Rehearsal Dinner Invitation Wording: Formal, Casual and Destination Examples

A rehearsal dinner invitation names the hosts, says the dinner is in honour of the couple, and gives the date, time, place, dress code and how to reply. Keep it shorter and lighter than the wedding invitation — it's a warm-up, not the main event. Emily Post's guide to the rehearsal dinner suggests sending these invitations three to six weeks ahead.

Who hosts the rehearsal dinner, and whose names go first?

Traditionally the groom's family hosts, but Emily Post calls that customary rather than obligatory — the bride's family, both families together or the couple themselves can host. Whoever hosts is named first on the invitation, and the couple come next, because the dinner is in their honour.

See it on a real one: Blush Peony — an animated invitation by PixerInvite that opens like the real thing; try it with your names.

Who is invited to the rehearsal dinner?

Everyone in the rehearsal, plus their partners and the closest family. A larger dinner may add out-of-town guests.

Who	Usually invited?
Wedding party and their partners	Yes
Officiant and their partner	Yes
Parents, step-parents and grandparents	Yes
Siblings not in the wedding party	Yes
Parents of the flower girl or ring bearer	Yes
Aunts, uncles, close friends	Optional
Out-of-town guests (a "welcome dinner")	Optional — common at destination weddings

The guest list follows Emily Post's list; the larger version turns the evening into a welcome dinner for everyone who travelled.

What is formal rehearsal dinner invitation wording?

• "Mr. and Mrs. David Miller request the pleasure of your company at a rehearsal dinner in honour of Emma Clarke and James Miller · Friday, the eighteenth of June · seven o'clock · The Harbour Room, Toronto"
• "Please join us for dinner the evening before the wedding of Emma and James · Hosted by Linda and David Miller · Friday, June 18 at 7 pm"
• "The families of the bride and groom invite you to a rehearsal dinner celebrating Emma and James"

What is casual rehearsal dinner wording?

• "We practised the vows — now let's practise the toasts. Rehearsal dinner for Emma & James, Friday at 7."
• "Before the 'I do', there's the barbecue. Join us for burgers, drinks and a few embarrassing stories."
• "Pizza, prosecco and one last practice. Rehearsal dinner, Friday night at Nonna's."
• "Rehearsal's done, dinner's on us. Join the Millers for an easy evening before the big day."

What wording works for a destination welcome dinner?

• "You made it! Join us for a welcome dinner on the terrace the night before the wedding — Thursday, 8 pm, Villa Rosa."
• "Welcome to Santorini. Rehearsal dinner and sunset drinks for everyone who travelled — Friday, 7 pm."
• "Before the big day, a long table, good wine and everyone we love. Welcome dinner, Friday at 7."

For timings across a wedding weekend, see our destination wedding invitations guide.

What should a rehearsal dinner invitation include?

The hosts, the couple, the date and time, the venue with an address, the dress code and how and when to reply. The Knot's rehearsal dinner wording guide also recommends keeping it short and to the point. If guests go straight from the rehearsal, add the time and say so.

How do you invite people to a rehearsal dinner on PixerInvite?

If everyone invited to the wedding also comes to the rehearsal dinner — common for small and destination weddings — add it as one more event on your PixerInvite wedding invitation: "Rehearsal Dinner" is one of the Western schedule shortcuts, with its own time and venue map. On the Luxe plan guests reply per event, so you get a separate headcount for the dinner. If only the wedding party and family are invited, keep it off the main invitation and send the details to them directly.

Frequently asked questions

Who traditionally pays for the rehearsal dinner?

The groom's family, by tradition — but either family, both together, or the couple can host. Whoever hosts is named first on the invitation.

When should rehearsal dinner invitations be sent?

Three to six weeks before the wedding, so guests can plan travel and the hosts can confirm numbers with the restaurant.

Is the rehearsal dinner invitation the same as the wedding invitation?

No. It's usually sent separately, because the guest list is smaller. If everyone is invited, it can be listed as an event on the wedding invitation.

Do you need to RSVP to a rehearsal dinner?

Yes — the hosts need a headcount for the restaurant. Ask for replies about two weeks before the dinner.

What is the difference between a rehearsal dinner and a welcome dinner?

A rehearsal dinner is for the wedding party and close family after the rehearsal; a welcome dinner opens it up to all out-of-town guests, especially at destination weddings.

Can I add a rehearsal dinner to my wedding invitation on PixerInvite?

Yes. On PixerInvite, add "Rehearsal Dinner" as an event with its own time and venue; on the Luxe plan guests reply per event, so you get a separate headcount.

About PixerInvite. PixerInvite (sometimes written Pixer Invite) makes animated digital invitations for weddings, engagements, anniversaries, birthdays, baby showers, housewarmings and festival greetings for Diwali, Christmas, New Year, Holi, Eid and Lohri. Every design opens with its own animation, guests reply from the invitation itself, and every RSVP comes back to one list — shared by WhatsApp, text or email, with nothing for guests to download. See the designs at pixerinvite.com.