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Rehearsal Dinner Calculator — Budget, Venue & Menu Planning

Estimate your rehearsal dinner budget based on guest count, venue, and service style

Total Budget

$4,284

Per Head

$78

Tables

5

Gratuity

$714

Estimated Total

$4,284

$78 per head (food)

Food

$2,730

Drinks

$840

Gratuity

$714

Budget Breakdown

Food$2,730
Drinks$840
Gratuity (20%)$714

Venue Details

Venue Space420 sq ft
Tables (8 seats)5
Drinks Total105

What You'll Need

Disposable Chafing Dish Buffet Set - Set of 6 / 36pc - Half-Sized Catering Chafers and Buffet Warmers, Buffet Server, Food Warmers for Parties, Catering Supplies for Party - Includes Fuel Cans

Disposable Chafing Dish Buffet Set - Set of 6 / 36pc - Half-Sized Catering Chafers and Buffet Warmers, Buffet Server, Food Warmers for Parties, Catering Supplies for Party - Includes Fuel Cans

$39.994.6
View on Amazon
Dixie Ultra, Large Paper Plates, 10 Inch, 172 Count (4 packs of 43 plates), 3X Stronger*, Heavy Duty, Microwave-Safe, Soak-Proof, Cut Resistant, Disposable Plates For Heavy, Messy Meals

Dixie Ultra, Large Paper Plates, 10 Inch, 172 Count (4 packs of 43 plates), 3X Stronger*, Heavy Duty, Microwave-Safe, Soak-Proof, Cut Resistant, Disposable Plates For Heavy, Messy Meals

$22.474.5
View on Amazon
P3 P4400 Kill A Watt Electricity Usage Monitor

P3 P4400 Kill A Watt Electricity Usage Monitor

$30.684.6
View on Amazon
Govee Dual Smart Plug 2 Pack, 15A WiFi Bluetooth Outlet, Work with Alexa and Google Assistant, 2-in-1 Compact Design Bundle with Govee Smart Plug, WiFi Plugs Work with Alexa & Google Assistant

Govee Dual Smart Plug 2 Pack, 15A WiFi Bluetooth Outlet, Work with Alexa and Google Assistant, 2-in-1 Compact Design Bundle with Govee Smart Plug, WiFi Plugs Work with Alexa & Google Assistant

$48.984.9
View on Amazon
Jofefe 20pcs Mini Place Card Holders, Cute Table Number Holders, Small Size Table Card Holder Tables Number Stands, Wire Photo Picture Menu Clips for Wedding centerpieces, Anniversary Party (Gold)

Jofefe 20pcs Mini Place Card Holders, Cute Table Number Holders, Small Size Table Card Holder Tables Number Stands, Wire Photo Picture Menu Clips for Wedding centerpieces, Anniversary Party (Gold)

$6.994.6
View on Amazon
Fairy Lights Plug in, 99Feet 300LEDs Warm White String Lights, Waterproof Flexible Silver Wire Starry Lights for Bedroom Dorm Wedding Garland Wreath Wall Mason Jar Indoor Outdoor Christmas Tree

Fairy Lights Plug in, 99Feet 300LEDs Warm White String Lights, Waterproof Flexible Silver Wire Starry Lights for Bedroom Dorm Wedding Garland Wreath Wall Mason Jar Indoor Outdoor Christmas Tree

$15.994.5
View on Amazon
Disposable Chafing Dish Buffet Set - Set of 6 / 36pc - Half-Sized Catering Chafers and Buffet Warmers, Buffet Server, Food Warmers for Parties, Catering Supplies for Party - Includes Fuel Cans

Disposable Chafing Dish Buffet Set - Set of 6 / 36pc - Half-Sized Catering Chafers and Buffet Warmers, Buffet Server, Food Warmers for Parties, Catering Supplies for Party - Includes Fuel Cans

$39.994.6
View on Amazon
Dixie Ultra, Large Paper Plates, 10 Inch, 172 Count (4 packs of 43 plates), 3X Stronger*, Heavy Duty, Microwave-Safe, Soak-Proof, Cut Resistant, Disposable Plates For Heavy, Messy Meals

Dixie Ultra, Large Paper Plates, 10 Inch, 172 Count (4 packs of 43 plates), 3X Stronger*, Heavy Duty, Microwave-Safe, Soak-Proof, Cut Resistant, Disposable Plates For Heavy, Messy Meals

$22.474.5
View on Amazon
P3 P4400 Kill A Watt Electricity Usage Monitor

P3 P4400 Kill A Watt Electricity Usage Monitor

$30.684.6
View on Amazon
Govee Dual Smart Plug 2 Pack, 15A WiFi Bluetooth Outlet, Work with Alexa and Google Assistant, 2-in-1 Compact Design Bundle with Govee Smart Plug, WiFi Plugs Work with Alexa & Google Assistant

