Editor’s Note: This article was written by Susan Moran, President and Owner of That’s It! Wedding Concepts, a Central Pennsylvania–based wedding planning and design company. Susan brings more than 40 years of experience to the wedding industry, and I’m honored to welcome her as a Firefly Brides guest writer, sharing expert insight for couples planning weddings throughout Central PA and beyond.
Read more about the author, Susan Moran, and That's It! Wedding concepts in her Firefly Brides vendor feature.
Traditionally, the Rehearsal Dinner follows the Ceremony Rehearsal and is the very first gathering of all those you love and all those who love you! Considering all the necessary details for this event is best started when the initial wedding planning begins!
What to Consider Before Your Rehearsal
What Type of Celebration Will It Be?
Whatever best captures your vision of this important piece of your wedding weekend:
- Traditional dinner for Wedding Pary and Family
- A "Welcome Celebration" including Wedding Party, Family, and invited Guests
- Something completely unique to the two of you
There is zero "right" or "wrong here. Whatever best fits your situation is perfecto!
Who Is Responsible for Paying?
Usually, those paying for the event will lead off the planning.
As well, I am often requested to add this function to my “Scope of Service,” which definitely takes the responsibility off Team Bride’s and Groom’s and Family’s shoulders and places it squarely on mine! Always delighted to help!
If you’re navigating who’s paying for what during wedding planning, I also share modern etiquette and expectations in my guide to Who Pays for What in a Wedding?
What Time Is Your Rehearsal Scheduled to Begin?
Wherever your Wedding Ceremony is being held is generally where the Rehearsal will happen, and the timing is determined accordingly.
That said, when scheduling this event, often the Venue will have another wedding the day prior to yours, thus making it impossible to rehearse there.
This is absolutely 100% fine!
I have executed Rehearsals:
- At Restaurants
- A Private Homes
- Outdoors
- In Basements/Game Rooms
- And actually in Parking Lots!
A different approach I am utilizing more and more is having the Rehearsal at the Venue the morning of the Wedding Day. This only works when both the Ceremony and Reception are being held at the same Venue, and it works really well!
It’s the gathering of all the Ceremony VIPs that counts rather than the location!
How Long Is a Wedding Rehearsal Expected to Last?
On average, a Rehearsal will last about 30-45 minutes.
If your officiant will be running the Rehearsal at a Venue or Church, this timing is fully up to them and should be determined early in the process.
I am always on hand to assist them as they prefer and defer to them on all matters.
What Is the Transit Time Between Your Rehearsal and Dinner Venue?
This timing will completely determine your “go time” for your Rehearsal Dinner or Welcome Party.
Will Transportation Be Provided?
This is definitely an option to seriously consider if desired and doable!
Determining the Guest List
This is truly the “Heart of the Matter” and deserves all the attention necessary to achieve a solid comfort zone.
Sometimes it boils down to Budget versus Inclusiveness, which can absolutely present challenges. With dedicated time, patience, and creativity, putting together this Guest List is successfully doable!
Who Will Be Included as Guests?
Options may include:
- Wedding Party only
- Wedding Party and Partners
- Family
- Out-of-Town Guests
- All Wedding Guest
There are endless options to look at, and you should absolutely find a solution that works best for you!
Are Children Included?
If so, will you need to provide childcare?
Again, you know your tribe and will best be able to put this dynamic into place!
Rehearsal Dinner & Welcome Party Details
What type of Event Will It Be?
Formal…Casual…Cocktail Party Vibe…Dinner & Drinks…Dessert Indulgence?
Any choice that feels “just right” for you, after carefully considering all the components, is excellent!
Where Will It Be Held?
Possibilities are endless:
- Restaurant
- Hotel
- Private Home
- Country Club
- Theme Park
- Museum
All are on the table…pardon the pun!
What Is the Preferred Attire?
Including attire information is always so very appreciated by your Guests and should be decided upon based on the type of event you select.
Is There Ample Parking Available?
This is a critical piece of logistics and may be a deciding factor in having professional transportation provided.
What Type of Menu Has Been Discussed?
This is the fun stuff!
A “Rule of Thumb” to seriously consider is crafting a Rehearsal Dinner Menu completely different from your Reception Menu.
Food choices are such a super way to creatively “brand” your Guest Experience!
Food and drink aren’t the only things that shape your Guest Experience throughout the wedding weekend. Thoughtful details, comfort items, and hospitality touches can leave a lasting impression as well. I also share simple but incredibly helpful ideas in Wedding Bathroom Basket Ideas + Insider Tips.
What Type of Bar Service Will Be Included?
Open Bar, Beer & Wine Only, Signature Drinks, etc.
This is a very personal decision, and anything you feel best fulfills this need is wonderful!
Will Toasts Be Included?
Oftentimes, this presents a fantastic opportunity for those who will not speak at your Reception to share their sentiments and feelings.
I have also seen this time utilized for the Bride and Groom to lovingly “Toast/Roast” their Wedding Party — so much fun!
Will Wedding Party Gifts Be Given During the Rehearsal Dinner?
Presenting your Wedding Party and special people with their gifts at this time makes lasting and special memories and it is an option rather than a “have to!”
How Will Guests Be Invited?
There are endless appropriate ways to issue these invitations.
If this will be an all-inclusive event for all Guests, then a separate card in your Invitation Suite works well.
If you’ll be working with a targeted or limited Guest List, issuing a wholly separate Invitation is the safest approach.
This can include:
- Printed Invitations
- Online Invitations
- Verbal Invitations
All are appropriate!
Do everything possible to stay organized and avoid accidentally inviting the wrong Guest…or leaving off someone who should absolutely be included.
Will Entertainment Be Included?
A consideration rather than a necessity!
Whatever best fits your vibe — anything is doable!
Final Thoughts
Do take your time in putting this part of your Wedding Celebration together because it truly is the beginning of setting the tone for your weekend.
It’s also an opportunity to meaningfully honor all those who will gather to celebrate the two of you.
What amazing lifelong memories you’re gonna make!
