You don’t just have the wedding invitations to take care of – you’ll also need to send out invitations for your rehearsal dinner! If you’re ready to kick off the celebration with an incredible rehearsal dinner, follow these tips to create the perfect invitations.
Include the Essential Details
Of course, it is vital that you share every important detail on your rehearsal dinner invitations. Typical rehearsal dinner invitations will include the following information:
- The names of the honorees (AKA the couple)
- The names of the hosts of the rehearsal dinner (for more formal invitations – this isn’t essential)
- The date and time
- The location
- The RSVP deadline and method for RSVPing
- The dress code
- Any additional details, such as directions or parking information
Get the Wording Right
Don’t get too wordy – simple and concise works best when it comes to invitation wording. Here are a few examples of phrases that you can use at the start of the invitation:
- Please join us for a rehearsal dinner in honor of Jane Smith and Dan Johnson
- Please join us for a rehearsal dinner honoring the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Johnson
- Mary and David Johnson invite you to a rehearsal dinner honoring Jane Smith and Dan Johnson
- The soon-to-be wedded Mr. and Mrs. Johnson invite you to their rehearsal dinner
These phrases will be followed by the essential details outlined above. Of course, feel free to play around with these phrases and create something that works for the style of your wedding. Just remember to aim for the shorter side so the invitation isn’t too wordy.
Paper vs. Digital Invitations: Which is Best?
More and more couples are turning to digital invitations for their wedding – but can you use them for your rehearsal dinner? You absolutely can, but it is up to you to decide which method will be best. Digital invitations are more cost effective, but they can come off as more casual than paper invitations. Ultimately, it comes down to whatever you think makes the most sense for your rehearsal dinner. Both paper and digital invitations are acceptable options.
When Should You Send Rehearsal Dinner Invitations?
If they are being sent separately, rehearsal dinner invitations should be sent soon after you send your wedding invitations to give guests ample time to RSVP to both invitations. You can also send the rehearsal dinner invitations along with your wedding invitations to save on postage. However, you’ll need to take extra care to make sure the right guests receive the extra rehearsal dinner invitations when you’re stuffing envelopes. Regardless of which method you choose, you may want to personally give rehearsal dinner guests a heads up before they get the invitation so that they can make travel plans or arrange for childcare.
Who Sends the Rehearsal Dinner Invitations?
Traditionally, the groom’s parents will host the rehearsal dinner, which means they would be the ones sending the rehearsal dinner invitations. Of course, not every couple follows the traditional path, so decide what makes the most sense for you. If you’re sharing the hosting responsibilities with one or both sets of parents, decide in advance who will be in charge of sending the invitations.
If you are in the process of planning your wedding, come to the next Georgia Bridal Show near you. You will have the chance to meet with professional wedding vendors of all talents who can help bring your vision to life!
Georgia wedding vendors, as well as other wedding professionals across the Southeast, can contact us about opportunities for exhibition and online marketing with Georgia Bridal Show.