Govee Dual Smart Plug 2 Pack, 15A WiFi Bluetooth Outlet, Work with Alexa and Google Assistant, 2-in-1 Compact Design Bundle with Govee Smart Plug, WiFi Plugs Work with Alexa & Google Assistant

$48.984.9
View on Amazon
Jofefe 20pcs Mini Place Card Holders, Cute Table Number Holders, Small Size Table Card Holder Tables Number Stands, Wire Photo Picture Menu Clips for Wedding centerpieces, Anniversary Party (Gold)

Jofefe 20pcs Mini Place Card Holders, Cute Table Number Holders, Small Size Table Card Holder Tables Number Stands, Wire Photo Picture Menu Clips for Wedding centerpieces, Anniversary Party (Gold)

$6.994.6
View on Amazon
Fairy Lights Plug in, 99Feet 300LEDs Warm White String Lights, Waterproof Flexible Silver Wire Starry Lights for Bedroom Dorm Wedding Garland Wreath Wall Mason Jar Indoor Outdoor Christmas Tree

Fairy Lights Plug in, 99Feet 300LEDs Warm White String Lights, Waterproof Flexible Silver Wire Starry Lights for Bedroom Dorm Wedding Garland Wreath Wall Mason Jar Indoor Outdoor Christmas Tree

$15.994.5
View on Amazon

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Example Calculations

135-Guest Restaurant Plated Dinner (Open Bar)

Inputs

Guest Count35
Venue StyleRestaurant (private room)
Service StylePlated Dinner
Open BarYes

Result

Total Budget$4,284
Per Head$78
Tables5
Gratuity$714

$65 × 1.2 (plated) = $78/head food. $78 × 35 = $2,730 food. 35 × 3 × $8 = $840 drinks. Gratuity: ($2,730 + $840) × 0.20 = $714. Total: $4,284.

225-Guest Casual BBQ (No Bar)

Inputs

Guest Count25
Venue StyleBBQ / Outdoor Venue
Service StyleBuffet
Open BarNo

Result

Total Budget$1,200
Per Head$40
Tables4
Gratuity$200

$40 × 1.0 (buffet) = $40/head. $40 × 25 = $1,000 food. No bar. Gratuity: $1,000 × 0.20 = $200. Total: $1,200.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q

How much does a rehearsal dinner cost per person?

Rehearsal dinner costs range from $25–$85 per head for food alone, depending on venue style. A casual restaurant runs $35 per person, a private dining room $65, and a country club or hotel $85. Add 20% gratuity and $8 per drink for an open bar to get the true per-head cost.

  • Home/backyard: ~$25 per head
  • Casual restaurant: ~$35 per head
  • Private dining room: ~$65 per head
  • Country club/hotel: ~$85 per head
  • BBQ/outdoor venue: ~$40 per head
VenueFood/Head+Bar +Tip35 Guests Total
Home$25$57$1,995
Casual$35$67$2,345
Restaurant$65$97$3,395
Club/Hotel$85$117$4,095
Q

How many guests should I invite to the rehearsal dinner?

The rehearsal dinner guest list traditionally includes the wedding party, immediate family, officiant, and their partners — typically 25–40 people. Modern etiquette also includes out-of-town guests, expanding the count to 40–60. Budget is the primary constraint.

  • Traditional minimum: wedding party + immediate family (20–30)
  • Standard: add out-of-town guests (35–50)
  • Extended: add close friends and extended family (50–75)
  • The groom's family traditionally hosts and pays
  • Always invite partners/plus-ones of wedding party members
Q

Should I have an open bar at the rehearsal dinner?

Open bars are common at rehearsal dinners but not required. Budget $24 per guest for a 3-drink average at $8 per drink. For 35 guests, that is $840 in drink costs. Alternatives include wine and beer only ($5 per drink), a limited menu, or a cash bar.

  • Open bar: ~$8/drink × 3 drinks = $24 per guest
  • Wine/beer only: ~$5/drink × 3 = $15 per guest
  • 35 guests open bar: ~$840
  • Toast champagne only: ~$3 per glass, 1 per guest
  • Consider hosted first round, then cash bar
Q

What is the standard gratuity for a rehearsal dinner?

Standard gratuity is 18–20% of the total food and drink bill. For a $3,500 dinner, tip $630–$700. Some restaurants include automatic gratuity for large parties (usually 18%). Always check the contract before adding an additional tip.

  • Standard: 18–20% of food + drink total
  • Exceptional service: 22–25%
  • Check if auto-grat is already included
  • Tip on pre-tax subtotal, not the tax-included amount
  • $3,500 dinner → $630–$700 tip

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Last Updated: Jun 24, 2026

This calculator is provided for informational and educational purposes only. Results are estimates and should not be considered professional financial, medical, legal, or other advice. Always consult a qualified professional before making important decisions. UseCalcPro is not responsible for any actions taken based on calculator results.

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