Rehearsal Dinner Guide: Etiquette, Costs and Checklist
Who hosts and pays, who to invite, what it costs and how the night runs, from the ceremony rehearsal to the last toast. Real cost numbers from The Knot, etiquette from Emily Post, and a checklist you can email to yourself.
A rehearsal dinner in one paragraph
The rehearsal dinner is a meal the evening before the wedding, right after the ceremony rehearsal. The groom's family traditionally hosts and pays, though the couple or both families often share it now. Invite the wedding party and their partners, the officiant, parents, grandparents and siblings, then add out-of-town guests if the budget allows. Couples married in 2024 spent $2,700 on average, and most dinners run 2 to 3 hours with a handful of short toasts.
All rehearsal dinner costs combined: venue, invitations, catering and decor
More common than wedding showers, tied with bachelorette parties
Average rehearsal dinner spend for smaller weddings
Versus about $2,442 for hometown weddings
Source: The Knot Real Weddings Study, 16,956 US couples married between January and December 2024. Checked September 2026.
What a rehearsal dinner is and why it matters
A rehearsal dinner is a gathering held the evening before the wedding, usually right after the ceremony rehearsal. It brings together the wedding party, immediate family and often out-of-town guests for a smaller meal before the big day.
The families meet properly
Both sides get a relaxed evening together before the wedding day rush, often for the first time in one room.
Toasts that fit a small room
Stories that feel too personal for a 150-person reception land well with 30 people who know the couple best.
A proper thank-you
The couple thanks the wedding party and hands out attendant gifts without competing with a DJ schedule.
Unlike the reception, there is no bouquet toss and no dance order. For a lot of couples it turns into one of the most relaxed evenings of the wedding weekend, because the group is small and nobody is running a schedule. Tools like Pix Wedding make it easy to capture these candid pre-wedding moments with QR photo sharing that guests can use all weekend.
Rehearsal dinner vs welcome party
| Rehearsal dinner | Welcome party | |
|---|---|---|
| When | The evening before the wedding, after the ceremony rehearsal | Usually the night before, sometimes earlier in the weekend |
| Who comes | Wedding party, close family, officiant, plus anyone the host adds | Often every out-of-town guest or the full guest list |
| Who hosts | Traditionally the groom's family | Anyone: the couple, a family, or friends |
| Format | A seated dinner with toasts | Drinks and casual food, people come and go |
| Can they be combined? | Yes. Hold a small dinner first, then open the doors to everyone for drinks | Yes, many destination weddings merge the two |
Who hosts and who pays
Tradition gives the rehearsal dinner to the groom's family. Today it goes to whoever offers first, or gets split in a way everyone agrees on early.
“It is customary, but not obligatory, for the groom's family to host the rehearsal party. If the groom's family chooses not to host, then it's fine for the bride's family, or the bride and groom to do so.”
The groom's family hosts
The traditional setup. Emily Post lists all rehearsal dinner costs under the groom's family, and they appear as hosts on the invitation.
Both families split it
Half and half between the two families, or whatever share each side is comfortable with. Name both families as hosts.
Thirds with the couple
The couple pays one third and each family covers another third. Emily Post lists this as one of the common modern splits.
The couple pays
More couples host their own rehearsal dinner now, especially when they are paying for the wedding too. The couple is then the host.
The splits above come from Emily Post's wedding expenses guide, which adds that any other combination is fine if it works for your families. Whoever pays is the host, and the host's name goes on the invitation.
Rehearsal dinner guest list etiquette
Start with the people Emily Post calls the core list, then add guests only as far as the budget and the host allow.
Core list (always invited)
- Everyone in the wedding party, plus their spouses, fiances or partners
- The officiant and their spouse or partner
- Parents, stepparents and grandparents of both of you
- Siblings who are not in the wedding party
- Children of either of you from a previous marriage, unless they are too young
- Readers, ushers and anyone else with a role in the ceremony
- Parents of a young flower girl or ring bearer
- A plus-one of any single attendant who was invited to bring a guest to the wedding
Extended list (optional)
- Out-of-town guests who traveled for the wedding
- Close friends who are not in the wedding party
- Godparents and extended family (aunts, uncles, cousins)
- The parents' close friends, if the parents are hosting
- Your planner or coordinator (optional but appreciated)
- The whole guest list, which is common at destination weddings
Only invite wedding guests
Anyone at the rehearsal dinner should also be invited to the wedding. Inviting someone to the dinner and not the ceremony reads as a mixed message.
