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Rehearsal Dinner Checklist

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Toggle Pre-Planning status

Pre-Planning

Toggle Plan to have the rehearsal dinner as close as possible to the actual wedding status

Plan to have the rehearsal dinner as close as possible to the actual wedding

A day before is highly ;recommended.
Toggle Plan to have the ;rehearsal ;first, then dinner status

Plan to have the ;rehearsal ;first, then dinner

;Business ;first, pleasure later! The dinner will allow guests to unwind, relax, and indulge in the delicious meal you've planned for them.
Toggle Estimate number of guests status

Estimate number of guests

How many people are in your bridal party? Are you inviting others to the dinner as well? Have an aproximate number to give the restaurant.
Toggle Call the wedding venue or wedding planner to schedule the rehearsal status

Call the wedding venue or wedding planner to schedule the rehearsal

Ensure the venue is available for the rehearsal, preferably the day before the wedding.
Toggle Research a Venue for the Dinner. status

Research a Venue for the Dinner.

Toggle ;Look for ;restaurants ;or venues close to the wedding venue itself status

;Look for ;restaurants ;or venues close to the wedding venue itself

Ensure the venue can ;accommodate ;your party on the specified date.
Toggle Compare at least 3 venues by price, menu options, location and atmosphere status

Compare at least 3 venues by price, menu options, location and atmosphere

;Many restaurants offer great group rates for special parties, so be sure to ask for all the details.
Toggle Go to the ;restaurant ;beforehand to taste the food, if you haven't done so already status

Go to the ;restaurant ;beforehand to taste the food, if you haven't done so already

If you're using a planned menu, be sure to sample at least some of the items your guests will be served.
Toggle Drinks, Desserts, and extras status

Drinks, Desserts, and extras

If you have a planned (Set) menu, typically desserts are included, but ask to be sure. Bringing your own cake or wine? Check with the venue first to confirm if this is allowed. If you plan on serving other alcoholic beverages with the meal, find out what drinks (if any) can be included.
Toggle 1 Month - 2 Weeks before the Wedding status

1 Month - 2 Weeks before the Wedding

Toggle Book the Dinner venue status

Book the Dinner venue

Ensure a seating plan, or at least get an idea of how the tables will be organized. Even if you can't all fit at one table, the arrangement should make everyone feel that they are together as part of the group.
Toggle Give enough time for the rehearsal status

Give enough time for the rehearsal

For example, if your rehearsal begins at 6, you may want to make your reservation for 8. Allow enough time for unexpected delays.
Toggle Finalize the meal options status

Finalize the meal options

Take into consideration any diet restrictions your guests may have, such as shellfish or nut allergies.
Toggle Send out invitations for the rehearsal dinner, or call those invited and confirm RSVP. status

Send out invitations for the rehearsal dinner, or call those invited and confirm RSVP.

Toggle Make a list of the general plan for the wedding status

Make a list of the general plan for the wedding

This includes the number and order of all those participating in the wedding.
Toggle Go over the details with the wedding planner or event coordinator status

Go over the details with the wedding planner or event coordinator

Come up with a basic plan for entrance and exit, where your bridal party members will stand, and any other details that need to be addressed.
Toggle The Eve of Rehearsal status

The Eve of Rehearsal

Toggle Coordinate with guests to ensure everyone arrives at the wedding venue at the same time. status

Coordinate with guests to ensure everyone arrives at the wedding venue at the same time.

Toggle Hand out maps or directions to both the wedding venue and the restaurant. status

Hand out maps or directions to both the wedding venue and the restaurant.

Toggle Make adjustments for any missing guests status

Make adjustments for any missing guests

Ask someone to stand in. If someone can't make it to the rehearsal, make sure they know the plan on wedding day.
Toggle Practice walking down and up the aisle (before and after the ceremony) status

Practice walking down and up the aisle (before and after the ceremony)

How will your bridal party be standing? How should they exit? You, your wedding planner or venue coordinator should iron out the details and ;ensure ;everyone understands their respective roles.
Toggle Help children learn their part. status

Help children learn their part.

If you have flower girls or ring bearers,
Toggle If any of your guests (including yourself) are wearing very high heels, bring these to practice walking down the aisle. status

If any of your guests (including yourself) are wearing very high heels, bring these to practice walking down the aisle.

Toggle During the dinner, be sure to interact with all your guests status

During the dinner, be sure to interact with all your guests

Ensure everyone has enough to eat and drink, and refreshment requests are being fulfilled by the waitstaff.

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Presented by:

Lauren Meir

Lauren Meir
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298

Uses

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Tasks

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Tags

PersonalEventPartyWeddingPlanning

Details

The wedding details are set, now it's time to practice with your party at rehearsal. Our Rehearsal Dinner Checklist gives you tips on how to coordinate the rehearsal and dinner, with tips on what to remember for both aisle etiquette and getting the most out of your rehearsal dinner.

Who it's for

This Rehearsal Dinner Checklist is for anyone who wants a simple, practical way to get things done without missing steps.

  • Avoid forgetting - keep all your Rehearsal Dinner essentials in one place (external memory)
  • Save time - start from a proven Rehearsal Dinner structure instead of a blank page
  • Stay on track - track progress, come back later, and keep momentum
  • Coordinate with others - share the list and divide responsibilities
  • Learn the process - follow the steps in a sensible order, even if it's your first time

How to use it

How to use this Rehearsal Dinner Checklist

  • Save Rehearsal Dinner Checklist to your free Checklist account so your progress is saved and synced across devices.
  • Customize it in the app: remove anything that does not apply, then add your own details for Rehearsal Dinner (dates, sizes, addresses, notes).
  • If others are involved, invite them to collaborate and divide responsibilities.
  • Work through the list: check items off as you go, and set reminders for time-sensitive steps.

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Scores 4.80 with 144 votes

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