I have contracted a graphic designer to design everything including the save-the-dates, invitations, programs and name cards. My future in-laws have kindly offered to host the rehearsal dinner (which is a misnomer since we are inviting all out-of-towners to the dinner, so roughly 100 guests). My question is around the proper approach regarding these rehearsal dinner invitations. I would like them to have the same look and feel as all of the other wedding documents, for lack of a better word, but my in-laws have made it clear they want to work with a printer in their city, and then send these invitations after we get responses to the actual wedding invitations. Is this the standard approach? Please help.
Thank you very much.
(This post was
edited by TWQadmin on Feb 25, 2008, 7:30 AM)
The rehearsal dinner is supposed to be an intimate, less formal event. It should not appear as a mini-reception and should not require formal, printed invitations. Your out of town guests will not be expecting to be entertained before the wedding. I would suggest paring down the rehearsal dinner guest list, including only those actually involved in the wedding, their spouses or significant others and close family members.
If you intend to go forward with the event as planned, I would not be able to guide you as per etiquette, however, it is the responsibility of the hosts to decide on the location, invitations, menu, etc. so you should allow your in-laws to host as they see fit. Top Wedding Questions Forum Moderator - "Write your sorrows in the sand, your blessings in stone".
I see rehearsal dinners which include most of the wedding guests frequently (because we do mostly destination weddings). But, they are very informal compared to the wedding, and the bride is not entitled (unless she is paying) to determine the style of the event, the style of invitation or any other detail that is the responsibility of the host. The rehearsal dinner is being hosted as a courtesy in celebration of your wedding. Return the courtesy and allow your future in-laws to plan it the way they feel is best. Shayna Walker, Williamsburg Wedding Design http://www.williamsburgweddingdesign.com
But even with the destination wedding, we shouldn't host a prewedding party with so many guests. It just may appear as if it is a prewedding reception, which isn't proper and is confusing.
And, not all guests need to be invited to a rehearsal dinner. The name alone implies what the dinner should be about--a dinner after the rehearsal for those with a part in the wedding. Rebecca Black, Etiquette Now
Formal Printed Invitations for Rehearsal Dinner