Look after out-of-town guests
If travelers are not on the list, send them restaurant picks near the hotel or a short itinerary for the evening so they are not left alone.
Decide on kids up front
Children in the wedding party usually come. For an adults-only dinner, say so on the invitation and help parents find a sitter.
The host sets the size
The Knot puts it plainly: the guest list is up to the host. Whoever pays has the final word on how big it gets.
Budget tip: using the per-person estimates in this guide, every extra guest adds roughly $30 to $150 depending on the venue. If money is tight, keep to the core list and give out-of-town guests restaurant picks and a printed itinerary for the evening instead.
How the night runs, hour by hour
A sample schedule for a Friday rehearsal before a Saturday wedding. Shift the times to fit your venue, but keep the order: rehearse, mingle, eat, toast, go home early.
Ceremony rehearsal
About an hour at the ceremony site. Walk the processional, positions, readings and recessional once or twice, then stop.
Travel to dinner
Build in travel time, especially if the dinner venue is across town. Share the address in the group chat before the rehearsal starts.
Drinks and mingling
Around 30 minutes for the two families to meet properly. Put the QR code for the shared album on the bar and the tables now.
Seated, first course
Mix the families at each table. The couple sits in the middle with parents close by.
Host welcome toast
The host (traditionally the groom's father or both parents) welcomes everyone and thanks them for coming.
Main course, toasts and gifts
Other toasts follow. The couple thanks the wedding party and hands out attendant gifts.
Dessert and slideshow
An optional photo slideshow of the couple fits here, while everyone is still seated.
Wrap up early
Send everyone home rested. The wedding party has an early start tomorrow.
Rehearsal dinner costs and budget math
The Knot's study gives the national picture. Your own number comes from guest count times a per-person price, plus tax and tip.
| Group | Average rehearsal dinner spend | Note |
|---|---|---|
| All couples, married in 2024 | $2,700 | Flat from 2023 to 2024 |
| Couples married in 2022 | $2,400 | Earlier study year |
| Couples married in 2021 | $2,300 | Earlier study year |
| Destination weddings | $3,838 | Often the whole guest list is invited |
| Hometown weddings | About $2,442 | Usually a smaller guest list |
| Weddings with over 100 guests | $3,139 | Bigger wedding, bigger dinner |
| Weddings with 50 or fewer guests | $1,630 | Lowest of the size groups |
| Northeast | Nearly $3,500 | Highest region |
| Midwest | Around $2,000 | Lowest region |
All figures from The Knot's average rehearsal dinner cost report (Real Weddings Study, couples married in 2024; size groups are by wedding guest count). Checked September 2026.
Quick per-person math
Multiply the confirmed guest count by the per-person estimate, then add tax, gratuity and any room fee. Thirty guests at $60 per person comes to about $1,800 before tax and gratuity. Twenty-five guests at a $40 per person brewery dinner is about $1,000; at a $100 per person winery, about $2,500. A backyard BBQ can come in at a few hundred dollars.
Rough share of the budget
| Food and beverages | 60 to 70% |
|---|---|
| Venue rental fee (if any) | 15 to 25%, or included in the food minimum |
| Decorations and florals | 5 to 10% |
| Invitations (printed or digital) | 1 to 3% |
| Transportation or shuttle | 3 to 8% |
| Welcome bags | 3 to 5% |
| Tax and gratuity | 15 to 25% on top of food and drink |
Rules of thumb for splitting a budget, not measured averages. Skip a category and move that money to food and drinks.
Ways to spend less
Rehearsal dinner venue ideas
Six venue types with estimated per-person costs, pros, cons and who they suit. Pick something that feels different from the wedding venue so the weekend has two distinct nights.
Restaurant Private Dining
15 to 60 guestsBest for: Couples who want an elegant, low-effort evening with great food and minimal setup.
Private Dining Room
20 to 80 guestsBest for: Larger wedding parties who want privacy, space for toasts, and a polished atmosphere.
Backyard or Home
10 to 100 guestsBest for: Couples with a generous family member who has outdoor space, or those who prefer a casual, intimate evening.
Rooftop Bar or Lounge
20 to 60 guestsBest for: Urban couples who want a chic, modern feel with great photo opportunities.
