How do I plan a wedding rehearsal dinner?

Short answer

Plan a wedding rehearsal dinner by choosing a relaxed venue near the ceremony site, inviting the wedding party and close family, and keeping the evening simple. It is not a legal requirement, so you can make it as casual as you like.

A rehearsal dinner is a chance to gather the people who are helping with your wedding, run through the ceremony once, and enjoy a meal together. It is not a legal step, so you have full freedom. Start by deciding who to invite. Typically that includes the bridal party, immediate family, and anyone with a role on the day. If you have children in the wedding, include them too.

Choose a venue that is close to where the ceremony will take place, so travel is easy. It could be a restaurant, a pub, or someone's home. Keep the menu simple and affordable. You do not need to match the wedding style. The main goal is to relax and thank your helpers.

During the dinner, you can go over the order of the ceremony, confirm timings, and answer any last questions. But keep it light. Do not turn it into a second planning meeting. If you want, give small gifts or thank-you cards to your bridal party. Remember that the rehearsal itself is optional. If you are not having a formal ceremony, you might skip it and just have a meal. Check with your venue or officiant if you want to rehearse in the actual space. For legal details, remember that the ceremony itself needs witnesses, but the rehearsal does not.