Creating an invitation list for a rehearsal dinner requires a lot of careful thought.
The rehearsal dinner is usually the last event that takes place before a wedding, and potentially the most important. The dinner may serve as an introduction between the bride and groom's families, and often it is peppered with speeches, gifts and important moments. Coming with a proper invitation list for a rehearsal dinner is a task that falls on whomever is hosting the event. Does this Spark an idea?
Purpose
Usually, the rehearsal dinner follows a rehearsal of the wedding ceremony itself. Often, these two events are held the day before the wedding. Because the wedding will be rehearsed beforehand, it's customary for the rehearsal dinner to include the bride, groom and all of their attendants. But the rehearsal dinner also serves another purpose: to fully introduce the two families to each other. Gifts may be given to the wedding party guests and sometimes, toasts are made to celebrate the bride and groom. It's traditional for the groom's family to host the rehearsal dinner, but sometimes the event is held by the bride's family or by the couple themselves.
Guest List
In addition to the wedding party, the rehearsal dinner traditionally includes the parents, step-parents and siblings of the bride and groom. Sometimes, grandparents and other close family members and friends may be invited as well. If the ceremony officiant is a close friend of the family, it is not uncommon for this person to be included on the list. Don't forget to include the parents of any child attendants, such as the flower girl and ring bearer. If any of these guests have spouses or significant others, these people must also be included. Guest lists can grow large very quickly, so try to limit the invitations to those in the wedding party, immediate family members and all of their spouses.
Decisions
Ultimately, the guest list to the rehearsal dinner is determined by whoever is hosting the event (which is only fair, since they are the ones who must make all arrangements, financial and otherwise, for the event). If the dinner is hosted by someone other than the bride and groom, it is considerate (but not mandatory) to take their wishes into account. The bride and groom should provide the party's host with a list of their wedding party's names, addresses and significant others, along with a list of siblings and parents. The host(s) of the dinner should make an attempt to represent both sides (bride and groom) evenly. If siblings are invited on one side, they must be included on the other. The same may be said for aunts, uncles, grandparents, etc.
Invitations
The invitations themselves may be presented in any form or style. Using hand-written cards on stationery is just as socially acceptable as having something printed out. Telephone and electronic invitations are also acceptable. The method of invitation delivery and the invitations themselves are less important then the information which must be included. Offer RSVP information along with all the details of the event (date, time, location). If semi-formal or formal dress is required, be sure to include this information as well. Invitations should be sent at least 3 weeks before the event itself, so start working on the list one to two months before the dinner is scheduled to occur.
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