THE PLANNING DESK
A little less guessing.
A lot more gathering.
Three useful starting points for moving a rehearsal dinner from “we should” to “we’re ready.”
BUDGET CALCULATOR
Start with the
number that matters.
Try a few scenarios, then take the per-person total into your venue conversations. This estimator is a planning aid—not a quote.
or about $120 per person
Includes a 22% service and gratuity estimate.SPEECH BUILDER
Find the shape
of your toast.
Give yourself a helpful first draft. Then let the editor refine the language while keeping the detail and feeling unmistakably yours.
YOUR TOAST OUTLINE
“Good evening, everyone. For those I have not met, I’m the father of the groom.”
Share a small moment that showed how much they care for each other.
“What I admire most is their generous spirit.”
“Please raise a glass to a lifetime of good stories and a table always full of people who love you.”
GUEST LIST ESTIMATOR
Count the
right people first.
Begin with the people involved in the wedding, then decide how expansive the evening needs to be.
Plan for 71–88 guests to leave room for replies and a few changing plans.
Planning does not have to be perfect to be meaningful. A clear first draft gives you somewhere kind to begin.
Read the planning guides