The night before the wedding has a special magic. The rehearsal is done, the nerves are settling, and the people closest to you gather around a table for food, toasts, and stories. A rehearsal dinner invitation sets the tone for that evening and makes sure the right people know where to be and when. This guide covers who traditionally hosts, who to invite, when to send invitations, and wording examples for every style.
Who hosts the rehearsal dinner?
Traditionally in the US, the groom's family hosts the rehearsal dinner. Today, it's just as common for both families, the couple themselves, or a close relative to host. Whoever is hosting is usually named on the invitation, much like a wedding invitation.
Who should be invited?
The traditional guest list
- The couple
- Immediate family (parents, siblings, and grandparents)
- The wedding party and their partners
- The officiant and their partner
- Anyone with a role in the ceremony, such as readers or musicians
Expanding the list
Many couples now invite out-of-town guests, making it a "welcome dinner" for everyone who traveled. This is especially common for destination weddings. If you expand the list, consider a more casual format, such as a barbecue, pizza night, or cocktail party, to manage the budget.
When to send rehearsal dinner invitations
Send rehearsal dinner invitations about 3–4 weeks before the wedding, or around the same time as (or shortly after) your wedding invitations. For destination weddings, share the date earlier so guests can plan travel, either on your save the date, wedding website, or a note in the wedding invitation.
Rehearsal dinner invitations are sent separately from wedding invitations, because not every wedding guest is invited.
What to include
- Hosts' names
- Purpose: "rehearsal dinner" or "welcome dinner"
- The couple's names
- Date and time of the dinner
- Venue name and address
- RSVP details and deadline
- Dress code, if relevant
- A separate rehearsal time for the wedding party, since they arrive earlier for the ceremony walk-through
Rehearsal dinner invitation wording examples
Formal
Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Reilly request the pleasure of your company at a rehearsal dinner in honor of Emma Chen and Liam Reilly. Friday, the fourth of June, at seven o'clock in the evening. Osteria Bella, 42 Market Street, Charleston, South Carolina.
Casual
Before we say "I do," let's eat! Join us for a rehearsal dinner celebrating Emma & Liam. Friday, June 4, at 7 PM, Osteria Bella, Charleston. Hosted by the Reilly family.
Welcome dinner for all guests
Welcome to Charleston! Kick off the wedding weekend with Emma and Liam at a welcome dinner on Friday, June 4, at 7 PM. Casual attire. Come hungry.
Wedding party note
Wedding party: please arrive at the chapel at 5:30 PM for the rehearsal, then join us for dinner at 7.
More formal wording is in our wedding invitation wording examples.
Rehearsal dinner themes and styles
- Long-table family style: shared platters and candlelight.
- Italian trattoria: pasta, wine, and olive branches.
- Backyard barbecue: relaxed and great for big groups.
- Cultural feast: a chance to share family traditions with the other side.
- Brewery or winery: casual and fun for younger crowds.
A rehearsal dinner invitation that feels like the evening
Our Long Table rehearsal dinner invitation captures that family-style spirit. It features a hand-drawn long table with wine glasses and a candle beneath an olive-leaf garland with a hanging light, your initials, and olive leaves that drift down once guests open the envelope, all in olive, cream, and terracotta. A music-box arrangement of the public-domain Canon in D plays in the browser, and guests can mute it.
The Signature version is a private link with an envelope and wax seal, falling olive leaves, music, a live countdown, schedule, map and directions, add-to-calendar, and online RSVP with a guest list you can export. You can list the rehearsal time separately for the wedding party. The Essential version is the same design as a print-ready 5×7 PDF and a phone-ready PNG (a still image, without animation, music, or RSVP). A designer personalizes it by hand and emails you a proof. See pricing.
Toasts: a quick note for hosts
Rehearsal dinners are known for heartfelt toasts. Hosts often start, followed by members of the wedding party and family. If you expect many speakers, consider asking them to keep toasts to two or three minutes, and mention that on the schedule so everyone knows the plan.
Related designs
- Lemon Grove, a Mediterranean wedding invitation with a matching thank-you card.
- Rosé, a romantic garden-rose wedding invitation.
- Golden Hour, an engagement party invitation.
Browse all rehearsal dinner invitations.
Frequently asked questions
Who traditionally pays for the rehearsal dinner?
Traditionally the groom's family, though today it's often both families, the couple, or another relative.
Do out-of-town guests need to be invited?
It's not required, but it's a gracious gesture, especially for destination weddings. Many couples host a casual welcome dinner instead.
Can the rehearsal dinner invitation be digital?
Yes. A digital invitation is fast, easy to update, and lets you collect RSVPs online.
Can I preview Long Table?
Yes. Open the Long Table live demo on your phone.
Gather your people
The night before your wedding deserves its own invitation. View the Long Table live demo and explore the Long Table design.