Rehearsal Dinner Alternatives

I understand the issues that come with a large guest list! I think your idea of a cocktail party is probably one of the best bets for being able to include everyone and not spend too much over budget. My fiancé and I are actually doing more of a rehearsal cocktail party and then letting everyone go wherever they'd like for dinner.

Just invite the bridal party and immediate family to the rehearsal dinner. If you really want to host additional people, I'd do a sandwich bar. Easy to pick up a sandwich kit

Hey there! I think that’s a really fun idea to have a more casual cocktail party with beer, wine and appetizers, and maybe a food station. People can be more social and still have a great time without you having to pay for a sit down dinner. There’s absolutely no rules when it comes to your wedding, you can do whatever fits in your budget and fits you guys as a couple.

Hi- we are in a similar position with a guest list around 150. We are opting for a casual gathering at a bar nearby. Nothing overly structured just a everyone who is interested in hanging out and meeting some people ahead of the wedding they can come out and hang. Tried to keep it lowkey but also provide enough structure for people who will be in town and want to have an “event” to go to.

A very common rehearsal dinner is pizza and beer/soda from your favorite local restaurant. Only invite those who are active participants in the ceremony along with their significant others.

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I really like this idea! It is a good way for us to maybe do both something intimate and larger. Thank you!

Traditionally, rehearsal dinners are for the wedding party and immediate family (moms, dads, siblings, & grandparents) only. You are not required to invite extended family or anyone who traveled.

What I did (and a lot of my friends have done) is keep the rehearsal dinner to immediate family and the bridal party with their dates/spouses - then we hosted a "welcome reception" with 3 hours of drinks for all of our wedding guests! That way we were still including other family members and out-of-town guests who arrive early and want to start celebrating. 💖

You could keep the RD to just the bridal party and parents/immediate family. Pizza and beer at someone's home is totally fine for something small like that. You could invite the out of owners to a pub or something after dinner.