Do Rehearsal dinners have to be the same day as the rehearsal

My rehearsal dinner is tonight, and my wedding is next Sunday. However I am not actually having a rehearsal, so its more of a thank you to family dinner. I am also going out to dinner with OOT guests next Friday who are flying in. I am def not doing it the traditional way, but I get to have a very similar experience.

They should be on the same day. It makes it easier for everyone. The dinner doesn't have to be the day before the wedding. Our wedding was on a Saturday but our rehearsal and rehearsal dinner were on Thursday.

It would be easier for everyone involved it it's the same day. We're having our rehearsal and dinner December 19. This way, the BP and guests do not have to leave work early.

I too agree it would be more convenient for guest if it were on the same day.

The same day is more convenient so the wedding party and other guests don't have to take time on two separate dates to attend the rehearsal and the RD.

I think it's kinda silly to not have it on the same day. If you aren't, then maybe just call it a dinner or family dinner? It doesn't make sense to call it a rehearsal dinner if it's not right after the rehearsal.

Have a dinner, skip the rehearsal.

I was thinking of skipping the rehearsal. To me it seems kinda silly to "rehearse" walking down a aisle....Plus I also don't care if its 100% perfect the day of. plus our officiant won't even be there...

Jewles322, I thought the same as you until I was in a wedding and there was no rehearsal. None of the brides/groomsmen had been to the church, so we didn't know how to get to the dressing room and had to wait until someone from the church told us where to go. After that experience, I made it a point that if I were to ever marry, we would definitely have a rehearsal.

Our wedding is on a Sat and the actual rehearsal is the same morning, we will be having the rehearsal/welcome dinner on Friday night.