The Average Cost of a Wedding Rehearsal Dinner

A wedding rehearsal dinner is an essential pre-wedding event traditionally done before the wedding ceremony. This is when the couple, their families, friends and other guests come together to celebrate the night before the nuptials. It’s a relaxed and intimate occasion, but how much should you spend? Here’s the average cost of a wedding rehearsal dinner for every price range.

The Average Cost Range of A Wedding Rehearsal Dinner by Budget

The average cost of a wedding rehearsal dinner is around $1350, according to a 2019 study. Whether you celebrate with 15 or 50 people, the important thing is you enjoy this special occasion with the people you love and closest to you. A wedding rehearsal dinner can be simple or extravagant, depending on your goals and preferences. Opting for a laidback dinner can help you come in lower than the average cost of a wedding.

Low-Range Cost

This is possible if you get a venue owned by family or friends. Opt for a private residence, a garden or a backyard. Aiming for 20 to 30 people also helps control the costs, as it affects the food and beverage you need to buy.

It can be plated or a buffet, which helps avoid extra costs because guests can get food and serve themselves. Regarding decoration, be resourceful and borrow different pieces from friends, or use available materials you already have at home. Cheap items that make the place special include candles, nice cloth, linen and pillows.

Mid-Range Cost

Mid-range costs can cover 50 to 75 people and can offer more freedom in venue, such as a restaurant or a banquet hall. These venues can provide more amenities, such as audio and lighting.

With this budget, you can get plated meals and a complete course. In terms of decorative elements to add more ambiance, you can buy balloons or custom signage to improve the whole vibe of the wedding.

High-Range Cost

This budget range means you can look for high-end venues such as hotels or vineyards. Usually, these venues have premium amenities, exceptional services and exquisite settings. You need to prepare for a higher budget, especially if you’re aiming for 100 to 150 guests.

A high-range budget allows you to have multiple courses and gourmet cuisine. This will make the dining experience for guests special. Putting up stunning décor — such as floral arrangements — can also improve the atmosphere. Another thing you can do if you don’t want to deal with the stress is to hire an event planner. An event planner has an hourly wage of $28.24, so you may need to estimate the cost of how much planning this person will do for the event.

Importance Of A Wedding Rehearsal Dinner

Getting married is a significant life event that can get nerve-wracking because of all the planning. The rehearsal dinner helps alleviate that by allowing couples and their loved ones to connect. When you’re gathering in an informal setting, you can laugh, joke around, share stories and create an encouraging, comforting, and supportive atmosphere.

Weddings can be a big event and many people from each family are likely meeting for the first time. To make things easier for everyone, rehearsal dinners also break the ice. Seventy-eight percent of couples in 2022 held wedding rehearsal dinners, meaning it’s engraved in U.S. culture. They can become a place where people can get to know each other, interact and form connections before the wedding day.

The rehearsal dinner is also the best time for the couple to express gratitude. This is when they give heartfelt messages to their parents, best friends and other loved ones who have helped them along the way.

Factors Affecting the Cost of a Wedding Rehearsal Dinner

Sometimes, finding prices for everythin can be a bit too much to handle — especially if there are a lot of decisions to make. To help you out, consider these factors to help plan the event better.

Venue

The venue’s cost depends on whether it’s a restaurant, banquet hall, private event space, country club or hotel. The factors that affect those rates are the location, reputation and exclusivity.

The capacity of the venue is also another thing to consider. What’s the minimum and maximum number of guests? Additionally, it’s crucial to check their amenities, like parking spaces and audiovisual equipment.

Guest List

The number of guests also affects the overall price. More people means the venue should be large, and there should be enough food and beverage for everyone. You have to know the per-person cost, which sometimes includes table settings and waitstaff.

The style of service also affects the pricing, which means you have to decide whether it’s a buffet, plated dinner or family style. Remember that higher-end cuisines or special dietary requirements can also increase the per-person expense.

Menu

Every catering company has its own package and pricing structures. It’s best to ask the venue first if they offer catering — maybe you can save some bucks if it’s a package. If not, remember that a customized or gourmet menu is more expensive than standard or pre-set options.

Beverage and Bar

An open bar versus limited beverage options will cost you more. The alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages will affect the budget, too.

If you’re serving alcoholic beverages, that can be more expensive than just juice or other drinks. That also means you need a good bartender.

Décor and Ambiance

If there’s a specific theme for the rehearsal dinner, some extra elements might be necessary, such as chair covers, centerpieces and specialty lighting. Customized decor options — such as floral installations, lighting arrangements and other special effects — can also increase costs.

Having the Best Wedding Rehearsal Dinner

The average cost of a wedding rehearsal dinner varies depending on the number of guests, venue, menu and theme. However, couples can choose whether they want a low-cost, mid-range or high-cost dinner depending on their preference and the atmosphere they want during that night.

A rehearsal dinner helps people connect and fight any pre-wedding jitters. Couples should take their time considering their priorities and make informed decisions to ensure their rehearsal dinner aligns with their vision and budget.