Planning a wedding rehearsal dinner can be tricky. Many couples struggle with who to invite. They want to include important people without making the event too big. This guide will help you make the right choices for your special night.
The rehearsal dinner is often hosted by the groom’s parents. It’s a pre-wedding party for close family and friends. Most couples invite 10 to 25 people to keep things intimate. Our guide will walk you through who to include on your guest list.
We’ll cover family, wedding party members, and other key people to consider. Ready to learn who to invite to your wedding rehearsal dinner? Let’s get started.
Key Takeaways
- Invite 10 to 25 people to keep the rehearsal dinner intimate, focusing on immediate family, wedding party members, and the officiant.
- Include out-of-town guests if possible, or host a separate welcome party with cocktails or desserts for them.
- Decide whether to invite plus-ones based on your budget and desired atmosphere, sending invitations 3-6 weeks before the event.
- Exclude distant relatives, parents’ coworkers, and acquaintances not closely involved in the wedding to maintain a small guest list of 20-30 people.
- Use digital tools like spreadsheets to track invitations and RSVPs, and follow up with guests who haven’t responded a week before the dinner.
Who To Invite To Wedding Rehearsal Dinner
Immediate Family
Immediate family members are the top guests for your wedding rehearsal dinner. This group includes parents, siblings, and grandparents of both the bride and groom. In-laws also fall into this category.
These close relatives play a key role in the wedding celebration and should be present at this pre-wedding event.
Family is not an important thing. It’s everything. – Michael J. Fox
Traditionally, the groom’s parents host the rehearsal dinner. However, modern couples often choose to host it themselves or share the duty with both sets of parents. The dinner takes place right after the wedding rehearsal, giving family members a chance to bond before the big day.
This gathering helps set a warm tone for the main event and allows key family members to feel more involved in the wedding process.
Wedding Party Members
Your wedding party plays a key role in your big day. Invite your bridesmaids, groomsmen, flower girl, and ring bearer to the rehearsal dinner.
Bridesmaids and Groomsmen
Bridesmaids and groomsmen form the core of your wedding party. These close friends or family members play key roles in your big day. Most couples choose 10-12 people for their wedding party.
This group often includes a maid of honor and best man. They help with tasks before and during the wedding.
Your bridesmaids and groomsmen should attend the rehearsal dinner. They’ve likely spent time and money to be part of your special day. The dinner is a chance to thank them for their support.
It also allows everyone to meet before the wedding. Next, let’s look at other important members of your wedding party.
Flower Girl and Ring Bearer
Flower girls and ring bearers add charm to your wedding ceremony. These young members of the wedding party deserve a spot at your rehearsal dinner. Invite them along with their parents to join the celebration.
This gesture shows appreciation for their role in your special day.
Children bring joy and innocence to a wedding ceremony.
Your wedding party typically includes 10-12 members. Flower girls and ring bearers are key players in this group. They join bridesmaids, groomsmen, ushers, and readers as important guests for your rehearsal dinner.
Next, let’s explore who else should be on your guest list for this pre-wedding event.
Wedding Officiant
Your wedding officiant plays a key role in your big day. It’s polite to invite them to your rehearsal dinner. This gesture shows your thanks for their part in your ceremony. Most couples also invite the officiant’s partner to join the celebration.
The rehearsal dinner offers a chance for your officiant to meet your family and friends. It helps create a warm, relaxed mood before the wedding. Your officiant can use this time to get to know your loved ones better.
This can make the ceremony feel more personal and special for everyone involved.
Out-of-Town Guests
Out-of-town guests often travel far to join your special day. While not required, inviting them to the rehearsal dinner is a nice gesture. You might host a welcome party with cocktails or desserts if you can’t include all nonlocal guests.
This allows visitors from afar to feel appreciated and mingle before the big event. A rolling reception format works well for guests with different arrival times. It keeps the gathering intimate, ideal for 10-25 people.
This approach lets you greet everyone without overwhelming your budget or space.
