Post # 1
Member
70 posts
Worker bee
Our actual rehearsal is on the Thursday before our Saturday weddding. FIs parents don’t want the dinner on thursday, as many our of town guests are not coming in until friday. Is it awkward to call a friday dinner “Rehearsal dinner” when the actual Rehearsal was on thursday?
We have ALOT of guests coming from out of town I’d say probably around 80% of them, and the reason FIs mom wants to do Friday (and I completley agree) is because we want to make sure our out of town guests are entertained durring their stay…
I want to do something informal where everyone can kind of just relax, eat and hangout! I don’t necessarily want to do a sit down dinner at a resurant.. But I also don’t want to just do it at the house. I am definitely stressing over it, I thought Future In-Laws would be planning it, but they don’t really have any interest in the logistics they just gave Fiance and I a check for $3,000 (for aprox 75 guests) and said that was our budget for the Rehearsal Dinner.
I’m just looking for suggestions and input I guess! What was/is/will be the “Timeline” for your rehersal dinner? I know we wanted to do a slide show or something… I just didn’t think I’d be planning this too and I have no idea where to start!
Thanks bees 🙂
Post # 2
Member
479 posts
Helper bee
I think that’s usually called a Welcome Dinner 🙂 Maybe a BBQ or picnic at a park or something more casual. If you have it outside you can have lawn games and other self-directed entertainment.
Post # 3
Member
1685 posts
Bumble bee
britty: We rented out a hall at a local ski area and they “catered” with pizza ,pasta salad and a bar. It was super laidback and easy/fast/affordable.
Post # 4
Member
5163 posts
Bee Keeper
britty: We are having our rehearsal the Thursday before our wedding also – because the Friday is July 4 and my venue is closed. We are having whatever bridal party members can make it come to the rehearsal thursday, but still having a big BBQ on July 4th at my dad’s house. Totally casual – I want ppl in jeans and shorts!
We just called it a “rehearsal dinner”. We too are inviting out of town guests, close family, and bridal party members.
Post # 5
Member
3771 posts
Honey bee
One thing to think about when doing something Thursday, Friday, and Saturday is your wedding party. Are they going to be taking multiple days off of work? Is there presence necesasry for Friday? Just something to think about, I am sure most people wouldn’t say anything, but would grumble in their head about this sort of set up.
I would keep the dinner Friday pretty casual if a lot of people are traveling. Something more open house style where people can come and go when they get settled in, and don’t feel like they have to be there a certain length of time.
Post # 6
Member
799 posts
Busy bee
You do realize that Out of Town guests aren’t not required to attend the rehearsal dinner? Usually, the rehearsal dinner is for the bride and groom, their parents, and the bridal party with s/o. It’s just a way to thank everyone for attending the rehearsal.
Our rehearsal is Thursday because our venue has weddings on Fridays. We prefer it this way so we can enjoy the dinner with just our families and bridal party without making it a second wedding (which it sounds like you are doing). That would be to stressful of an event right before the wedding for me.
Post # 7
Member
70 posts
Worker bee
librarygirl85: Yes, I do realize that no one is ‘required’ to attend a dinner. However, I have a lot of family and close friends traveling quite a distance to be a part of our special day. I really want to let them know that I appreciate them and want to spend more casual time with them durring their visit! I am in no way trying to plan a 2nd wedding, just a non-formal “welcome” get together with our out of town family and friends!
LibrarianBride: LOVE calling it a welcome dinner! That is perfect thank you so much!
ieatunicorns: Good thought I’ll make sure to let my wedding party know that although I’d LOVE to see them Friday, if they have work I completley understand. Luckily I think my Fiance and I are going to take our wedding party out after the rehersal!
Jw1724: Pizza, pasta and salad sounds perfect! I want it to be casual but still an event for everyone to chat and catch up before the madness of the big day!!