Rehearsal Dinner & Booze Question

Not sure if it's bad etiquette, but we are planning to do the exact same thing. we discussed doing drinks, and my future step MIL is being a PIA about it, but in the end it would have been too complicated and not necessary. We'll have an open bar at the wedding the next day, the rehearsal doesn't need free alcohol also!

We haven't booked our rehearsal dinner yet, but if we have it where I want, it's going to be at a southern restaurant that serves family style. They include water, tea, and lemonade (soda is an add on option) and don't even have alcohol. I've wondered about this, but we'll at least have beer/wine at the reception and if people want to go out for drinks, there are plenty of local options. This place fits with the overall vibe of our theme and wedding. And the price is what we would want. I also think you don't really want people super out of control the night before the wedding, so giving them the option to purchase their own won't seem like you're saying they can't drink, but it might make people act a little more maturely.

I don't think it's bad etiquette (people might disagree, I'm not sure). If you are having open bar at the wedding, no one is going to complain about a dry rehearsal.

I think it's bad etiquette.

I think it is bad etiquette not to have alcohol. You don't have to just buy everyone drinks on your tab, though. Depending on what you're doing you could have pitchers of beer or bottles of wine. We're having a little fiesta, so we'll be serving beer and margs by the pitcher.

I don't think it's bad. The world does not revolve around booze. I personally wouldn't. I ordered pizza and beer for mine. All I provided was beer and if they wanted something else the could bring it.

I would be upset if anyone invited me and FH to something and didn't supply the alcohol. It's called being a good host. That doesn't just apply to weddings. You should host guests with at least beer and wine.

Depends. Do any your guests drink? The rehearsal dinner is a thanks for those who showed up for the rehearsal, just like a reception is a thanks for showing up to your ceremony. If one person drinks, you should offer alcohol.

In my experience, most people don't drink a ton at the rehearsal dinner. Can your venue just keep a consumption tab, then you pay at the end? You could offer two beers, a red wine, and a white wine. Domestic beers and house wines usually aren't that expensive and the restaurant might offer happy hour prices since you're serving a group. If you're typing a rehearsal menu, you could put what guests could choose to drink on there. ETA: clarity

I personally don't think it's necessary. You're already having an open bar during the wedding, and the rehearsal dinner definitely had a different feel than the actual reception. As for being a good host, I don't expect alcohol every time I get invited to something. Maybe that's just me and the way my area is... to be honest it's a big deal if someone offers alcohol for something smaller. Lol

Have wine and beer. Don't make people pay, ESPECIALLY the people who are standing up for you. They've bought clothes, they've bought gifts, they have spent time....

give them a glass of wine.

I agree with Emily. I went to a rehearsal dinner with FH because he was the best man. The waiter came around and asked for our drink order and I ordered a glass of wine. I think I had 2 glasses at dinner. We were shocked at the end of dinner when we were presented with a bill. You should at least inform people that alcohol is not covered. These people are spending a lot to be in your wedding and should get a drink at dinner, in my opinion.

Definitely poor hosting. Wine and beer is fine.

Would you ask people to pay $5 for a glass of wine when they come to your house for a party?

No, you wouldn't. Don't ask them to do it at another party you are hosting.

I agree, don't have a cash bar and pay for at least beer and wine.

I went to an RD that only had 5 bottles of champagne for about 25 people. It was horrendous.

I think it depends on how fancy your rehearsal dinner is and where you're having it. If it's super fancy, you should allow the option for drinks and you pay the tab at the end of the night. If you're just having pizza at a pizza place, pitchers of beer would be sufficient. But there should be the option for at least some alcohol.

We are having a cash bar if anyone wants it. We will then have an open bar for the wedding. Most of the people coming to the rehearsal can't/don't drink anyway.

Gross, Emma.

I'm with Celia!

I don't understand what having an open bar at the reception has to do with having alcohol for the rehearsal dinner? They're two separate nights and events. I think alcohol should be available at the rehearsal dinner.

Any time you host an event you need to provide food and drink (including alcohol). We went the cheap route for the rehearsal and stuck with beer and wine.