Bowling for Rehearsal Dinner...TACKY? CHEAP?

I think a rehearsal dinner or lunch can be what ever you want it to be. It is time for you and your families to spend time together the day before the wedding. So by all means, I don't think it is tacky at all as long as you think everyone will enjoy it. I personally would double think the bowling though because my nails always break...so it would not be something I would want to do the day before the wedding or at least after I have gotten my manicure.

I agree. If you are both okay with it then do it. Personally, I think that it is a great idea. My fiance' is from New Orleans so we are having a big crawfish/crab boil. In my opinion, this is also out of the ordinary though I like the idea. It will be much more relaxed then going to a resturant and people will be able to mingle and to get to know each other. Many blessings!

By the way, considering that most of us are on a very tight budget there is NOTHING wrong with being cheap. If the people don't like it then they can pay for themselves.

I agree with the other posters -- what a great idea! And you said the magic words: "My fiance and I think this would be a lot of fun..." That's all you need. Personally, I really like people who think outside the box for the rehearsal dinner/party. Afterall, it's not supposed to be another wedding reception. It's supposed to be an informal opportunity for people to get to know each other.

Best of luck!

Great idea! You can make it college-themed. Maybe your guests could wear paraphernalia representing the schools they graduated from.

This sounds fun! I wouldn't worry about all the technical things here. Just have fun! A rehearsal dinner can be whatever you want! We are having a party in my parents' backyard with all the bridal party and all the family from both sides so they can get to know each other. Also, I have seen some rehearsals themed, like Hawaiian if your honeymoon is in Hawaii, or a wine theme if the bride and groom like wine, and this seems like a cool way to incorporate your personalities if you like bowling and pizza!

This is a truly wonderful and fun idea!! It shows your spirit as a couple and is an activity that people can really get to know each other over. For once it is a relief that alcohol will not be the only catalyst for inducing conversation past small talk. Wait and see, people will be talking about your great idea for weddings to come. It is a good idea to spend less on the rehearsal dinner than your wedding reception for sure. If you don't have a nice reception (certainly more than 15 dollars a head!) you may lose some of the free spirited feel to your rehearsal dinner and it may end up looking like you were looking for just another way to cut corners. A fun and fancy free rehearsal dinner only works with a put together and classy wedding reception to follow.

The reception is going to be fancy we just got lucky that since the Inn is in a state park the catering prices are really really reasonable!!

I think its a great idea. Especially since you're getting pizza from your fav local college pizza joint. Not tacky, and not cheap. Do look into the cost for renting shoes and lanes for everyone b/c this can add up more quickly than you might realize. But you will save by getting a few pizzas for people to share and pitchers of soda. I think it sounds like fun. B/c you're right. It can be akward bringing the two families together- but they will have bowling to help break the ice!!!

Have fun

I think it's great! we were going to do that as well but the bowling alley was booked (b/c our rehersal is on oct 31st) so just make sure that place is availabe and will take a larger reservation.

Yah with a college town they'll rent you the entire bowling alley if you want to! haha

We are doing a Pizza Lunch Rehearsal too! When the rehearsal ends it will be about 1ish. My FH LOVES pizza with a passion so I booked Metro Pizza. Its near the wedding site and who doesnt love pizza? Also Im ordering salad and pasta if some people dont want pizza. Its not Tacky I think its fun and relaxing. people will not be bored at all.

It actually sounds like a lot of fun to me. We're anticipating a similar situation for our rehearsal dinner, so we've been talking about doing a pot luck thing in his mom's backyard. I think I might change to the bowling idea! lol

My husband and I are on a tight budget for our Vow Renewal/6 Year Anniversary Ceremony/Reception that you are for yours. We're in our mid 20's and I love the idea. I had even thought of the idea of bowling, a private movie showing (if you have a Regal Cinnemas in your area they host those) which could help with not breaking a nail or chipping your polish the night before your Wedding. If you're into Mini Golf, there's another idea or Laser Tag. Other ideas that come to mind are a BBQ, Picnic or Potluck dinner. There are so many ideas out there that won't break the bank. Pizza's a great idea. Who doesn't enjoy pizza. I hope some of those other ideas might have helped you.

I just want you to know I think that's a sweet idea! Esp if you are the ones paying for it! I'm definitely against the wedding itself looking cheap and tacky but it's a rehearsal dinner and everyone should relax before the big day!!! as long as it's clean fun go for it!!! Can I come? Just kidding!