Winery or Vineyard
20 to 80 guestsBest for: Wine-loving couples who want a scenic, memorable evening the night before the wedding.
Brewery or Taproom
15 to 80 guestsBest for: Laid-back couples who want a relaxed evening with craft beer and a casual menu.
Rehearsal dinner venues compared at a glance
The same six venue types in one table. Costs are per-person planning estimates for food and drinks, not survey averages, and they swing a lot by city, season and night of the week. Get a written quote before you commit.
| Venue type | Estimated cost per person | Typical capacity | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Restaurant Private Dining | $30 to $80 per person | 15 to 60 guests | Couples who want an elegant, low-effort evening with great food and minimal setup. |
| Private Dining Room | $50 to $150 per person | 20 to 80 guests | Larger wedding parties who want privacy, space for toasts, and a polished atmosphere. |
| Backyard or Home | $15 to $50 per person | 10 to 100 guests | Couples with a generous family member who has outdoor space, or those who prefer a casual, intimate evening. |
| Rooftop Bar or Lounge | $40 to $100 per person | 20 to 60 guests | Urban couples who want a chic, modern feel with great photo opportunities. |
| Winery or Vineyard | $60 to $120 per person | 20 to 80 guests | Wine-loving couples who want a scenic, memorable evening the night before the wedding. |
| Brewery or Taproom | $25 to $60 per person | 15 to 80 guests | Laid-back couples who want a relaxed evening with craft beer and a casual menu. |
Swipe to compare
Per-person planning estimates for food and drinks, before tax and gratuity. Always confirm with the venue in writing.
Start the guest photo album at the rehearsal dinner
Most photographers are not booked for the rehearsal dinner, so the toasts, the gift handoff and the first time both families share a table end up in thirty different camera rolls. A QR code on each table fixes that before the wedding day even starts.
One code on every table
A small QR card next to the place cards. Guests spot it before the first toast.
Guests scan and add the toasts
The phone camera opens the upload page in the browser. Photos, videos and voice notes, no app and no account.
The same album all weekend
Keep the code for the ceremony and reception, so the rehearsal shots sit next to the wedding day in one gallery.
More setup ideas (table cards, a toast-time reminder, sorting the night into its own sub-album) are in our rehearsal dinner photo sharing guide.
Scan at the table.
Every toast in one album.
Watch how a guest scans the QR code, adds photos and a video in the phone browser, and how it all lands in one shared album. No app, no account, under 30 seconds.
WEDDING WEEKEND
Rehearsal Dinner
Example album
Rehearsal dinner planning timeline
What to book and when, so the dinner is settled well before the wedding week gets busy.
6 Months Before
Set your rehearsal dinner budget
Decide who is paying and how much. The easiest estimate is guest count times a per-person figure. The venue estimates in this guide run from about $30 to $150 per person, so 30 guests at $60 per person comes to about $1,800 before tax and gratuity. For a national benchmark, The Knot's latest study puts the average rehearsal dinner at $2,700.
Draft your guest list
Decide if you are going traditional (wedding party and immediate family, usually 20 to 30 people) or extended (including out-of-town guests, which can reach 50 to 80 people). The guest count decides your venue options and total cost.
Start researching venues
Look at restaurant private rooms, wineries, rooftop bars and family homes. Visit at least 3 options in person. Ask about minimum spend requirements, available dates and what is included in the package price.
4 to 3 Months Before
Book your venue
Confirm the reservation with a deposit. Popular restaurants and private dining rooms book up quickly for Friday evenings, especially during wedding season (May through October). Get a signed contract that includes the date, time, room, menu options and cancellation policy.
Plan the menu
Most rehearsal dinners offer either a prix fixe menu (2 to 3 course options per guest) or a family-style spread. Confirm dietary restrictions for your guest list. Buffet or family-style is more relaxed and often costs less than plated service, so ask your venue to quote both.
Plan the invitations
Emily Post suggests sending rehearsal dinner invitations three to six weeks ahead. Include the date, time, location, dress code and anything guests need to know (parking, directions). Printed cards, email and a page on your wedding website all work.
2 to 1 Month Before
Finalize the guest count
Confirm RSVPs and give your venue a final headcount. Most venues need a confirmed number 1 to 2 weeks before the event. Add 2 to 3 extra seats for last-minute changes.
