How to Word a Casual Rehearsal Dinner Invitation

Mail rehearsal dinner invitations that reflect the formality of your event.

Rehearsal dinner invitations should reflect the formality of the event. A casual rehearsal dinner taking place at a laid-back restaurant or the groom's parents' backyard calls for an equally casual invitation. Couples can forget about formal wedding prose for these invites. Instead, they can choose a relaxed, conversational tone. Provide all the relevant details for your dinner so that guests know what to expect.

Instructions

1. Compose a creative phrase for inviting guests to your rehearsal dinner. If the dinner has a theme, use that as your guide. For example, if you’re hosting a cocktail-party-style event with heavy hors d’oeuvres and drinks, you can say, “Come help us toast Katie and Matthew before their big day!” If you do not have a theme, a classic introduction such as “Join us for a rehearsal dinner honoring Katie and Matthew” works.

2. Include the date and time on the next line. Unlike formal wedding invitations, where numbers are spelled out, casual rehearsal dinner invites can include numbers. For example, the next two lines of your invitation can read “Friday, July 15, 2011, 6:30 p.m.”

3. Give the location. If you’re hosting the event at a home, which is common for a casual rehearsal dinner, provide the hosts' names: “Tom and Susan Jones’ House, 35 Maple Drive, Peoria, Illinois 00000.” If the event is at another venue, give the name followed by the address: “Halifax Boat Club, 133 Beach Street, Palm Beach, Florida 00000.”

4. Ask guests for a response. Even a casual rehearsal requires a head count so that the hosts or venue can plan food and drink for the number of guests attending. Write “RSVP to Beth Miller at 555-555-9836.” Or provide an email address for responses.

Tips & Warnings

• A casual rehearsal dinner opens up couples’ options for invitations. Consider sending an online invitation, either through an e-invitation website or with a simple email. You can use similar wording for virtual invitations, and you save the expense of printed notes.

References

• Invitation Consultants: Rehearsal Dinner Wording