Planning a wedding involves countless decisions, and one of the more delightful ones is choosing how to celebrate with your nearest and dearest before the big day. Should you plan for a Rehearsal Dinner or Welcome Party?
Two popular pre-wedding events are the welcome party and the rehearsal dinner. While both serve as opportunities to gather loved ones, they have distinct purposes and vibes. Let’s decide which is the perfect fit for your wedding festivities.
The Welcome Party: A Warm, Casual Introduction
The welcome party is typically held a day or two before the wedding and is designed to greet out-of-town guests – setting the tone for the wedding celebrations. It’s an opportunity for everyone to mingle in a relaxed setting before the more formal events.
Think of the welcome party as a casual, informal gathering. It’s a great way to break the ice and help everyone get to know each other before the big day. The vibe can be as laid-back or as festive as you like, often featuring cocktails, light bites, and fun activities.
This event often includes all guests who have traveled from afar, as well as close friends and family who may not be attending the rehearsal dinner. It’s a chance to include everyone who’s come a long way to celebrate with you.
Remember – if the wedding is the next day, make sure to wind it up at a decent time so everyone can rest up for the big day!
Planning Tips
Opt for a casual venue like a cozy restaurant or a backyard if you’re looking for a more personal touch.
Serve appetizers and drinks that are easy to enjoy while socializing. You don’t need a full meal—just enough to keep everyone satisfied and happy! Here is a great article from The Knot to get you started planning!
Incorporate fun elements like a photo booth, lawn games, or a playlist of your favorite tunes to create a lively atmosphere. Unless it is in your budget, no need to hire a professional!
The Rehearsal Dinner: An Intimate, Formal Gathering
The rehearsal dinner takes place after the wedding rehearsal, typically the evening before the wedding. It’s an intimate event honoring and thanking the immediate families and bridal party who are heavily involved in the planning and rehearsal process. Aunts and uncles can be included if you are particularly close with them, or if they are involved in the wedding ceremony in any way. If not, you can generally skip the invite. Some people agree that the wedding officiant can be invited to the rehearsal dinner. (Some tend to politely decline).
This event tends to be more formal and structured compared to a welcome party. It’s a chance to enjoy a more sophisticated meal and share heartfelt toasts and speeches.
The rehearsal dinner is usually a smaller, more intimate gathering compared to a Welcome Party, consisting of close family members, the bridal party and their spouses and perhaps a few additional VIPs. It’s an opportunity for those who are deeply involved in the wedding planning to have time together.
Planning Tips
Choose a venue that suits the formal nature of the event, such as a, a private banquet hall, or a refined setting at home.
A sit-down dinner with a thoughtfully curated menu is ideal. Consider including a wine pairing or a special toast to make the evening feel even more special. Consider the dietary restrictions of some guests!
Plan for speeches and toasts, and consider including a brief program to highlight and thank those who have played a significant role in your wedding journey.
Making Your Choice
When deciding between a welcome party and a rehearsal dinner, think about your guest list and how you’d like to spend your time with loved ones before the wedding. Also think about the overall tone you want to set. You can even choose to have both events if your budget and time allow. Each one serves its unique purpose and enhances the overall wedding experience.
Ultimately, whether you opt for a casual welcome party or an intimate rehearsal dinner, both events provide wonderful opportunities to create lasting memories and show your appreciation to those who matter most.