Maybe you’ve heard questions like “Who pays for the rehearsal dinner?” and “Who gets invited to a rehearsal dinner?” – but if you’re asking yourself, “Hey, just what is a rehearsal dinner anyway?!?” then this is the place to start!

First of all a quick spelling lesson for a very common error:, it’s “rehearsal dinner” not “rehersal dinner” – a small distinction but an important one because if you’re going to be making invitations, the words “rehersal dinner” at the top will make you look a little silly. (Just remember that the word “rehearsal” has two ‘a’s and two ‘e’s.)

Okay, now that the spelling lesson is out of the way… What is a rehearsal dinner exactly?

A rehearsal dinner is simply a meal that happens after the wedding rehearsal. That’s the day the bride and groom go to the ceremony venue and practice walking down the aisle, saying their vows, etc. This meal is a celebration of the wedding to come with close family and friends – and if it’s a lunch or even a breakfast, you definitely don’t have to call it the “rehearsal dinner!” That’s just when it commonly happens.

What Is a Rehearsal Dinner? Your Questions Answered

1. Do I have to throw a rehearsal dinner?
Nope! A rehearsal dinner is totally optional. The reason so many people choose to have this shindig (and the planning stress that comes with) so close to the wedding is because it’s a nice way to kind of kick back and shake off some of those wedding jitters.

2. So who comes to this thing?
In most cases, the guest list for your rehearsal dinner (not rehersal dinner) includes the bride and groom, their wedding party (bridesmaids, groomsmen, etc.), plus close family (parents, grandparents, siblings, etc.). Also invited are any spouses of the above. It is also tradition to invite any wedding guests who are coming from out of town, which is a nice gesture since they have traveled to attend the wedding.

3. But that could be a lot of people… will it be expensive?
As with everything else related to your wedding plans, a rehearsal dinner can be as expensive or as affordable as you want it to be. You don’t have to go all out for a rehearsal dinner if you are on a budget. Have it at a family restaurant or do a build-your-own-pizza thing at home. You could also do some big batches of chili… whatever works for you. If you do have a bigger budget, feel free to rent a venue and get your event catered… whatever you want!

4. Yeah, but who pays for a rehearsal dinner?
Traditionally speaking, the parents of the groom pay for the rehearsal dinner, but these days weddings are funded in all kinds of different and creative ways. Have a chat with your family (or whoever is paying for the wedding) to see if they are willing to pitch in for a rehearsal dinner and/or whether it’s within your budget at all.

5. What else happens at a rehearsal dinner? Does everyone just eat and go home?
It is customary at a rehearsal dinner for there to be a few rounds of toasts. The bride and groom should take a moment to thank everyone for coming to their rehearsal dinner and wedding. Others (perhaps parents or your honor attendants) may want to make a quick toast to the couple and wish them luck on their big day.

♥♥ Need rehearsal dinner speech ideas that don’t suck? ♥♥

It’s also becoming more common for people to host rehearsal dinners with a theme. Think board game night, costume party, bowling, etc. Is there something unique and special you would love to do for your rehearsal dinner? Get 10 out-of-the-box unique rehearsal dinner ideas here.

6. What is the rehearsal dinner dress code?
Chances are your rehearsal dinner dress code will be set by the hosts. If no guidelines are given, a good rule of thumb is smart casual. However, take a cue from the venue and/or activities planned. If you are going bowling, casual attire is obviously appropriate. If the event is being hosted at an upscale cocktail lounge, you’ll probably want to show up in a dress or jacket and tie.

Well, I hope this has helped you answer the question “So, what is a rehearsal dinner?!?” If you have additional questions, please comment below and I’ll give you a hand!

Photo Credit: gardener41 on Flickr