Who Gets Invited to the Rehearsal Dinner?

Posted on December 18, 2018 at 12:08 pm by Carisa Lockery

How do you avoid inviting your entire wedding list to the rehearsal dinner? Should I invite my extended family? Should children be allowed? Follow this guide and it should help to reduce the amount of guests.

1. Parents.

The very first people on your list should be your parents (and/or step-parents). Not only because they may be the ones footing the bill, but because they have supported you for your entire life, will be present at the ceremony rehearsal and for the simple fact that they brought you into this world.

Photo credit: Powerstation Events

2. Siblings.

You grew up with them and they may even be a part of your ceremony. They get invited.

Photo credit: Brian Hatton Photography

3. Grandparents.

If you are lucky enough to still have your grandparents in your life, invite them. I'm sure they would be more than thrilled to be a part of not only the wedding, but the rehearsal dinner and other wedding festivities as well!

4. The Bridal Party.

Obviously, the bridal party will be at the ceremony rehearsal, so it only makes sense that they would be invited to the dinner afterwards. Don't forget their spouses or significant others!

Photo courtesy Kevin Kelley Photography

5. Out of State Guests.

If you have any out of state guests coming in for the wedding, they should get an invitation. They are spending money on travel, accommodations, and more. The least you can do is invite them to dinner.

6. Officiant.

The person who will be marrying you is a pretty big part of your wedding! He or she should definitely be invited as a courtesy. Most of the time, they won't come, but it's nice to extend the invitation.

Photo credit: J. Fiereck Photography

About the Author

Carisa Lockery

Thanks for stopping by. I'm so excited that you decided to learn more about me!

First and foremost, I am a wife and mother to 2 boys, Kyle and Mason. They're part of the reason that I continued to pursue my dream of being a business owner. Having the ability to make my own hours and still be present for them is invaluable, and an experience for which I will forever be indebted to my amazing husband.

As a kid, I was always organizing everything. I loved stationary and paper and pens and markers and journals and planners and anything else that allowed me to plan and organize. Trapper Keepers and Lisa Frank? Yes, PLEASE! As I got older, that love for organization became a love for planning, particularly fun things like events. I woke up one day with the thought, “Could I actually make a living doing this?”. I had gone to Albertus Magnus College in New Haven, CT for my Bachelor's Degree in Communications, so I had a little knowledge about business and how they worked. When the idea began to formulate more and more in my head, I decided to take my education even further and pursue a Master of Business Administration Degree. Right after I earned this degree, I had my first son, so the timing was perfect! I was able to be home with him during the week while my husband worked, and work at night and on the weekends, when most events took place!

More than 10 years later, I still love bringing the idea and concept of a wedding or event into reality. Each one plays out differently, and I love that! It keeps things fresh and exciting! I can't wait to hear from you and learn all about how I can help with your next event!

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