Rehearsal Dinner Invitations: Wording for Rehearsal Dinner Invitation

A rehearsal dinner is a wonderful way of starting one's wedding festivities. However it is not just for fun. It gives people from both the bride and the groom's side to interact and get to know each other better. Also, it provides an opportunity for a rehearsal for the big day. The first step towards holding this event is to send out invitations. Like every occasion, there are certain points that should be kept in mind about the rehearsal dinner invitations wording.

Guidelines to be Followed

The Form of Address
Since rehearsal dinners are not as formal as weddings, the form of address can also be informal. This is specially true of close relatives like siblings and cousins. For example, even if your sister is married, instead of addressing her as "Mrs. Caroline Smith" you could address her just as "Caroline" or "Sister Caroline". However, one may choose to be more formal with one's in-laws though.

Information to be Included
Make sure that the following information is included in your invitation wordings:

• What is the invitation about, (the occasion)?
• When does the invitation take place? This should include the date and the time.
• Where is the occasion to take place?This refers to the venue of the occasion. Including a map of the venue or landmarks would be a great idea.
• Who is hosting the dinner?
• Why is the event taking place? A line about the purpose of hosting it. Though once the 'what' aspect of the dinner wording has been dealt with, the purpose of the event becomes clear, including a line about the reason of the event would be a good idea.

Extra Information
In case there is a dress code or information about whether children are to be brought, it is best to leave such information out of the wording for the invitation. You may call your guest or inform about this requirement by word of mouth or any other mode that you feel would be suitable. As these invitations are not as formal as wedding invitations, a small note could also accompany the rehearsal dinner invitation that would carry the extra information.

Arrange for a Reply
It is always prudent to include an option for the guests to confirm if they would be able to attend the rehearsal dinner. This makes arrangements for food, drinks and other details easier to manage. This can be done in two ways. Either include a phone number and/or e-mail address of the host, with the dinner invitation wording or attach a response card and a self addressed envelope with the invitation. Also mention the date by which the reply is expected. This would ensure that you don't have to deal with last minute confirmations from guests.

Some Wording Samples

Here are a couple of sample invitations that would help you in scripting the perfect rehearsal dinner wedding invitation wording.

Example # 1
Come, join us as we celebrate
A Rehearsal Dinner Barbecue for
(Bride and Groom's name)
Hosted by
(Host name)
On (time and date)
At (Address of the venue)
R.S.V.P. Expected by (date)
(phone number of the host)

Example # 2
(Host name)
Request(s) the
Pleasure of Your Presence
At the Wedding Rehearsal Dinner for
(Bride and Groom)
On (time and date)
At (Address of the venue)
R.S.V.P. Expected by (date)
(phone number of the host)

Example # 3
Andrew popped the question,
And Julianne said "Yes"!
Everything's been arranged,
From flowers to the Dress.
But as we say, 'Practice makes a man perfect'
Join us for rehearsal dinner on (date)
As we strive to make the final day great!

Host: _______________________
Location: ____________________
Date: _______________________
Time: _______________________
R.S.V.P details :_______________

Now that you know what are the important points that should be kept in mind while formulating rehearsal dinner invitations wording, remember to ensure that these invitations are dispatched two weeks in advance of the dinner. This leaves enough time for confirmation from guests and also for making suitable arrangements for the occasion.