How to Plan the Perfect Montana Wedding Rehearsal Dinner

Let's Get this Party Started!

Heyyy girl heyyyyy! When it comes to your Montana wedding rehearsal dinner, we get it—it can be a little tricky figuring out what the vibe should be or what exactly should go down! But here’s the thing, babe: this is your wedding, and your rehearsal dinner should be a reflection of you and your partner. So, go ahead and make it as unique and special as you want!

That said, if you're feeling a little lost or just want a roadmap to help you get started, don’t worry—I’ve got your back. Think of this as your go-to guide to pulling off the best Montana wedding rehearsal dinner, complete with all the good vibes and memories.

Let’s dive in, shall we? The best Montana wedding rehearsal dinner format is waiting for you—and trust me, it’s going to be as unforgettable as your big day!

Family walking on dock holding hands, surrounded by boats and mountains. Child in plaid shirt; woman in white dress and boots. Sunset sky. — This was such a fun rehearsal shoot at The Lodge at Whitefish Lake! Photo by Wild Montana Wedding

Let’s Set the Stage For Our Montana Wedding Rehearsal Dinner

Usually, the Montana wedding rehearsal dinner happens after the wedding ceremony rehearsal, AKA the day before the wedding. Typically, everyone in both immediate families, in the wedding party, and sometimes out-of-town guests are invited to the event, but of course, that is up to you. Invite who YOU want there!

The rehearsal dinner can be as formal or informal as you like, depending on your budget and desires. Some couples try to keep the Montana wedding rehearsal dinner on theme with their wedding, so the dinner feels like an extension of the wedding itself and blends seamlessly into the rest of the weekend. This is also the perfect time to kick off your wedding welcome party, especially if you want to create a fun, laid-back vibe before the big day.

Boy in hat relaxes on outdoor sofa near large beige tent. Greenery and trees in background. Rustic and peaceful setting. — I wanna sit their and take in the view! Taken at Bodhi Farm. Photo by Wild Montana Wedding

Let’s Break it Down

Step 1: Create a Guest List

Alright, let’s talk about the guest list, bestie! Your Montana wedding rehearsal dinner crew usually includes your closest fam and anyone playing a role in your big day—think bridesmaids, groomsmen, flower girls, ring bearers, and of course, your officiant. Oh, and don’t forget their plus-ones! If you’ve got out-of-town guests making the trek to celebrate with you, it’s super thoughtful to invite them, too.

Now, if your list is starting to look a little too long (been there!), don’t stress—you’ve got options. Instead of a full-blown sit-down dinner, you could keep things a little more low-key with a cocktail-style event, complete with yummy apps and a dessert spread. Think charcuterie boards, mini tacos, or a build-your-own s’mores bar—yes, please! The goal? A fun, relaxed vibe that lets you soak up time with your people without blowing the budget.

A couple sits on a sofa, the woman in a white dress, smiling beside a man in black. Flowers and framed photos are on a table, near a fireplace. — Such a sweet rehearsal dinner! We were at Kimpton Armory and it was SO fun. Photo by Wild Montana Wedding

Not everyone needs a seat at a table for this dinner! Some couples even opt for a more interactive experience with food stations or buffets where people can mingle and grab food as they chat. This style encourages more conversation and lets guests enjoy the experience without feeling like they’re locked into a rigid dining schedule.

Step 2: Pick a Location

When it comes to picking a spot for your Montana wedding rehearsal dinner, you’ve got options, babe! Maybe you’re all about that cozy, candlelit vibe at The Lodge at Whitefish Lake, or maybe you’re dreaming of a backyard bash at a cute Airbnb with twinkle lights and all your favorite people. Or if you're aiming for a rustic and western mountain feel, the stunning Copper Rose Ranch might give you exactly what you're looking for.

Outdoor event tent with people inside, set by a lake with hills in the background. A few women stand outside in evening light. — The Lodge at Whitefish Lake again! Photo by Wild Montana Wedding

One thing to keep in mind? Location, location, location! Try to keep your Montana wedding rehearsal dinner within 20-ish miles of where your guests are staying—trust me, they’ll thank you. No one wants to spend their night-before-the-wedding stressing over long drives or complicated directions. If your dream spot is a little farther out, consider setting up a shuttle or coordinating some carpooling so everyone can just show up and have a great time. This night is all about celebrating, not worrying about logistics!

Looking for some more good places? Here’s a list of a few places that I’ve planned rehearsal dinners in the past! They are the best!

All of these locations do their own catering and bar/beverage service which makes things EXTRA convenient.

Bride in white gown and man in black walk hand-in-hand down sunlit street, smiling. Background of buildings and parked cars. Romantic mood. — This was a little adventure we took after the rehearsal dinner! Just look at that dress!! Photo by Wild Montana Wedding

If your location doesn’t do catering, here are some ah-MAZING options! I’ve worked with them in the past and they’ve all been so great.

