Reception

Rehearsal Dinner

An intimate dinner the night before the wedding for the wedding party, immediate family, and often out-of-town guests.

The rehearsal dinner traditionally follows the ceremony rehearsal and is hosted by the parents of one partner (historically the partner not paying for the wedding, but anyone hosts now).

Guest count: wedding party + their partners, immediate family, and officiant at minimum. Many couples expand to all out-of-town guests, which can turn it into a second small reception. Set expectations early to avoid runaway scope.

Related terms

Welcome Bag

A small gift bag left in the hotel rooms of out-of-town guests, typically with local snacks, water, and a weekend itinerary.

Wedding Party

The friends and family who stand with the couple at the ceremony — bridesmaids, groomsmen, attendants, and the maid/matron of honor and best man.

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