Rehearsal Dinner Invitations: 12 Fun Designs + Theme Ideas

From engagement parties to bridal showers, there’s a lot going on before you even get to the big day. The rehearsal dinner doesn’t always get the same level of attention as some other wedding events, but it’s actually a great opportunity for the bride and groom to show off their unique style and get creative.

The rehearsal dinner is also a good way for family and close friends to get to know each other in a more intimate and relaxed setting before the craziness of the main event. Even if you’re having a more traditional wedding, the rehearsal dinner is your chance to explore more casual party themes or fancy fetes — with fun and unique rehearsal dinner invites to match.

From outdoor picnics to formal dinners, we have all the rehearsal dinner invitations you need to throw the best pre-wedding party. And, with convenient RSVP card tracking and a feature-rich details page that includes information like Google Map locations, calendar links, and dress codes, you can send beautiful wedding rehearsal dinner invitations without any hassle.

How to Write Rehearsal Dinner Invitations

Before we dive into rehearsal dinner invites to get inspired by, let’s talk quickly about how to write them. You’ll need to include some key information and choose wording that reflects the theme and tone of your event. Fortunately, that’s easier than it sounds with a little guidance.

Your rehearsal dinner invites should include important details like:

• The names of the hosts (typically the parents or the couple-to-be-wed)
• The date and time of the event (spell out names and numbers completely for formal events)
• The location of the venue, including the complete address and any necessary routing information
• Details on the dress code or theme, if applicable
• RSVP instructions including return address or email

Your invitations should match the overall theme or design of your wedding. One easy way to do this is to choose a wedding invitation suite that features a common design across all elements from save the date cards to invites and thank you note cards. You can also choose invites in a similar color family or style (rustic, boho chic, beachy, etc.) to match the overall theme.

Rehearsal dinner invitations should also be crafted to fit the mood of the event. If you’re hosting a formal party, use elegant designs (like monograms and wax seals) and elevated language to reflect the tone. For a more casual gathering, you can use nicknames and more laid-back design elements like minimal patterns.

5 Unique & Fun Rehearsal Dinner Themes and Ideas 

Not sure exactly what you want the rehearsal dinner to look like? We’ve put together a list of trending and fun ideas to get you inspired.

1. Formal Rehearsal Dinner 

The formal dinner is a tried and tested method, and there’s no reason to stray from that if you don’t want to. But formal doesn’t have to mean stuffy or old-fashioned, and you can still incorporate some modern touches and a little bit of fun into a formal rehearsal dinner invitation. The key is to mix upscale and contemporary with rustic and traditional so the overall vibe is elegant but updated for the modern couple.

2. Garden Party 

From Alice in Wonderland to the Royals, there’s no shortage of inspiration for a garden- or tea party-themed rehearsal event. Whether you choose to go the whimsical route or for a more posh, classy affair, florals are a go-to for this kind of event. Bring out the DIY chalkboard menus, stock up on vintage tea sets, and use this as an excuse to go nuts with all things flowery and feminine.

3. Summer Picnic 

If you’re having a summer wedding, what better way for everyone to get to know each other than in a casual picnic setting? You can BBQ, have a crawfish boil, or even go the French countryside route with cheese and charcuterie boards. No matter what you choose, you want an invite that reflects the casual and fun nature of this party.

4. Boozy Brunch 

Brunch has basically become a way of life, so why not turn everyone’s favorite meal into a part of the wedding celebrations? Plus, a morning event gives your VIP guests a chance to rest the night before the big day. From a mimosa and Bloody Mary bar to made-to-order omelets and mini pancakes, there are so many directions you can go with a brunch wedding event. And who doesn’t love breakfast food?

5. Under the Stars 

Outdoor dinners work best when the weather is on your side, but aside from that, the options are endless. No matter what theme you go with, a dinner under the stars will be one for the books. Choose invites that focus on twinkling lights and starry nights to set the tone for the party.

12 Formal and Fun Rehearsal Dinner Invitations

We’ve picked out a few of our favorite rehearsal dinner invites featuring everything from understated greenery and elegant flowers to photo cards and shimmering styles. Use them to invite your immediate family only to a small rehearsal dinner or ask the entire guest list to attend a larger party. Each template is customizable so you can create dreamy digital invitations that match your wedding style.

