Rehearsal Dinner Checklist
One-Minute Summary
This rehearsal dinner checklist covers planning tasks—venue, head count, menu, invitations, and day-of items. Print on U.S. Letter paper and check off items as you go. Many couples treat the rehearsal dinner as a smaller, more relaxed version of the main event—same principles apply: venue, food, guests, timing. The checklist ensures you don't forget the basics. Use it alongside your main wedding checklist so the rehearsal runs smoothly and everyone knows when and where to be.
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Print Settings
- Paper: U.S. Letter (8.5" × 11")
- Orientation: portrait
- Scale: 100%
- Margins: Default (0.5")
What’s on this rehearsal dinner checklist
This rehearsal dinner checklist covers venue, guest list, menu, invitations, and day-of tasks. Use it to plan the night before the wedding. Here’s how each section works.
The rehearsal dinner typically follows the ceremony rehearsal. Block time for both—rehearsal first, then dinner. The checklist keeps you organized.
How to use this rehearsal dinner checklist — 2 real scenarios
Scenario 1: Couple hosting a restaurant rehearsal dinner
You’ve chosen a restaurant with a private room. Use the checklist: book the room (3 months out), set date and time (after ceremony rehearsal), create guest list, send invites (4 weeks out), collect RSVPs, confirm head count and menu (1 week out). Add a task for speeches if you want informal toasts. The checklist keeps you on track.
Scenario 2: Couple hosting at a family home
You’re having it at a parent’s house or backyard. The checklist shifts—venue is “home,” plan the menu (catered vs. homemade), rentals if needed, setup and cleanup. Assign a setup crew and cleanup crew. Head count still matters for seating and food. The checklist ensures you’ve thought through logistics.
Example fill-out
Venue: Antonio’s Ristorante, Private Room | 123 Main St | Booked 3/15, 6pm Friday. Date/Time: Friday (day before wedding), 6:00pm after 4:30pm ceremony rehearsal. Guest list: Wedding party (8), Immediate family (12), Out-of-town (15) = 35. Head count: 32 confirmed. Menu: Caesar salad, chicken parm or salmon, tiramisu. 2 vegetarian, 1 gluten-free. Invites: Sent 4/1, RSVP 4/15. Day-of: Confirm head count Wed AM. Assign toasts (Dad, Best Man).
Common mistakes (and how to fix them)
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Forgetting to schedule the rehearsal before the dinner. Block 1–2 hours for the ceremony rehearsal at the venue, then head to dinner. Add “Rehearsal 4:00–4:30pm” to your checklist.
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Not confirming head count with the venue. Restaurants need final numbers 24–48 hours before. Lock it in.
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Inviting too many people. Set a boundary—wedding party, immediate family, maybe out-of-town. The rehearsal dinner can balloon if you’re not careful.
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Leaving the menu to the last minute. Pre-select with the restaurant 2 weeks before. If catering at home, order or plan the food early.
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Not communicating the timeline. Send a reminder 1 week before with address, time, dress code. Guests need to know when to be where.
Customization tips
Casual vs. formal: Adjust to match—casual might mean a group text; formal might mean printed invites and seating. Add tasks accordingly.
Who’s hosting: Note “Mom: venue,” “Dad: paying” if parents are handling it. Coordination still matters.
Speeches: Add a section for who’s speaking. Decide in advance so no one is put on the spot.
Printing Tips
- Print on U.S. Letter (8.5" × 11") in portrait orientation
- Scale: 100% (do not use "Fit to Page")
- Margins: Default (0.5")
Next step in your wedding workflow:
Related Templates You Might Need
Most people use 2–3 of these together:
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Frequently Asked Questions
Who should be invited to the rehearsal dinner?
Traditionally: wedding party, immediate family, and sometimes out-of-town guests. It's a smaller, more intimate group than the wedding. Many couples draw the line at 25–50 people. Include anyone who needs to be at the ceremony rehearsal.
When should the rehearsal dinner happen?
Usually the night before the wedding, right after the ceremony rehearsal. Rehearsal at 4:00–4:30pm, dinner at 6:00pm is a common flow. Schedule the rehearsal first, then the dinner.
Do I need to send formal invitations?
It depends on the vibe. For a casual dinner, a group text or email is fine. For a sit-down at a restaurant or a more formal affair, send invites 4 weeks out with RSVP. Match the formality to your wedding.
Who typically hosts the rehearsal dinner?
Traditionally the groom's parents, but many couples host themselves or split costs. Whoever hosts usually handles venue booking and payment. Communicate upfront so expectations are clear.
How far in advance should I book the venue?
2–3 months for popular restaurants, especially for Friday or Saturday. Private rooms book up. If you're using a family home, you still need to plan the menu and logistics—add that to your checklist early.