Bonfire rehearsal?

I love this idea! You should definitely do it, sounds fun!

I absolutely love the idea! That sounds so fun. My venue and everything was in the city so we just did it at a restaurant. A bonfire sounds much more personal and also a better oppurtunity for everyone to easily mingle. Great idea.

I love this idea!! Can I come??? Lol. I would say go for it! We are planning on having something small at my moms as well since its 5 mins from the venue.

That's more or less what my fiance and I are doing as well. We're roasting a whole lamb, also probably burgers, and then doing various sides. For our crowd, they're gonna love it. I think it's gonna be a blast!

That sounds wonderful! I love it! (Can I come? I make excellent sangria!)

That sounds right up my ally!! If FMIL hadn't planned our rehearsal dinner then this is what we would have done!

Edit! October in Missouri is the best for bonfires!!!

I think it sounds fun. You know your guests, if you think they would appreciate that relaxed vibe then go for it. I would prefer something like that as opposed to a restaurant which can feel impersonal.

That sounds like fun! I'm with the rest...can I come? My sister did a fish fry for her rehearsal. I love laid back things like this.

Where do you live? It could be cold that's my only concern.

This sounds great! We are doing a bonfire later at night at our rehearsal dinner. I know it's August, but FH's family lives on a lake so it gets a little cooler there at night. We're just doing it to roast s'mores and stuff, but it'll still be nice! I love a more casual rehearsal dinner- it takes the pressure off and just makes it a fun relaxing night. This sounds awesome!!

Love that idea.

I love this idea, and will probably end up stealing it for ours...we had already planned a casual get-together for ours (our entire wedding is exceptionally casual, so it fits) but this post reminded me that my FSIL (and BM) has a huge firepit at her place with more than enough room for everyone at the RD.

Kathryn, it's going to be in St. Louis. There is a possibility that it would be a little cold. With St. Louis weather you really never know. There have been years where it's unusually warm and years where it's unusually cold. I had thought about that, because this was the reason we didn't have an outdoor wedding. Maybe if we keep the fire going and I keep handing out the beers, people won't be so worried about the cold?

I was also thinking if we did it I could hook up my phone and play music.

And you're all invited! lol

@Orchids ...you're hired!

I live in CT so that's why I ask. It can be either or for us too. Maybe just make sure you have an indoor place if people get cold.

Absolutely, Kathryn!

Only thought:

Are you planning on washing your hair the morning of the wedding? or the night before? I only wash my hair once a week and needed it slightly dirty for my hairdresser the morning of.

You will REEK of smoke if you won't be washing your hair.

Just as an aside - you could also rent the propane outdoor heaters to help keep everyone toasty - it might be worth the expense just in case

@m - I didn't think of that! I'll more than likely wash my hair that night after the bonfire is over and before I go to bed! I have a friend who is doing my hair and makeup, and I'll ask her and see what she'll need of me before I make a final decision.

@Erin - thats a great idea!

Agree make sure to find out about the hair thing! Also make sure that you don't put any clothes you wear to the bonfire in the same bag as any of your wedding stuff. They will make everything reek!

That's what I'm planning on doing too! Getting some bbq and having a bonfire afterwards. I agree - make sure you figure out the smoke smell and maybe change your clothes at your parents (or even shower there) so you don't smell like a bonfire while you're getting ready in the morning.