Plan the toast order
Decide who will speak and in what order. Typical order: the host (usually the groom's parents), then the bride's parents, then the couple. Best man and maid of honor often save their big speech for the reception. Keep each toast to 2 to 3 minutes.
Order decorations and personal touches
A photo display of the couple, custom menus or a few small floral arrangements go a long way. You do not need elaborate decor. Framed photos and candles make a big impact at minimal cost.
Plan welcome gifts for out-of-town guests
If your rehearsal dinner includes out-of-town guests, prepare small welcome bags with local snacks, a printed weekend itinerary and a bottle of water. Budget $10 to $25 per bag.
Week of the Wedding
Confirm all details with the venue
Call the venue to confirm the time, guest count, menu selections and any AV needs (for slideshows or music). Confirm the point of contact who will be on-site during your event.
Prepare toasts and gather props
Print any toasts, charge your laptop if showing a slideshow, and organize the gifts you plan to give the wedding party. Bring a backup USB drive with your slideshow just in case.
Run the ceremony rehearsal before dinner
Schedule the ceremony rehearsal 1 to 1.5 hours before the dinner starts. Walk through the processional, positions, readings and recessional. Keep it focused so everyone arrives at dinner relaxed.
Set up guest photo sharing
Place QR codes on tables at the rehearsal dinner so guests can start uploading candid photos right away. Pix Wedding lets guests scan and share with no app download. Starting photo collection the night before means you capture the full weekend, not just the wedding day.
A wedding coordinator on the rehearsal dinner
Wedding coordinator Jamie Wolfer of JW Coordination covers the basics of planning and hosting a rehearsal dinner, which pairs well with the timeline and checklist on this page.
Video: Jamie Wolfer, “REHEARSAL DINNER: Everything You NEED to Know” on YouTube, published August 2020.
Rehearsal dinner menu ideas by venue type
Per-person ranges are planning estimates. Family-style and buffet menus usually cost less than plated service, so ask for both quotes.
Restaurant
- Prix fixe 3-course dinner with 2 entree choices ($40 to $80 per person)
- Italian family-style with shared platters of pasta, salad and protein ($30 to $60 per person)
- Steakhouse with appetizer, entree and dessert course ($60 to $120 per person)
- Seafood restaurant with raw bar starters and plated mains ($50 to $100 per person)
Backyard or Casual
- BBQ buffet with brisket, ribs, sides and cornbread ($15 to $35 per person)
- Taco bar with multiple proteins, salsas and toppings ($12 to $25 per person)
- Pizza party with wood-fired pizzas and salads ($10 to $20 per person)
- Southern comfort food buffet with fried chicken, mac and cheese and biscuits ($18 to $35 per person)
- Food truck catering with 2 to 3 truck options ($15 to $30 per person)
Winery or Upscale
- Wine-paired 4-course tasting menu ($80 to $150 per person)
- Farm-to-table seasonal menu with local ingredients ($60 to $100 per person)
- Mediterranean-style shared plates with charcuterie, grilled proteins and fresh salads ($50 to $90 per person)
- Cocktail reception with passed hors d'oeuvres and dessert stations ($40 to $70 per person)
First dance
You guys!!
The rehearsal dinner is the first night worth photographing
Open your free QR album now and collect from the very first toast onward. 20 guest uploads free, no card, and the same code works for the wedding day.
From Mom
Scan to join the album
No app, no account
UPLOADING
Saving your moment
THE ALBUM
Emma & Jack
June 21, 2026
647 photos · 95 guests
SCAN TO TRY
pix.wedding/
your-wedding
Who gives toasts and in what order
Rehearsal dinner toasts are shorter and more personal than reception speeches. The host goes first, the couple closes, and nobody should need more than five minutes.
Host (Traditionally the Groom's Parents)
- Welcome everyone and thank them for being part of the celebration
- Share a brief, heartfelt story about your child and their partner
- Say what their relationship means to the family
- Keep it to 3 to 5 minutes maximum
- End with a toast to the couple
Bride's Parents
- Thank the hosts for a wonderful evening
- Share a story about your daughter and how you have watched her grow
- Welcome the groom into the family
- Keep the tone warm and personal, not a formal address
- Aim for 2 to 4 minutes
The Couple
- Thank parents on both sides for their support and contributions
- Thank the wedding party individually and say why each person matters
- Hand out bridesmaid and groomsman gifts during or after the toast
- Keep it genuine and do not worry about being polished
Best Man or Maid of Honor (Optional)
- Save your main speech for the reception if you are speaking there
- Keep rehearsal dinner remarks to 1 to 2 minutes
- Share a quick, funny or sweet anecdote
- This is a good time for inside jokes that might not work at the reception
- End with genuine well wishes for the couple
Hosting as the groom's dad? Our father of the groom rehearsal dinner speech guide has full examples and a structure to follow. For any other toast, try the free AI Wedding Speech Generator for a first draft.
