Breaking Down the Cost of a Rehearsal Dinner
By Meghan Ely, OFD Consulting
When you’re busy planning a wedding, it’s easy to get lost in the details — and as you surely know, the costs can quickly add up. So, when it comes time to plan the rehearsal dinner, you might feel your budget has grown tighter since you started your planning journey. Typically held the night before the wedding, the rehearsal dinner is a chance for close family and friends to gather and kick off the celebration.
From casual backyard BBQs to upscale five-course dinners, rehearsal dinners vary in formality, cuisine, and style. As such, understanding the costs involved can help you make an informed decision about the type of event you want to host.
(Let’s Get Rehearsed editor’s note: For more wedding rehearsal inspo in all themes and at various price points, be sure to check out our collection of featured real wedding rehearsals from all over the country.)
“Rehearsal dinners can truly range from minimal cost to almost feeling like another wedding,” explains Loni Peterson of LP Creative Events. “The location, type of meal served, and booze all play a big role in how your rehearsal dinner will end up.”
The size of your guest list and your decor choices also play into the final price.
While rehearsal dinners certainly come at every price point, Craig Peterman of Craig Peterman Photography & Videography reveals that a typical cost is “between $1,000 and $3,000 for a smaller, more relaxed event.” For larger upscale events, “the price can range from $3,000 to $7,000 or more,” he adds.
As you plan your rehearsal dinner, keep the following expenses in mind to remain on track with your budget while still creating a memorable experience for your loved ones.
Photo credit: Mandee Johnson
Don't get stressed - get Let's Get Rehearsed’s FREE rehearsal dinner guide packed full of everything you need to plan a welcome party, from saving money to celebrating the night before the big day!
The Essentials
You don’t need much for an enjoyable rehearsal dinner, but you do need the dinner part — and somewhere to eat. If you’re on a tight budget, focus on these two things to keep your celebration simple and cost-effective.
“The most important factor to consider for your rehearsal dinner is the venue and food,” confirms Khloe Jackson of W Events. The venue sets the tone for the evening, ranging from a laidback gathering at a family home to a private room in a luxurious restaurant.
(Let’s Get Rehearsed editor’s note: For more on venues, check out “Selecting The Right Wedding Rehearsal Dinner Venue or Location.”)
Depending on the location and seasonal availability, venue rentals can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars. “The simplest way is to find a restaurant that has a private room you can rent out,” Casey Cannon of EBJ & Company suggests. “That way, all your china, flatware, and glassware will be included. Depending on the space, your cost could range anywhere from $75 to $150+ per person for food and beverages.”
Opting for a loved one’s residence can significantly reduce your budget by eliminating venue fees. However, depending on your plans, you may need to factor in additional expenses for a tent, power generators, portable restrooms, and other equipment needed to pull off an event at a private home.
As for food, your menu choices and preferred serving style will greatly influence your total costs. Casual buffets and food trucks are great for low-key, affordable dinners, whereas a multi-course menu is more suitable for a high-end celebration. Don’t forget to include alcohol expenses in your budget, too.
In addition to your venue and catering provider, “keep in mind that you will have service fees and tax on top of that and will want to include gratuity as well,” Cannon adds.
The Extras
A comfortable venue with delicious food is all you need for a basic rehearsal dinner. But if you want to elevate the experience, adding decor and entertainment will do the trick.
(Let’s Get Rehearsed editor’s note: For more on vendors, check out “Do We Need To Hire Vendors For Our Wedding Rehearsal Dinner?” and see our advice on how to choose the right vendors.)
“Other vendors to consider hiring for your rehearsal dinner that makes the day more memorable include florists, bartenders, photography and videography, stationery, and a planner,” Jackson says. That doesn’t mean you need to do more research, though! Hiring your wedding vendors ensures a consistent experience throughout the weekend.
It’s also a great way for your day-of team to get to know the key players in your wedding.
“If you choose to have toasts, we suggest adding a couple of hours of coverage with your photo and video team,” Cannon explains. “This is a great opportunity for them to meet your family and wedding party so the wedding day runs even more smoothly.”
While flowers and decor elements can create a theme and transform a space, they don’t make a rehearsal dinner — they only add to it. What truly makes a spectacular rehearsal dinner is the group of amazing people coming together to celebrate you!
Photo credit: Mandee Johnson
The Unnecessary
Your rehearsal dinner shouldn’t upstage the main event, so there’s plenty you can forgo and save for the wedding day itself. For one, there’s no need to splurge on couture attire when you’ve already invested a pretty penny into your day-of outfits. A casual or semi-formal dress code is perfectly acceptable for a rehearsal dinner!
(Let’s Get Rehearsed editor’s note: For some tips on dress codes, check out our post on casual wedding rehearsal dinner dress codes, and what should I wear to my own rehearsal dinner.)
Peterman recommends saving on entertainment costs, too. “A full band or DJ isn’t necessary; background music or a playlist can work beautifully for your event,” he says.
Another thing to skip: favors! “Favors for each guest are a thing of the past, so couples can save on this to make sure there is a well-stocked bar and delicious meal, including dessert,” Cannon assures.
Of course, there’s no rule saying you can’t include these elements. If you have an unlimited budget, go for it! But if you’re minding your expenses, it’s safe to leave them out for the rehearsal dinner.
As with any aspect of wedding planning, the key to managing the cost of your rehearsal dinner is prioritizing what matters most to you and your partner. It’s your weekend, after all! By focusing on the essentials and carefully considering which extras align with your vision, you can host an unforgettable celebration that captures your personality and reflects your love story — all while staying within your budget.
Don't get stressed - get Let's Get Rehearsed’s FREE rehearsal dinner guide packed full of everything you need to plan a welcome party, from saving money to celebrating the night before the big day!
If you’re planning a rehearsal dinner, don’t miss some of these must-read resources:
Selecting The Right Wedding Rehearsal Dinner Venue or Location
Do We Need To Hire Vendors For Our Wedding Rehearsal Dinner?
From One Couple to Another: Advice for Planning a Rehearsal Dinner
About Let’s Get Rehearsed!
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Meghan Ely is the owner of wedding PR and wedding marketing firm OFD Consulting. Ely is a sought-after speaker, adjunct professor in the field of public relations, and a self-professed royal wedding enthusiast.