The rehearsal dinner is an essential part of the wedding festivities. It’s an opportunity for the couple, their families, and their closest friends to gather before the big day and enjoy a meal together. It’s a relaxed setting that allows everyone to get acquainted with each other and sets a tone for the wedding. One common question that couples often have is,: Do you invite a +1 to the rehearsal dinner?
The answer is that it depends on the couple’s preference and budget. While many couples include a plus one for the rehearsal dinner, there are some who don’t. Inviting a plus one may increase the cost of the rehearsal dinner, but it could help guests feel more comfortable as they won’t be alone during the event. Here are some things to consider when deciding whether or not you should invite plus ones to your rehearsal dinner.
Who should be invited to the Rehearsal dinner?
Most of the time, rehearsal dinners are reserved for family members, the wedding party, and their respective significant others. Therefore, it’s standard practice to invite the spouse or long-term partners of bridesmaids or groomsmen.
Of course, you may want to extend the invitation to other guests as well; guests who have to travel long distances or those who are close to the couple may also be invited. However, if you see your rehearsal dinner as an intimate event, it’s okay to limit the guest list to close family members and the wedding party.
How much will it cost to invite +1s?
Rehearsal dinners can be costly, especially if you decided to invite +1s. The cost of an additional guest will depend on the restaurant or catering service you’ve chosen. However, you can save on costs by organizing the rehearsal dinner at home or a less formal venue. Other cost-saving ideas include:
- Serve a buffet-style meal to your guests.
- Choose a less formal atmosphere for the venue.
- Limit the drink menu or BYOB.
- Choose a weekday for the rehearsal dinner instead of the weekend.
When should you Invite +1?
Inviting +1 is an optional choice, and it should be well communicated to guests. It’s recommended to inform wedding guests about the rehearsal dinner’s plans and who should be invited as soon as possible, so they can bring their significant others if they want to.
Asking guests to RSVP to your rehearsal dinner with a plus one may be a good approach. This way, it’ll allow you to have a clear idea of how many guests you need to cater to. It’s also helpful to have a signup sheet with the name of the guest, their plus one, and their dietary restrictions (if any).
The Pros and Cons of Inviting +1s to the Rehearsal dinner
Here are some pros and cons to consider:
Pros
- Increases guest comfort levels: Inviting a plus one can help guests who don’t know anyone at the dinner feel comfortable.
- Makes guests feel included: If you have long-time friends or family who aren’t in the wedding party, invite them and their significant others to the rehearsal dinner to make them feel involved and a part of your special day.
- Shows Hospitality: Inviting your guests’ significant others shows your hospitality and appreciates the relationship that they have formed with your guests.
Cons
- Cost: Planning a rehearsal dinner with +1s incurs additional costs that might not be in your wedding budget plans.
- Venue Constraints: If you have limits on your rehearsal dinner venue, accommodating additional guests will be challenging.
Conclusion
Deciding whether or not to invite plus ones to the rehearsal dinner is ultimately up to the couple. It’s essential to communicate clearly with guests and make sure they’re aware of the plan. Including a list of expectations when sending out wedding invitations or creating a FAQ page on your wedding website can help to eliminate confusion.
Remember, a rehearsal dinner is a precursor to your big day, so make it an enjoyable and memorable experience for everyone involved.
FAQ
Do groomsmen get a plus 1?
When it comes to weddings, one of the most important decisions the couple has to make is their guest list. Who should attend and who should not is always a difficult decision, and one of the factors that come into play is who gets a plus one invitation. The question of whether groomsmen get a plus one is one that comes up frequently, and it’s essential to address it to avoid any confusion or hurt feelings.
Traditionally, guests who are invited to a wedding are allowed to bring a plus one, but that’s not always the case. When it comes to the wedding party, there are different rules that apply. If a groomsman or bridesmaid is in a relationship, their significant other should be invited, and they should be allowed to bring them as their plus one. This is because the couple would want to have their wedding party feel valued and respected.
On the other hand, if the groomsman or bridesmaid is single, they typically aren’t extended a plus-one. This can be difficult for some members of the wedding party who might feel uncomfortable attending the wedding without a guest. However, it would help if you also considered that weddings are expensive, and having to add plus ones for all members of the wedding party could add up to a considerable expense.
Nonetheless, it’s crucial to remember that exceptions can be made. In some cases, the couple might allow the single members of the wedding party to bring a date. If this is the case, it’s best to communicate with the couple to understand if they are comfortable with it and if they can accommodate it.
Whether or not groomsmen get a plus one depends on their relationship status. If they are in a relationship, their significant other should be invited. If they are single, they might not always receive a plus one invite unless the couple is willing to make an exception. It’s best to communicate with the couple to understand what their preferences are and avoid any confusion or hurt feelings.
Should aunts and uncles be invited to rehearsal dinner?
Traditionally, the rehearsal dinner is meant for the parents of the bride and groom, grandparents, and anyone who played a role in the wedding ceremony such as the officiant, bridesmaids and groomsmen. However, nowadays, many couples choose to extend the invitation to other family members, including aunts and uncles.
The decision on whether or not to invite aunts and uncles to the rehearsal dinner ultimately depends on several factors such as the size of the wedding party and the overall guest list. If the wedding party is small and intimate, inviting aunts and uncles to the rehearsal dinner may be feasible.
Another factor to consider is the relationship between the couple and their aunts and uncles. If the bride and groom are close to their aunts and uncles, or they have played a significant role in the couple’s upbringing, it may be appropriate to invite them to the rehearsal dinner as a gesture of appreciation.
At the same time, if the wedding budget is tight, or if the reception is already quite large, inviting aunts and uncles to the rehearsal dinner may not be practical. In this case, it’s perfectly acceptable to forgo the extra invitation.
It’S important to remember that the rehearsal dinner is a special occasion to celebrate the upcoming wedding with close family and friends. The decision on whether to invite aunts and uncles should be made based on the couple’s personal preferences and individual circumstances.
Who should speak first at rehearsal dinner?
There are various traditions when it comes to who should speak first at a rehearsal dinner. Usually, the host of the event is the first to deliver a speech. Traditionally, the host of the rehearsal dinner is the father of the groom, especially in a heterosexual couple. However, this role has been changing over the years and can now include the parents of the bride, both sets of parents, or even the couple themselves.
The host’s speech usually sets the tone for the event and welcomes guests, sometimes recounting stories of the couple’s relationship, or offering advice. The speech should be short and sweet, lasting no more than 5 to 10 minutes to keep the audience’s attention and avoid causing guests to feel restless.
After the host’s speech, it is typically members of the wedding party who speak next, except for the maid of honor and best man, who usually offer speeches at the wedding reception. Those who can give speeches are ushers, bridesmaids, groomsmen, or anyone else who has a relationship with the couple and would like to give their own perspective and stories.
Speeches at rehearsal dinners are a kind and sentimental way to celebrate and honor the couple before their wedding day. For this reason, it’s important to keep the mood light, supportive, and encouraging. A good rehearsal speech should be short, well thought out, and leave the guests feeling happy and excited for the upcoming wedding.
