Here’s everything you need to know about rehearsal dinner invitations and wording, including examples to inspire your own invites.
What to Include in Your Wedding Rehearsal Dinner Invitations
Before diving into wording examples, let’s go over the essential information you should include in your rehearsal dinner invitations:
- The Host: Traditionally, the groom’s parents host the rehearsal dinner, but this can vary depending on the couple’s preferences. Be sure to specify who is hosting the event.
- The Names of the Couple: This may seem obvious, but it’s important to include both names of the couple so guests know exactly who the invitation is for.
- Date and Time: Clearly state the date and time of the rehearsal dinner. Typically, the dinner follows the ceremony rehearsal, so ensure there’s enough time for a smooth transition.
- Location: Include the full address of the dinner venue, whether it’s at a restaurant, a family home, or a special event space.
- RSVP Details: Provide clear instructions for how and when to RSVP. This helps with planning, especially if it’s a catered event.
- Dress Code: If there is a specific dress code, such as formal or casual, include this on the invitation to avoid confusion.
With these basics in mind, here are some rehearsal dinner invitation wording examples to get you started:
Rehearsal Dinner Invitation Wording Examples
1. Classic and Formal
For a more traditional and formal dinner, your invitation wording should reflect the elegant tone of the evening. Here’s an example:
Mr. and Mrs. John Smith
cordially invite you to the rehearsal dinner
in honor of
Emma Johnson and William Smith
on Friday, the 18th of October, 2024
at 7:00 p.m.
The Oceanview Ballroom
123 Seaside Avenue
Please RSVP by October 1st to 555-1234 or email@domain.com
This wording keeps things straightforward and formal, ideal for a sit-down dinner in a restaurant or venue with a more elegant vibe.
2. Casual and Fun
If you’re planning a more laid-back or informal gathering, your wording should reflect that casual atmosphere. For example:
Join us for food, drinks, and good times
as we celebrate the soon-to-be newlyweds
Emma & Will!
Rehearsal Dinner:
Friday, October 18th, 2024
6:00 PM
Backyard of the Johnson Family Home
456 Maple Lane
Casual Attire
RSVP to Emma at 555-5678 by October 1st
This example is perfect for a backyard barbecue or a more relaxed dinner setting. It still includes all the important details but with a fun and informal tone.
3. Destination Wedding Vibes
For couples hosting a destination wedding, consider incorporating the location’s charm into the wording:
Pack your bags and your appetite!
You’re invited to a rehearsal dinner under the stars
celebrating
Emma & Will
Friday, October 18th, 2024
7:00 PM
La Playa Beachfront Restaurant
Caribbean Coast, Belize
Dress: Beach Chic
RSVP by October 1st to 555-1234 or email@domain.com
This wording matches the tropical, relaxed vibe of a destination wedding, while still ensuring guests have all the necessary information.
4. Theme-Specific Rehearsal Dinner
If your rehearsal dinner has a specific theme—such as a pizza party, BBQ, or even a vintage vibe—reflect that in the wording. For example:
Before the big day,
let’s fire up the grill and have some fun!
Join us for a BBQ rehearsal dinner
honoring
Emma & Will
Friday, October 18th, 2024
5:30 PM
Backyard of the Smith Family Home
456 Oak Street
BBQ Attire Encouraged
RSVP by October 1st to 555-1234 or email@domain.com
This playful tone gets guests excited for a relaxed evening while setting the expectation for a BBQ-themed event.
Festive Touches for Your Rehearsal Dinner Invitations
Since the rehearsal dinner is part of your wedding celebration, it’s important to keep the tone festive and celebratory. Here are some ways to add a special touch to your wedding rehearsal dinner invitations:
- Personalized Invitations: Shutterfly offers beautifully customizable rehearsal dinner invitations to match your wedding theme. Add your own photos, colors, and designs to make them truly unique.
- Include Wedding Themes: Use colors or design elements from your wedding day in the rehearsal dinner invitations to tie everything together.
- Add Meaningful Quotes: Personalize your invites with a romantic or fun quote about love, marriage, or family.
- Play with Fonts and Layouts: Choose playful or elegant fonts that fit the tone of your dinner, whether formal or casual.
- Insert Itinerary Cards: If you’re planning a full weekend of wedding festivities, include a simple itinerary card so guests know what to expect from the rehearsal dinner through to the big day.
When to Send Rehearsal Dinner Invitations
Typically, rehearsal dinner invites are sent out 4-6 weeks before the event. This gives guests enough time to plan their schedules, arrange travel, and RSVP in a timely manner. If you’re hosting a smaller, intimate gathering, you might get away with sending the invitations a little closer to the date, but for larger events, it’s always better to send them earlier.
Celebrate with Personalized Rehearsal Dinner Invitations
At Shutterfly, we offer a wide range of customizable rehearsal dinner invitations that allow you to set the perfect tone for your event. Choose from elegant, rustic, or modern designs that match your wedding theme. Upload your own photos, change the fonts, and add your personal touches to make each invitation unique. Shutterfly’s easy-to-use design tools allow you to craft the perfect invitation with just a few clicks. Plus, our high-quality paper and printing options ensure your invitations will look beautiful and stand out to your guests.
Final Thoughts on Rehearsal Dinner Invitation Wording
Your rehearsal dinner is a special time to celebrate with your closest friends and family before the wedding day. By choosing the right rehearsal dinner invitation wording, you’ll be able to set the tone for the evening and get guests excited for the upcoming celebration. Whether formal, casual, or theme-specific, your invitation should reflect the style of your dinner while providing guests with all the key details. Ready to start creating your personalized invitations? Head to Shutterfly and explore our wide range of customizable rehearsal dinner invitations today!
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