1. Luxe Texture Invitation

Design: Jen Montgomery

Monochromatic, abstract, and a little mysterious, this inky rehearsal dinner invite is ideal for the minimalist bride and groom. It’s visually interesting but timeless enough to work for all your wedding stationery. If blue isn’t your thing, you can choose from deep red, green, and black hues designed by the artist or navigate the color wheel to find a custom color that matches your wedding theme.

2. Gold Frame Invitation

Design: Jessie Steury

This gold invite has all the elements of a classic, formal wedding rehearsal dinner invitation: gold foil, elegant calligraphy, and subtle accents. Both trendy and traditional, it sets the scene for a magical wedding day and puts the happy couple in the spotlight. The gold confetti adds an extra special touch when guests open the invite.

3. Perfect Floral Border Invitation

Design: Niru & Baku

This floral rehearsal dinner invitation is inspired by Indian themes and can be customized to incorporate any color to match your wedding invitation color scheme. It’s simple yet eye-catching, and has elegant high-tea vibes without being too quaint or run-of-the-mill.

4. Moody Florals Invitation

Design: Signature Greenvelope

Floral designs don’t always have to be sunshine and butterflies, as proven by this dark and moody floral invite. By combining Victorian elements and elaborate typography, this party invitation is ideally suited for an elegant event.

The dusky florals and shadows may initially lean towards an evening event, but don’t be afraid to switch things up and use dark color schemes for a daytime gathering. The sense of drama sets the tone and signals to your guests that this won’t be your average garden party. Add a wax seal to the envelope for an invitation even a queen would approve of.

5. Peach Peonies Invitation

Design: Erika Firm

In this elegant invite, peach-colored peonies are depicted on a white, green, or orange pastel background. The large white space leaves plenty of room for the event details including extras like your wedding website or a special quote. The simple design is well-suited for other milestones including as a bridal shower invitation or baby shower invitation.

6. Rustic Scene Invitation

Design: Becky Nimoy Stationery

A rustic rehearsal party invitation is perfect for a low-key BBQ or picnic. The clean and simple kraft paper envelope is offset with stylized typography and a table setting illustration for a slightly more formal feel. Bonus points for using kraft paper table settings at the BBQ, too.

7. Colossal Crab Invitation

Design: Patrice Horvath Design

A seafood boil is a unique way to make your rehearsal dinner one that your guests will never forget. This nautical themed-invite has a hand-drawn watercolor crab, making it clear that this is a casual setting for everyone to get a little messy and have a good time.

8. Delicate Geometric Frame Invitation

Design: Leah Bisch Studio

Indoor plants are hugely popular right now, and this terrarium-esque geometric frame with hand-painted foliage is right on trend. Speckled confetti adds a dash of sparkle and romance, and the overall design is elegant yet contemporary. You can even customize the stamp on the envelope to match the flora and fauna theme.

9. Toast Invitation

Design: Claudia Owen

Sometimes, all you need is a simple, classy announcement with no bells and whistles. The purpose of the event is front and center and gets the point across quickly. Choose your favorite metallic hue to customize the gold foil lettering and let your guests know that this event is all about celebrating.

10. Floral Night Before Invitation

Design: Lisa Travis

This cheerful invitation boasts hand-drawn sunflowers that anchor the card. The textured paper is offset by dramatic typography, making it elegant yet sweetly understated. It’s available in five hues from the artist, but you can customize it in any color that makes you swoon.

11. Lights and Lanterns Invitation

Design: Carmia Jordaan

What’s an outdoor dinner without some string lights and lanterns? This festive party invitation practically radiates summer warmth and is perfect for a cozy, intimate backyard dinner shared with all your loved ones. With fully customizable invitation wording, envelope, and background, you can truly personalize this invite and make it your own.

12. Shimmery Bokeh Invitation

Design: Claudia Owen

Bokeh is the effect produced by an out-of-focus lens on lights, and we love how this imagery mimics shimmering city lights. Choose from a gold, copper, or metallic blue color scheme on this stunning invite to impress your guests and immediately transport them to a rooftop or balcony.

Rock Your Rehearsal Dinner Invitations

We like to think of the rehearsal dinner as the younger, hipper sister of the actual wedding, which means this is your chance to embrace your quirky personalities and choose a theme to match. Looking for inspiration? Continue browsing our Stationers blog to find wedding planning ideas for themes for every nuptial event — from the bachelorette party to bridal shower and rehearsal dinner. 

Check out our full selection of custom rehearsal dinner invitations to find the perfect one for your event theme and tone. Whether it’s a formal evening dinner or a casual laid-back gathering like a crab boil, you’ll find a dreamy design.