Is a rehearsal dinner necessary?

If you're not having a rehearsal, you don't need a rehearsal dinner.

View Quoted Comment We plan on having a rehearsal at the ceremony site with the officiant and my parents.

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Then you should host a meal for them afterwards.

If you're having a rehearsal you should host a dinner. It doesnt have to be fancy. Even if it's just youn fh and your parents. Dinner for a handful of people wont break the bank!

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Yes, I agree with Chandra!

We didn’t have a rehearsal dinner. I already knew that his side wouldn’t come out that far for the rehearsal and most of my bridesmaids have a lot going on and I didn’t want to burden them with just one more thing to go to even if it is for them. Our parents wouldn’t even have been able to make it.

A fter the ceremony rehearsal we did take our Best man for dinner and drinks for coming all the way out. He came from out of state.

But yeah if it’s just gonna be you guys and your folks I would take them out to dinner.

If you’re having the officiant come out, I’d provide dinner. We are having a small outdoor wedding at my father’s house as well. We have just a best man and MOH. Our family will be at the dinner too. We are just ordering some good pizza, salads and beer. We plan to eat under the wedding tent outdoors. Nothing fancy.

Do you really need a rehearsal? Even with a wedding party, I don’t think it’s necessary anymore especially if you have a wedding coordinator there to line everyone up.

We had 15 guests and no wedding party. Just me & hubby walked down aisle. It was a DW so we met with the coordinator the day before to see the ceremony area, and everything went smoothly!

I've never thought they were. I think it's just whatever the bride and groom want to do. If you want one go for it, if you don't it's no big deal. I didn't have one my first marriage, neither did my FH, and we're not this time

View Quoted Comment The rehearsal is mainly so that the officiant (who is my fiance's best friend and has never done this before) can practice the lines with us. I also wanted to time how fast to walk down the aisle with my dad to the processional song. Do you guys think this is neccessary or should I forgo it all?

Up to you. Hopefully, your fiance’s best man will practice. Is there someone playing music or handling the playlist? Usually the musician or DJ can cut/move to the next song when appropriate.

If you are having a rehearsal, I'd host a dinner for anyone who had to attend the rehearsal.