Close Extended Family
Close extended family often plays a big role in weddings. You might want to invite aunts, uncles, and cousins to your rehearsal dinner. This works well if you have a small family or extra space at the venue.
These relatives can add warmth and support to your pre-wedding event.
Including close kin in your rehearsal dinner can make it more special. The average guest list has 20-30 people, so there’s often room for extended family. Your dinner can be formal or casual, from a sit-down meal to a picnic.
This flexibility lets you include more relatives if you wish. Just make sure to balance your guest list with other key people like the wedding party and officiant.
Friends and Relatives Who Are Helping at the Wedding
Friends and relatives who pitch in for your big day deserve a special thank you. Inviting these helpful folks to your rehearsal dinner shows your gratitude. These wedding contributors might include your aunt who’s making the cake or your college buddy who’s designing the invitations.
Don’t forget about cousins addressing envelopes or neighbors setting up decorations. Their efforts make your wedding smoother and more personal.
Your rehearsal dinner guest list should aim for 20-30 people. This number allows for an intimate setting where everyone can mingle. It’s a great chance to recognize those who’ve been part of your wedding journey.
Next, let’s explore whether you should include plus-ones in your rehearsal dinner plans.
Should You Invite Plus-Ones?
Plus-ones at rehearsal dinners can be tricky. Most couples invite them if they’re coming to the wedding. But some only include plus-ones for the main event. It’s up to you and your budget.
If you do invite them, send invites 3-6 weeks before the dinner. Include all key details like date, time, place, and how to RSVP. This helps guests plan and lets you get a final head count.
Your choice about plus-ones affects your guest list size. More people mean higher costs for food and drinks. It also changes the feel of the event. A smaller group might be more intimate.
A larger one could be more lively. Think about what matters most to you and your partner. Then make a choice that fits your vision and budget for this special night.
Who Should You Not Invite?
Focus your rehearsal dinner on close family and friends involved in your wedding. Limit invitations to those participating in the ceremony or reception planning. This excludes distant relatives, your parents’ coworkers, and acquaintances not close to you as a couple.
Maintain a small guest list, aiming for 20-30 people. This creates an intimate setting where you can truly connect with those closest to you before the big day.
Invite only those who play a key role in your wedding. Exclude extended family members you rarely see or speak to. Also, avoid inviting your parents’ social circle unless they have a strong personal tie to you.
This dinner is about celebrating with your inner circle, not expanding your guest list. By keeping it selective, you’ll have a more meaningful and relaxed evening.
Tips for Managing Your Rehearsal Dinner Guest List
Managing your rehearsal dinner guest list can be tricky. Here are some helpful tips to make the process smoother:
- Start early. Begin planning your guest list at least 3-6 weeks before the event.
- Keep it small. Limit the guest list to close family and wedding party members.
- Include out-of-town guests. Invite those who have traveled far to attend your wedding.
- Use digital tools. Create a spreadsheet to track invitations and RSVPs.
- Be clear about plus-ones. Decide if guests can bring dates and state this on the invitation.
- Send invitations promptly. Email, call, or mail invites 3-6 weeks before the dinner.
- Provide all needed info. Include date, time, location, directions, and RSVP details in the invite.
- Follow up on RSVPs. Contact guests who haven’t responded a week before the event.
- Plan for last-minute changes. Have a few extra seats ready for unexpected guests.
- Keep the dinner simple. Ensure it doesn’t outshine the wedding reception.
Conclusion
Planning your rehearsal dinner guest list doesn’t have to be hard. Focus on close family, wedding party members, and key helpers. Keep it small and cozy, with about 10 to 25 people.
Don’t forget to invite your officiant if you’re close. For out-of-town guests, think about hosting a welcome party if they can’t all fit at dinner. Your rehearsal dinner sets the tone for your big day.
Make it special with heartfelt toasts and good food. With these tips, you’ll create a warm, fun event for your nearest and dearest.
