The Proper Etiquette for Wedding Rehearsal Dinners

Follow a few etiquette rules to ensure your rehearsal dinner is just the way you want it.

If you're getting married soon, chances are you're planning your rehearsal dinner as well. Certain rules of etiquette apply that will ensure the event is as successful as all the other celebrations associated with your upcoming nuptials.

Hosting Etiquette

According to proper etiquette, the family of the groom is supposed to host the wedding rehearsal dinner. This usually means that the groom's mother and father select the location for the dinner and pay for everyone's meal.

Guest List Etiquette

Traditionally, the wedding rehearsal dinner is for those who are directly participating in the wedding along with their spouses. This includes the bridesmaids, groomsmen, flower girls and ring bearer as well as the hosts and hostesses. The parents of the bride of groom are of course invited to the dinner as well. You can choose to make the party larger by inviting all of your out-of-town guests as well.

Formality Etiquette

The wedding rehearsal dinner should take place in a location that matches the formality of the wedding. For instance, if the wedding is black-tie, the rehearsal dinner should be held at a four-star restaurant. If the ceremony and reception will have a casual or semiformal feel, it's acceptable for the dinner to be hosted at the home of the groom's parents or at an outdoor location such as a park or apple orchard.

References

• The Knot: Wedding Rehearsal Dinner Etiquette Q&A
• Wedding Vendors: Wedding Rehearsal Dinner Etiquette