Wedding Wednesdays Q&A: When to Start Planning the Rehearsal Dinner

Q: I’m planning on having a rehearsal dinner and a day after brunch and maybe some additional activities as well.  But, when do I need to start planning those?  Do those have to happen early on or can I wait?  I’m feeling a bit stressed about the wedding stuff and don’t know how much more I can do.

First off, I’m so sorry to hear that you’re feeling stressed out.  Step away for a little bit and take a breather, that always helps.  And then take the process step by step so that you aren’t overwhelmed.  And if you want to streamline the process and make it easier, definitely check out Passport to Joy.

Now since I don’t know your situation, where you are in the planning process or how long you have to plan, I’m going to answer your question more generally.  Keep in mind that this applies to both destination weddings and hometown weddings.

You’ll want to start planning your other big events like your rehearsal dinner after you’ve nailed down your wedding date.  But, how much after is dependent on your guest size and what you’re planning on doing.

So, the bigger your guest count for your rehearsal dinner and other events, the earlier you’ll want to start planning.  This is mainly because you’ll need to find a space that can accommodate your size.  And in many cases, there aren’t that many options that fit with what you want and your budget.  Which means you’ll want to reserve the venue on the earlier end.

The venues for your rehearsal dinner, day after brunch and other activities are what you’re going to be most concerned about doing early.  The details for your events you can plan much later.  But, the venue is something you’ll want to nail down on the earlier side.

Now the other factor to consider is what you’re planning on doing.  If the place you have in mind or the activity you want to do or the musician you have to have is something that is limited, then you want to book that early.  For example, if you want to have your rehearsal dinner on this one boat, then get that reserved ahead of time.

So, based on your guest count size and what you plan on doing, take care of your venue and what is limited early.  Take a breather.  And then work on all of your other event details afterward.

(Photo credit: Emily Piraino)

Got a wedding planning question you’d like answered?  Ask away!  Ask your question in a comment below and we’ll answer it in an upcoming Wedding Wednesdays Q&A.