Rehearsal dinner invitation wording: 45 examples by who's hosting

A rehearsal dinner invitation says who is hosting, when the rehearsal ends, and where dinner is. It goes to a small group, so it can be warmer and more casual than the wedding invitation.

What every rehearsal dinner invitation needs

1. 1HostWhoever is paying and welcoming: the groom's parents, the couple, or both families.
2. 2CoupleBoth first names, so no one wonders which wedding it's for.
3. 3RehearsalTime and place, if guests are coming to that too.
4. 4DinnerVenue, address and start time.
5. 5Reply byOne to two weeks before, so the restaurant has a final count.

Add these only when they apply:

45 rehearsal dinner invitation wording ideas

Swap in your own names, places and times.

Hosted by the groom's parents

1. 01Mr. and Mrs. David Miller invite you to a rehearsal dinner in honour of Emma and Jack, Friday, June 12, at seven o'clock.
2. 02David and Karen Miller request the pleasure of your company at dinner, celebrating Emma and Jack on the eve of their wedding.
3. 03Please join Jack's parents for a rehearsal dinner at Luca's Trattoria following the ceremony rehearsal.
4. 04Karen and David Miller would love for you to join them for dinner the night before Emma and Jack say "I do".
5. 05In honour of Emma and Jack, the Miller family invites you to dinner on Friday evening.
6. 06Jack's mom and dad are hosting dinner after the rehearsal. We'd love to see you there.

Hosted by the bride's parents

7. 07Mr. and Mrs. Paul Chen invite you to dinner celebrating Mia and Ryan, the night before the wedding.
8. 08Mia's parents warmly invite you to the rehearsal dinner at The Harbour Room, Friday at 7.
9. 09Please join Linda and Paul Chen for a family dinner in honour of Mia and Ryan.
10. 10The Chens are hosting a casual supper after the rehearsal. Please join us, Friday at 7.

Hosted by the couple

11. 11We'd love for you to join us for dinner after the rehearsal. Friday, June 12, 7 p.m., at Luca's.
12. 12Emma and Jack invite you to a rehearsal dinner to thank the people who made it all possible.
13. 13Before the big day, a little dinner. Please join us on Friday at seven.
14. 14You've been there for everything. Let us buy you dinner the night before.
15. 15Join us for food, drinks and a few happy tears the night before our wedding.
16. 16We couldn't do this without you. Rehearsal dinner Friday at 7, The Garden Room.

Hosted by both families

17. 17The Miller and Chen families invite you to dinner celebrating Emma and Jack.
18. 18Together with their families, Emma and Jack invite you to the rehearsal dinner.
19. 19Two families, one table. Please join us for dinner the night before the wedding.
20. 20Please join the Millers and the Chens to raise a glass to Emma and Jack.

Formal

21. 21The pleasure of your company is requested at a rehearsal dinner in honour of Emma Chen and Jack Miller, Friday, the twelfth of June, at half past seven in the evening.
22. 22Mr. and Mrs. David Miller request the honour of your presence at dinner following the wedding rehearsal.
23. 23A dinner in honour of Emma and Jack. Friday, June 12, seven o'clock. The Belmont Club. Cocktail attire.
24. 24Please join us for an evening of dinner and toasts on the eve of the marriage of Emma and Jack.

Casual and backyard

25. 25Rehearse, then eat. BBQ at the Millers' house, Friday at 6.
26. 26Pizza and beer after the rehearsal. Come hungry.
27. 27Taco night for the wedding party! Friday after the rehearsal, our place.
28. 28Backyard dinner under the lights for Emma and Jack. Jeans welcome.
29. 29Practice makes perfect, and so does pasta. Dinner after the rehearsal.

Funny

30. 30We practised walking down the aisle. Now let's practise eating.
31. 31The rehearsal is short. The dinner is not.
32. 32Rehearsal at 5. Dinner at 7. Toasts as long as Uncle Pete wants.
33. 33Tomorrow they get married. Tonight, we eat.
34. 34One last dinner before Emma has to share Jack's fries forever.

With a church rehearsal

35. 35Please join us for the wedding rehearsal at St. Mary's at 5 p.m., followed by dinner at Luca's at 6:30.
36. 36After the rehearsal at Grace Church, dinner will be served in the fellowship hall.
37. 37Rehearsal at the church at four, then dinner at the Millers' home at six.

Welcome party (destination or big weddings)

38. 38Welcome to Tulum! Join us for welcome drinks and dinner on the beach, Friday at 7.
39. 39Everyone's invited! Welcome party Friday night at the hotel terrace, the night before the wedding.
40. 40You came all this way. Join us Friday for a welcome dinner and a first toast.
41. 41Before the big day, come meet the other side of the family. Welcome drinks at 8.
42. 42Since you're all in town, let's start the weekend together. Welcome dinner Friday.

For the wedding party

43. 43To our wedding party: thank you. Dinner is on us after the rehearsal.
44. 44Bridesmaids, groomsmen and partners: please join us for dinner on Friday.
45. 45Rehearsal at 5, then dinner for the wedding party and families at 7.

Text messages

46. 46Rehearsal is Friday at 5 at the venue, dinner at Luca's at 7. Can you make it?
47. 47Reminder: rehearsal dinner tomorrow at 7! Partners welcome.
48. 48Hi! Emma and Jack's rehearsal dinner is Friday the 12th. Can you let us know by the 1st?
49. 49Shuttle leaves the hotel at 6:15 for dinner. See you there!

Who's invited?

The wedding party and their partners, immediate family, anyone reading or officiating, and their partners. Many couples add grandparents and out-of-town guests. A welcome party for everyone often replaces the rehearsal dinner at destination weddings.

Who hosts?

Traditionally the groom's parents, but today it's whoever wants to. The couple or both families often split it. Put the host's names first on the invitation.

When to send

Paper or digital?

Most rehearsal dinners go to 20 to 40 people who already have the wedding invitation, so a short digital one works well. Paper&Seal invitations open like a real envelope, collect replies in one list, and are free for up to 25 guests.

FAQ

Do you send separate invitations for the rehearsal dinner?

Yes, unless every wedding guest is invited. A separate invitation keeps it from hurting anyone who isn't.

What do you say at a rehearsal dinner?

The host welcomes everyone, then toasts usually come from the parents, the wedding party, and the couple thanking everyone. Short and warm is best.

Is the rehearsal dinner the night before the wedding?

Usually, yes. If the wedding is on a Sunday or the venue is busy, it can be two nights before.