Are we on the hook for paying?

Anytime you invite people to a gathering you should cover the bill. Or only invite those you can afford to pay for.



Welcome parties for traveling guests completely separate from a rehearsal dinner are never required per etiquette. But they should be covered as guests in whatever capacity you can afford as hosts. If that means all you can afford is sandwich platters and coffee, then that is what you serve.

If you plan a formal outing, then it's best to host it. That's kind of the purpose of the rehearsal dinner. However, you're not obligated to have a rehearsal dinner if you're not having a rehearsal.

One way would be to just do word of mouth that you're heading to "x" place for dinner if anyone wants to meet up that's where you'll be. I would think if it's casual and last minute no-one would expect for you to pay.

I agree with Jacks. If it’s informal with no formal invitations or anything fancy then you don’t have to pay for everyone. Maybe the week before just text any out of town people and say “we’ll be at this bar around this time. If you’d like to join please do!” If I received that text I wouldn’t expect the couple to pay. You could maybe buy a round of drinks or appetizers but don’t go all out.

View Quoted Comment That is exactly what we were thinking. Thanks!

We're planning on going to a casual bar near our hotel/venue after our rehearsal so that out of town guests can mingle for a bit and we're wording it as "we'll be heading to ________ around 8 pm, feel free to stop by and hang out, but please note guests are responsible for any of their own expenses" or something similar.