Wedding Rehearsal Dinner: Everything You Actually Need To Know
So ...rehearsal dinner.
You’ve heard about it a million times, but do you actually know what it's for or whether you need one?
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Well let’s talk about it...
I'm going to be breaking it all down.
So… what exactly is a rehearsal dinner?
Since your wedding rehearsal is where everyone practices what will happen at the ceremony.
Your rehearsal dinner is basically the “okay, we survived… let’s eat” moment.
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It’s a casual(ish), cozy, pre-wedding get-together the night before the wedding.
Now Let's go over some questions...
- Why do people have a rehearsal dinner?
A few reasons...
1.) It’s the first time both families actually meet properly.
Instead of doing the awkward small talk on the wedding day, they get warmed up now.
2.) It calms everyone down.
Weddings bring nerves, even for family members.
The dinner helps everyone relax, breathe, and just enjoy being together.
3.) It’s a good moment to thank everyone.
Your bridesmaids, groomsmen, people who helped, parents ...this is the chill time to appreciate them.
4.) It sets the tone for the next day.
Good vibes in the evening ...calmer wedding morning.
- Who pays for the rehearsal dinner?
Traditionally: groom’s family.
Modern version: whoever volunteers ...or the couple themselves.
- Where does the rehearsal dinner usually happen?
You can do:
A restaurant
Someone’s backyard
Your house
A rooftop
A small event space
A cute local café
Or even a private room in a lounge
Most people choose a restaurant simply because it removes cleaning, cooking, and prep from the equation.
But there’s no “right” place ...just anywhere that won’t stress you.
- Who’s meant to be there?
Traditionally
You + your partner
Immediate family
Bridesmaids + groomsmen
Officiant (optional)
Anyone else involved in the ceremony
But invite who you actually want.
Some people keep it tiny ...some turn it into a mini welcome event.
- What actually happens during a rehearsal dinner?
1. People arrive and settle in
Drinks, greetings, “omg you’re here!”
2. Everyone eats
No mystery here.
3. Toasts
Usually parents or close friends say a few words. Short, sweet, not the deep wedding-day speeches.
4. You give any small gifts (optional)
Like a thank-you gift to bridesmaids or parents, if you’re doing that.
5. People mingle and connect
The real heart of the event.
6. Everyone goes home early
Because… wedding tomorrow.
That’s really it.
Simple and calm.
- What should you wear?
People always overthink this.
Wear something cute enough for pictures, comfortable enough to breathe, and simple enough not to outshine your wedding look.
A short white dress... a slip dress... a jumpsuit... or even something floral.
Anything that feels like you
- Do you need a theme or decorations?
No.
This is not your wedding 2.0... unless you genuinely want it to be.
If you want to decorate, keep it very simple:
A small bouquet
Table candles
Simple menus
That’s it.
- Should you give speeches?
You can.
...You don’t have to tho.
But many brides like to give a tiny, super-short thank you ...like 20 seconds.
No TED talk
- How long should it last?
1–3 hours.
Don’t drag it.
So everyone get some time to sleep.
- Finally do you need invitations?
It's not needed.
A group chat or a dm works perfectly.
To Wrap it up...
That is all.
I also have a blog post on wedding rehearsal as a whole.
Especially if you're doing this on your own ...it will just walk you through it.
So if you haven't checked it out...i'll link it for you below.
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And with that ...i bid you guys farewell.
*not me sounding all prim and proper☕💅*.
Anyways😅 ...byeeeee💕