Rehearsal dinner's can be elaborate sit-down dinner or a family friendly bar-b-q in a park or backyard. The place all depends on the groom's family and input from the bride and groom. There is no right or wrong way to have a rehearsal dinner as long as the correct guests are invited.
Generally this is the list that the groom's family gets to decide, but they should consult with the bride's family to ensure that everyone is invited that should be. Aside from the bride and groom and their parents, the grandparents should be invited, as well as anyone that is involved in the wedding (this includes ushers, and family of the ring bearer and flower girl) and will be at the rehearsal. As a rule of thumb the bridal party should be able to bring a guest with them, but it is not required.
If you have your musicians or singers present for your rehearsal, they too should receive an invitation to the rehearsal dinner. The presider should also be extended an invitation. These individuals may not always come, but they will enjoy your gesture. The presider will often come and deliver a prayer before the food is eaten and then leave. If you know your presider will be doing this it is customary to offer them a box they can take with them.
If you have a wedding coordinator/consultant they too should be sent an invitation. The exception to this would be if the coordinator is hosting the rehearsal dinner for the parents. While it is not required to invite this individual, they will often be with you right up to this moment and you may still need to speak with them or introduce them to other wedding party members.
All out-of-town guests that will be in town that night should also receive an invitation to the dinner. While there may be some guests who choose not to come it is still expected that you ask if they would like to attend.
After these individuals are invited, other people may be invited as well. There is no rule as to who you cannot invite, only who should be invited first.
Generally this is the list that the groom's family gets to decide, but they should consult with the bride's family to ensure that everyone is invited that should be. Aside from the bride and groom and their parents, the grandparents should be invited, as well as anyone that is involved in the wedding (this includes ushers, and family of the ring bearer and flower girl) and will be at the rehearsal. As a rule of thumb the bridal party should be able to bring a guest with them, but it is not required.
If you have your musicians or singers present for your rehearsal, they too should receive an invitation to the rehearsal dinner. The presider should also be extended an invitation. These individuals may not always come, but they will enjoy your gesture. The presider will often come and deliver a prayer before the food is eaten and then leave. If you know your presider will be doing this it is customary to offer them a box they can take with them.
If you have a wedding coordinator/consultant they too should be sent an invitation. The exception to this would be if the coordinator is hosting the rehearsal dinner for the parents. While it is not required to invite this individual, they will often be with you right up to this moment and you may still need to speak with them or introduce them to other wedding party members.
All out-of-town guests that will be in town that night should also receive an invitation to the dinner. While there may be some guests who choose not to come it is still expected that you ask if they would like to attend.
After these individuals are invited, other people may be invited as well. There is no rule as to who you cannot invite, only who should be invited first.