Rehearsal dinner etiquette guests ask about
Dress code, timing, kids, seating and the invitation, answered in a line or two each.
How do you tell guests what to wear?
Write it on the invitation in plain words, like smart casual or cocktail attire, and add a hint when the setting matters: an outdoor patio means bring a layer, a garden lawn means skip thin heels. Many brides wear white or a light color to the rehearsal dinner, so guests usually leave white for the couple.
Does the dinner have to follow the rehearsal the same evening?
Usually it does, because the wedding party is already together. If the ceremony venue is only free earlier in the day, run the rehearsal then and keep the dinner in the evening. For a Sunday or weekday wedding, the dinner simply moves to the night before, whatever day that is. Leave a buffer between the two for travel and a change of clothes.
Should children be invited?
This depends on your preference and budget. Children of wedding party members are typically included. If you want an adults-only evening, note this clearly on the invitation and offer to help arrange childcare. If children are included, ask the venue for a kids menu.
Is it rude to not invite everyone to the rehearsal dinner?
No. The rehearsal dinner is a smaller gathering, and it is understood that not every wedding guest will be invited. Do make sure out-of-town guests are either invited or given restaurant recommendations and ideas for the evening.
How do seating arrangements work?
Seating is less formal than the reception. The couple sits at the center of the head table with their parents on either side. Wedding party members sit together. With several tables, mix the families to get people talking before the big day.
Whose name goes on the invitation?
The host's. The host line tells guests who is throwing the dinner and who to thank, so if both families split the bill, list both.
Rehearsal dinner decorations
Decor should suit the venue without competing with the wedding. Warm, personal touches beat a second round of reception florals.
- Framed photos of the couple at each table or along a display wall ($2 to $5 per frame)
- Tea lights or votive candles down the center of each table ($15 to $30 total)
- Simple greenery garlands or small potted plants as centerpieces ($5 to $15 per table)
- Custom printed menus with the couple's names and date ($1 to $2 per menu)
- A photo timeline of the couple's relationship hung on a string with clothespins ($10 total)
- Small chalkboard signs with table names or quotes ($3 to $8 each)
- QR code table cards that double as decor and photo sharing prompts (free with Pix Wedding)
- A welcome sign at the entrance with the couple's names and a short thank-you ($15 to $40)
Pro tip: if your wedding has a color palette, carry a softer version of it into the rehearsal dinner decor. The weekend feels connected without copying your reception design. Use our free Wedding Color Palette Generator to find matching tones.
The complete rehearsal dinner checklist
Eighteen steps from budget to the last toast. Send the list and the timeline to your inbox below.
- 1Set a budget and determine who is paying
- 2Draft the guest list (traditional or extended)
- 3Research and visit at least 3 venue options
- 4Book the venue with a signed contract and deposit
- 5Select the menu and confirm dietary restrictions
- 6Send invitations 3 to 6 weeks before the event
- 7Plan the toast order
- 8Order simple decorations (photos, candles, menus)
- 9Prepare welcome bags for out-of-town guests
- 10Arrange transportation if venue is far from hotels
- 11Confirm final headcount with the venue
- 12Print any toasts or slideshow materials
- 13Set up QR photo sharing codes on tables
- 14Prepare wedding party gifts to distribute during dinner
- 15Confirm the ceremony rehearsal time and location
- 16Arrange payment with the venue (final balance)
- 17Assign someone to collect gifts and cards after dinner
- 18Plan a post-dinner activity (optional: drinks at a nearby bar)
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More for the wedding weekend
Toasts, invitations, seating and the rest of the weekend plan.
Why the Rehearsal Dinner Matters More Than You Think
The rehearsal dinner often gets treated as a formality, but many couples remember it as one of the calmest and most personal parts of the wedding weekend. It is the last time you sit down with your closest people before the wedding day. The smaller guest count allows for real conversations, personal toasts and quiet moments of gratitude that do not happen during a 150-person reception.
