5 tips to determine who to invite to your rehearsal dinner

The rehearsal dinner typically includes close family members, the wedding party, and sometimes out-of-town guests. Here is a general guideline for determining who to invite to your rehearsal dinner:

1. Immediate family: Start by inviting your immediate family, including parents, siblings, and grandparents. These are the people who will likely be involved in the rehearsal itself and play a significant role in your wedding day.

2. Wedding party: Invite your bridesmaids, groomsmen, flower girls, ring bearers, and any other members of your wedding party. They are an integral part of your celebration and should be included in the rehearsal dinner festivities.

3. Officiant: Extend an invitation to your officiant and their spouse or partner if applicable. This allows you to express your gratitude for their involvement in your wedding ceremony.

4. Out-of-town guests: If you have guests traveling from out of town to attend your wedding, it is a thoughtful gesture to invite them to the rehearsal dinner. This provides an opportunity to spend more time with them and show your appreciation for their effort to be there.

5. Special friends or extended family: Depending on your preferences and the size of your rehearsal dinner, you may choose to invite close friends or select extended family members who have played a significant role in your lives and wedding planning process.

Keep in mind that the rehearsal dinner is meant to be an intimate gathering before the wedding day, so it is not necessary to invite all of your wedding guests. However, every wedding is unique, and you can adjust the guest list based on your personal preferences, budget, and the size of the venue. It's important to consider the dynamics of your relationships and ensure that the guest list reflects the people closest to you and those who have directly contributed to your wedding.