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Rehearsal dinner & wedding weekend: The rehearsal dinner

Wedding party, close family and the officiant, with longer toasts and the couple’s thank-yous.

The key points

  • Who hosts and pays is flexible
  • Restaurant, backyard or venue
  • Gifts for attendants
  • Finish early enough to sleep

Read more about the rehearsal dinner

A long table set in a stone-walled room with a chandelierShowers, parties & weekendThe rehearsal dinner: who pays, who’s invited and what to say

Quick answers

Who pays for the rehearsal dinner?

Traditionally the groom’s family. Today it is whoever offers, often the couple.

Budget & who paysAll questions

Who is invited to the rehearsal dinner?

The wedding party, immediate family, the officiant and anyone in the ceremony, plus partners.

Showers, parties & weekendAll questions

What do you wear to a rehearsal dinner?

Usually cocktail or smart casual; check with the hosts.

Showers, parties & weekendAll questions

Do you send invitations for the rehearsal dinner?

Yes — separate invitations or a digital invitation, sent a few weeks ahead or tucked in with the wedding invitation for those invited.

Showers, parties & weekendAll questions

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