The rehearsal dinner budget calculator estimates costs for your pre-wedding dinner by venue type, menu style, and guest count. Get a complete breakdown with per-head costs and a comparison across venue options.
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Typically 15-40 (families + wedding party)
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Rehearsal Dinner Planning Guide
The rehearsal dinner is the evening before the wedding, following the ceremony rehearsal. Traditionally hosted by the groom's family, it brings together both families and the full wedding party for a more intimate gathering before the big day.
Step 1: Set your guest list first
Guest count drives every other cost decision. The standard list includes: immediate family from both sides (parents, siblings), the entire wedding party plus their partners, the officiant, and any out-of-town guests who traveled specifically for the wedding. A 20-person wedding party can push the rehearsal dinner to 40+ people quickly.
Step 2: Choose the right venue
Restaurants with private rooms are the most popular choice — no setup/breakdown, someone else handles the food, and the atmosphere is already set. Budget $55-90 per person all-in at a mid-range restaurant. A backyard dinner catered by a BBQ truck or family-style restaurant saves 30-50% but adds setup time. Hotel ballrooms and wineries are premium options that can double costs.
Step 3: Menu and drinks are the biggest variables
A plated multi-course dinner costs 40-70% more than a buffet for equivalent food quality. Open bar adds $20-40 per person compared to beer and wine service. If your venue allows BYOB, purchasing wine from Costco or a warehouse club cuts the drinks budget significantly — figure $8-12 per person for a reasonable selection.
Step 4: Speeches and toasts
The rehearsal dinner is the traditional time for family toasts, parents' speeches, and sometimes the slideshow or video montage. Budget extra time (not extra cost) for this — a dinner with speeches runs 3-4 hours. Coordinate with the venue on timing and let them know in advance if you'll be doing a presentation.
FAQ
Is this rehearsal dinner calculator free?
Yes, completely free with no signup required. All calculations run locally in your browser.
How much does a rehearsal dinner cost on average?
The average rehearsal dinner runs $1,200-3,500 for 20-30 guests. A restaurant private room with a set menu runs $55-80 per person all-in. A backyard dinner for 25 can cost $1,000-2,000 when including catering, rentals, and drinks. Hotel ballrooms start around $100/person.
Who traditionally pays for the rehearsal dinner?
Traditionally the groom's family pays for the rehearsal dinner, while the bride's family handles the wedding reception. In modern practice about 50% of couples split costs or pay for it themselves. The guest list is typically immediate family, wedding party members and their partners, and out-of-town guests.
How many people attend a rehearsal dinner?
A typical rehearsal dinner has 15-40 guests: both families (parents, siblings), the entire wedding party plus their dates or spouses, the officiant, and any out-of-town guests. Immediate family-only dinners run 10-20 people; larger weddings with big wedding parties can push 40-60.
Can I do a casual rehearsal dinner to save money?
Yes — a backyard BBQ or home dinner can cost 40-60% less than a restaurant. For 25 guests, renting folding tables and catering from a BBQ restaurant at $20-30/person costs $600-900 for food plus $200-400 in rentals and decorations. Total: $800-1,300 vs $2,000-2,500 at a restaurant.