Custom suggests that the groom’s parents host the rehearsal dinner and, therefore, issue its invitations.  In circumstances where the groom’s family is unable to host the event, the bride’s family or a close relative or friend may hold one.  Very often older couples or those remarrying for a second time may choose to host the rehearsal dinner.

Regardless of who serves as host, the rehearsal dinner takes place on the night before the wedding and is given as a courtesy to the bride’s family.  Rehearsal dinner invitations are usually worded formally, but many times just first names are used.  This less-formal style lets guests know how you, your fiance, and your fiances parents wish to be addressed.

While an invitation to the rehearsal dinner should reflect the nature of the event, it should never compete with or upstage the wedding invitation.

Who is invited to the rehearsal dinner?

Traditionally, the rehearsal dinner was held for just the wedding party in order to get them fed after the rehearsal-and to give the bride’s mother one less thing for which to be responsible.  While many rehearsal dinners are still reserved for the wedding party, others have expanded to include the wedding party, their spouses or dates, and out-of-town guests.

When are rehearsal dinner invitations sent?

The invitations are sent two weeks before the wedding.  By mailing them well after the wedding invitation has been sent,  you are assured that you will not upstage the primary invitation.