your weekend, so they shouldn't be expected to travel much more than 45 minutes to your rehearsal dinner.

Wherever possible, it's always appreciated if you provide clear directions or even transportation. The rehearsal dinner can be as formal or informal as you like, depending on your budget and desires. Ask your venue if they have special decor or signage you can use to direct guests when they arrive.

You can also DIY some banners, balloon arrangements, and centerpieces if you've chosen an outdoor or backyard space. Borrow some of the decorations bought or created for the reception so that everything matches.

If a person who paid for the rehearsal dinner doesn't want to play host, make sure you know who will. You also need a point person for keeping track of the schedule for the evening, giving tips to the servers and event venue, and coordinating with the caterer if they have any questions the day-of. Update everyone on guest RSVPs, dietary requirements, and the plan for the evening. You now know exactly how to plan a rehearsal dinner, what it should cost, and what guests expect out of the experience.

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Dec 9. What is a rehearsal dinner? Discover how to plan a rehearsal dinner in 13 simple steps: 1. Find the perfect venue for your rehearsal dinner! Get Started Free. Choose a host for the rehearsal dinner Traditionally, whichever family did not pay for the wedding should pay for these expenses.

Nail down the budget A good rule of thumb is to not spend more than the total price of your wedding ceremony and reception divided by Pick a theme or tone If you're already using a wedding theme , let it inspire your rehearsal dinner. Decide on a date Rehearsal dinners usually take place the night before the wedding. If you are looking for some ideas, be sure to review our collection of unique gifts for the wedding party.

Below we have included some key events to include as you are scheduling and planning a rehearsal dinner. Read more. We uncover design genius through ongoing design competitions. At Minted, all that matters is good design. Designers submit, and the Minted community votes to tell us what to sell. Wedding Planning Guide all your rehearsal dinner etiquette questions answered.

Family members: At the very least, immediate family. Mother, father, siblings, and their spouses or dates and children. Wedding party: Bridesmaids plus their spouses or dates , groomsmen plus their spouses or dates , flower girl, and ring bearer including their parents.

Officiant and ceremony readers: Invite their spouses or dates, as well. Instead, you could consider hosting a welcome celebration or cocktail hour at another time before the wedding. Engagement Party The first of many parties leading up to the big day. Shop now. Bridal Showers How to throw a fabulous wedding shower. Depending on the guest list and budget, and the wishes of the hosts, the event can be anything from a formal banquet to a casual outdoor affair.

The style of the rehearsal dinner can complement the wedding, but it should not copy or overshadow it. Some couples opt for a complete contrast. For example, a backyard picnic can be a casual foil to a black-tie wedding. Many rehearsal dinners are held at restaurants—perhaps a favorite date spot or someplace with a style of cuisine that has special meaning to the bride and groom. If Italy is the honeymoon destination, for example, an Italian restaurant would be fitting. A place that showcases local flavor, such as Kansas City barbecue, Chicago deep-dish pizza, or Maine lobster, is a good way to introduce guests to the area.

The rehearsal dinner is typically held the night before the wedding, directly after the ceremony run-through. Despite its name, however, it can be a lunch, or even a brunch, if you like; and its pace is often informal and leisurely. But if it is a dinner, keep in mind that the party should end somewhat early, to give everyone a chance to get plenty of rest before the big day.

Traditionally, the groom's parents are the hosts of the rehearsal dinner, since the bride's family customarily pays for the wedding. But given the more relaxed standards of modern times, other relatives, close friends, or even the couple themselves can plan and pay for the event. Whoever throws the party should definitely confer with the bride and groom to avoid any conflict with the theme, menu, or decorations of the wedding.

Only those who will actually take part in the rehearsal—the bride and groom, their parents, the officiant, the wedding party including any child attendants , and readers—plus their spouses or dates, need to be invited to the rehearsal itself and the festivities that follow.

But the guest list for the dinner may be longer. You might want to include other family members such as grandparents and close friends, for example. And many couples invite their out-of-town guests as well, making the dinner into a welcoming party.

Written invitations are not required, but still it's a good idea to send them if more than just family will be attending; and the host should mail them right after the wedding invitations go out.