What are your thoughts on sending invitations to the wedding party/guests that will be invited to the rehearsal dinner of a formal wedding? Is a verbal invitation enough, or do formal ones need to be sent out?
I think it would be nice to send them an invitation to the wedding, but as for the rehearsal dinner...phone call or email would be fine.
It depends on whether you are BBQing, doing a special meal where head count is a must. Informal you can tell everyone it will be after practice and then remind them again at practice. More controlled numbers, give them a call. If you are being limited to who is invited, usually married includes spouse. If single, date not included unless asked. Nor children unless in the ceremony.
A phone call to invite someone to the Rehearsal Dinner is sufficient. Make sure you let them know if it will be for the Bridal Party only, or if they can bring a guest (if they have a partner that is not already in the Wedding Party).