Step 3: Consider Timing

Alright, let’s talk timing, babe! Your ceremony rehearsal usually kicks off in the late afternoon—think 5:30-ish—and should only take about 30 to 45 minutes. (No need to turn this into a full-length feature film; we’re just running through the basics so everyone knows where to stand and when to walk!) This little run-through helps ease any last-minute nerves and makes sure your wedding party feels confident about their cues for the big day.

People gather in front of a wooden barn, socializing at a daytime outdoor event. Greenery and trees surround the lively scene. — More from Bodhi Farm. Photo by Wild Montana Wedding

After that, it’s time to eat! Montana wedding rehearsal dinners typically start around 7 PM, which gives your guests plenty of time to check into their hotels, freshen up, and make their way over without feeling rushed. This is especially helpful for out-of-town guests who may be navigating a new area and need a little extra time to get settled.

You’ll also want to think about how long your rehearsal dinner lasts. While some people might want to head straight to bed after dinner to prepare for the big day, others might want to stay and enjoy the evening. You could plan a few hours for the dinner, with extra time for mingling, dancing, or just relaxing before everyone gets some rest.

At Kimpton Armory again! Photo by Wild Montana Wedding

Step 4: Plan Out the Menu

Let’s talk about your dinner plans, shall we? Whether you’re booking a private room at your favorite restaurant or going the event space/Airbnb route (which means hiring a caterer—shoutout to the real MVPs), you’ll want to lock in your menu early. Trust me, the last thing you need the week before your wedding is stressing over whether to serve steak or salmon.

Not sure what to serve? When in doubt, go local! Montana has some seriously good eats, and this is the perfect chance to give your out-of-town guests a little taste of Big Sky Country. Think bison burgers, trout fresh from the river, or a cozy, family-style spread with huckleberry everything. Bonus points if you throw in a local craft beer or signature cocktail to really set the vibe. For some gorgeous inspiration, check out the best rehearsal dinner styles in the Rocky Mountains.

Boy in a hat sits on an outdoor sofa by a barrel and chairs, surrounded by trees and grass, creating a peaceful, rustic atmosphere. — Just darling!! And more from Bodhi Farm. Photo by Wild Montana Wedding. If you're loving these photos, check out the rest of the gallery HERE.

If you want to make sure you’re covering all the bases, be sure to check out a dinner checklist to make sure nothing is overlooked. It can help you think about everything from how to set the table to making sure there are enough drinks to keep the party going! What is proper etiquette for a wedding rehearsal dinner? is a question we get asked often, and the answer usually involves being gracious, keeping things light, and remembering to thank everyone for their support. No matter what you serve, keep it casual and fun—this is your moment to enjoy yourself and your loved ones before the big day!

Step 5: Toasts

When the Montana wedding rehearsal dinner kicks off, it’s customary to welcome your guests with a warm “thank you” for joining in on the pre-wedding fun. But here’s the thing: some of your guests might just want to stand up and share a toast or two! It’s totally normal, and honestly, it adds to the fun and excitement of the evening.

Five women pose playfully in colorful outfits against a leafy backdrop with large flowers. Some wear hats; one raises her arm, another sticks out her tongue. — They are just having so much fun at Kimpton Armory!! Photo by Wild Montana Wedding. If you are loving these photos, check out the rest of the gallery HERE!

But heads up—don’t be surprised if there’s a little roasting mixed in with the toasting! Whether it’s a funny memory or a light-hearted jab, some of your friends and family might feel the urge to poke a little fun at you (in the sweetest way, of course). Just take it all in stride, laugh along, and remember that these moments will only add to the memories of this special time.

It’s all part of the love and joy that comes with celebrating with the people who’ve supported you along the way. So, raise a glass, enjoy the laughs, and soak up all the pre-wedding excitement!

From rehearsal dinners to the grand day itself, we’re here to help you bring your vision to life. For a deeper dive into what exactly a rehearsal dinner is, read Masterclass’s guide. You can also get more expert tips from Emily Post on how to make the event run smoothly.

Let’s Finish it Up

Planning your Montana wedding rehearsal dinner doesn’t have to be stressful—it’s all about creating a fun, relaxed atmosphere where you can celebrate with your closest friends and family before the big day. From the guest list to the menu to those heartwarming toasts (with a little roasting mixed in), the goal is to make it a memorable night full of love, laughter, and great food. For more on what goes into a rehearsal dinner, check out this article.

Smiling woman in a hat and patterned skirt stands in a sunlit field with blurred autumn trees. Bright, cheerful atmosphere.

So take a deep breath, enjoy the process, and know that your Montana wedding rehearsal dinner will be a beautiful start to your wedding weekend! It's a celebration of your journey together, and a moment to appreciate the love and support of those closest to you.

Ready to start planning your dream wedding? We’ve got your back, girl! Schedule a chat with us so we can plan that dream wedding of your!! Contact us HERE.