It is also where the logistics get settled. The ceremony rehearsal makes sure everyone knows where to stand and when to walk. The dinner that follows gives you a chance to confirm last-minute details with your wedding party, hand out gifts and calm any pre-wedding nerves.
- The rehearsal dinner is your chance for personal toasts that would not work at the reception
- Both families get to meet and mingle before the wedding day
- It is the ideal time to hand out wedding party gifts
- The ceremony rehearsal ensures a smooth processional and recessional
- Starting photo sharing at the rehearsal dinner captures the full weekend
How to Choose the Right Rehearsal Dinner Venue
Your rehearsal dinner venue should feel different from your wedding venue. If the wedding is in a grand ballroom, consider a cozy Italian restaurant for the dinner. If the wedding is outdoors on a farm, a lively brewery might be the right contrast. The change of scenery keeps the weekend feeling fresh.
When comparing venues, ask about minimum spend requirements, private room availability, menu flexibility and dietary accommodations. Many restaurants waive the room fee if your food and beverage spend meets a minimum. That minimum varies widely by city, venue and night of the week, so ask for the exact figure in writing before you sign. Some wedding venues also offer rehearsal dinner packages the night before, which The Knot notes can come in at a lower cost.
Rehearsal Dinner Invitation Wording and Timing
Emily Post suggests sending rehearsal dinner invitations three to six weeks before the event. They can be printed cards, handwritten notes, email or a dedicated page on your wedding website. Include the host, date, time, venue name and address, dress code and RSVP instructions.
Sample wording for a traditional invitation: 'Please join us for a rehearsal dinner in honor of [Bride] and [Groom] on [Date] at [Time] at [Venue]. Dinner and drinks to follow the ceremony rehearsal. Please RSVP by [Date].' For a casual event, keep the tone lighter: 'You are invited to celebrate with us the night before the big day. Join us for dinner, drinks and good company at [Venue] on [Date] at [Time].' Use our free Wedding Invitation Wording Generator for more templates.
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Rehearsal dinner questions, answered
Who pays, who comes, what it costs and when the invitations go out: the questions couples and parents ask most.
Traditionally, the groom's family hosts and pays for the rehearsal dinner. Emily Post calls it customary but not obligatory: the bride's family or the couple can host instead. Common modern splits are the couple paying everything, the two families paying half each, or the couple and each family paying a third. Talk it through early so nobody is caught off guard.
The Knot Real Weddings Study (16,956 US couples married in 2024) puts the average rehearsal dinner at $2,700, covering venue, invitations, catering and decor. Couples with 50 or fewer wedding guests spent $1,630 on average, weddings over 100 guests $3,139, and destination weddings $3,838. To budget your own, multiply the guest count by a per-person figure: 30 guests at $60 per person is about $1,800 before tax and gratuity.
Emily Post lists the wedding party and their partners, the officiant and their partner, the parents, stepparents and grandparents of both of you, and siblings who are not in the wedding party. Anyone else with a ceremony role, like readers, is usually included too. After that the host can add out-of-town guests, close friends and godparents. Only invite people who are also invited to the wedding.
The rehearsal dinner is held the evening before the wedding, typically on a Friday night for Saturday weddings. Schedule the ceremony rehearsal for 4:30 PM to 5:30 PM and the dinner for 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM. Plan for the evening to last 2 to 3 hours and wrap up early enough that everyone is rested.
Emily Post suggests three to six weeks before the dinner. Printed cards, handwritten notes, email and phone calls are all acceptable. Put the host on the invitation, plus the date, time, place, dress code and RSVP details.
A rehearsal dinner is a seated meal for the wedding party and close family after the ceremony rehearsal, traditionally hosted by the groom's family. A welcome party is a looser gathering, usually drinks and casual food, open to out-of-town guests or the whole guest list. Many couples, especially at destination weddings, combine the two.
The dress code depends on the venue and tone. A backyard BBQ calls for casual or smart casual attire. A restaurant private room is typically cocktail or business casual. A winery or upscale venue might call for dressy casual or cocktail attire. Always specify the dress code on the invitation.
Elaborate decorations are not necessary. Simple personal touches make the biggest impact: framed photos of the couple, candles and custom printed menus. Save the big florals for the wedding day. Budget $50 to $200 total for rehearsal dinner decorations.