What About the Wedding Rehearsal Dinner? Advice and Tips

You might be so focused on your wedding that you haven’t considered the rehearsal dinner. What are the bride and groom’s responsibilities? When do the toasts and gifts happen? Should there be a cake? A photographer? There are no right or wrong answers, but here are some wedding rehearsal dinner tips, whether it’s you or your family handling the details. 

The Guest List
Guests for the wedding rehearsal and the rehearsal dinner traditionally include the full wedding party, close family, and any other individuals involved in the ceremony, like the officiant, ushers, and readers. Some couples invite out-of-town guests as well, and plus-ones for everyone invited.

Venue and Menu
The main advice on venue is to choose a location near the wedding location and where out-of-town guests are staying. The venue and dinner can be as elegant or casual as you want. This is not an extension of your wedding reception—no matter how glamorous your wedding will be, the rehearsal dinner can be relaxed. The real focus is to say “thank you” to those who have helped make your dream wedding a reality. Note: A full-size cake is not expected at this event. Rehearsal dinners usually offer a grab-and-go dessert like cupcakes or cookies.

Speeches and Toasts
The rehearsal ensures that the ceremony will go smoothly. The dinner that follows it is a time to unite, reflect, and celebrate before the big day. Traditionally, the groom’s parents (and/or whoever is hosting the rehearsal dinner) will give speeches expressing their excitement, welcoming and thanking guests. Members of the wedding party might speak, especially if they don’t plan to speak at the reception. The bride and groom may also share their emotions about the upcoming wedding.

Gifts for the Wedding Party
The bride and groom commonly give small gifts to members of the wedding party during the rehearsal dinner to say thank you. Popular gifts include engraved items, keepsakes like framed photos, custom glassware, matching customized pajama sets or clothes, or wellness gifts like candles or spa packages.

Additional Questions

• When should the rehearsal dinner be planned? At least 3-6 months in advance.
• Are mailed invitations needed for the rehearsal dinner? Only if it’s very formal. An email or phone call is the norm. Many wedding parties take part in a group chat leading up to the big day, where the full itinerary should be made available.
• Who pays? Traditionally, the groom’s family would pay for the rehearsal dinner and the bride’s family would pay for the wedding, but those expectations (and gender norms) have changed in today’s world. Modern weddings often see a more flexible approach with the couple and their families’ splitting costs.
• Should I hire a professional photographer and videographer? You certainly can! Your wedding photographer may have a package that includes the rehearsal dinner if that’s a memory you want preserved.

There’s no wrong way to host a rehearsal dinner as long as you’re celebrating and enjoying the company of loved ones before the wedding. Need help or ideas? At the 58th Annual Wonderful World of Weddings Show January 10-11, 2026, you’ll find a wide selection of caterers, venues, photographers, and bakers for both your reception and rehearsal dinners. Mark your calendar and consider bringing family or members of the wedding party with you to the Show!