How much does a rehearsal dinner cost? A 30-guest example (2026)
For example, a night-before dinner for the wedding party and close family — about 30 guests for 30 guests typically costs about $3,030 all-in ($101 per guest), including Extra buffer.
That total is about $200 for the private room, $1,350 for the catering, $540 for the bar, $120 for the dessert, $100 for the decor, $70 for the invitations, $380 for the service / gratuity, and $270 for Extra buffer.
Extra buffer is spare money on top if something runs over. It is already inside that $3,030. This example is a night-before dinner for the wedding party and close family — about 30 guests. It is not the welcome party, and it is not the wedding itself.
The example in one table
This is one mid-range example for the United States. Shares are rounded; the dollars are the source of truth. Source: Project ROI Calc Standard estimate, United States, 2026.
| Line | Dollars | Share of all-in |
|---|---|---|
| Private room | $200 | 7% |
| Catering | $1,350 | 45% |
| Bar | $540 | 18% |
| Dessert | $120 | 4% |
| Decor | $100 | 3% |
| Invitations | $70 | 2% |
| Service / gratuity | $380 | 13% |
| Extra buffer | $270 | 9% |
| All-in | $3,030 | 100% |
Rehearsal dinner cost calculator
Walkthrough
Private room — $200
Private room is $200 in this example. Change it on the calculator if your quote is different.
Catering — $1,350
Catering is $1,350 in this example. Change it on the calculator if your quote is different.
Bar — $540
Bar is $540 in this example. Change it on the calculator if your quote is different.
Dessert — $120
Dessert is $120 in this example. Change it on the calculator if your quote is different.
Decor — $100
Decor is $100 in this example. Change it on the calculator if your quote is different.
Invitations — $70
Invitations is $70 in this example. Change it on the calculator if your quote is different.
Service / gratuity — $380
Service / gratuity is $380 in this example. Change it on the calculator if your quote is different.
Extra buffer — $270
Extra buffer ($270) is spare money on top if something runs over.
All-in vs per guest
People quote both. All-in ($3,030) is money to have on hand for a night-before dinner for the wedding party and close family — about 30 guests. Per guest ($101) is for comparing catering menus or grocery lists. This page does not add a third “average.”
What would change your number
- A different guest count
- A nicer or simpler catering
- A quote you already have from a vendor
Change those amounts on the calculator — do not add a mental extra percent on top of Extra buffer.
Not in this number
- Guest gifts and the host's outfit
- Travel
- Sales tax if a vendor puts it on the invoice
If you need extra banquet tables for a seated rehearsal dinner, price table rental separately — not part of this hosted estimate.
How to use the calculator
- Enter how many guests you are hosting. This example starts at 30.
- Open a cost row and tap a starting-price button, or type the quote you already have.
- Tap Calculate. The all-in and per-guest figures update together.
Rehearsal dinner cost calculator
Frequently asked questions
How much does a 30-guest rehearsal dinner cost?
This example is $3,030 all-in for 30 guests ($101 per guest), including Extra buffer. Extra buffer is spare money on top if something runs over. That is a night-before dinner for the wedding party and close family — about 30 guests.
What is included in this $3,030?
Every line in the table, plus Extra buffer. Items listed under “Not in this number” are left out on purpose.
Do I have to keep Extra buffer?
No. Extra buffer is spare money on top if something runs over. You can lower it or zero it on the calculator. Do not add a mental extra percent on top of it.
What if I invite more guests?
Raise the guest count on the calculator. Food and per-person lines usually move with the list. The $3,030 figure here stays this example.
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