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Beginner November 2019

"Rehearsal Dinner" Ideas

Emily, on July 24, 2019 at 2:31 PM Posted in Etiquette and Advice 0 8

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Hi!

We have a beach house rented out for our wedding. We will have the ceremony/reception there and also family and a few close family friends staying in the house for the weekend of our wedding. We will have a rehearsal for the ceremony the day before but are not able to afford a hosted rehearsal dinner.

We will have the house rented out where everyone who would be involved in the ceremony/rehearsal would be staying that night anyway. We were talking about possibly just having some wine for everyone to drink and hang out by the beach/on the deck...and have everyone order/take care of their own dinner? Maybe do the rehearsal earlier in the afternoon, so it doesn't necessarily fall into dinner time and just have drinks and hang out after and then everyone can do their own thing? Is that tacky/a bad idea? I would like to do something with everyone but unfortunately cannot pay for everyone's drinks and dinner! Advice/ideas are welcome

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8 Comments

Latest activity by Emily, on July 25, 2019 at 2:03 PM

Champion December 2017
earias · on July 24, 2019 at 2:36 PM
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If you are having a rehearsal, then you need to provide food for everyone as a thank you for being available for your rehearsal. It doesn't need to be expensive or formal. Just order a bunch of pizzas or wings for everyone. This is your time to thank them so definitely feed them.
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Legend June 2019
Melle · on July 24, 2019 at 2:36 PM
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I don't think that's bad idea if it falls during a time where it's not dinner. So maybe if you do the wine also have some light bites like cheese and crackers or something
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Master September 2019
Mrs. H · on July 24, 2019 at 2:56 PM
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I completely agree w/@earias on this ^ Doesn't have to break the bank but definitely has to be something
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Super October 2019
Sara · on July 24, 2019 at 2:58 PM
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I'd say move the rehearsal to a time when a meal won't be expected, and then at least provide drinks for everyone afterwards. If you can swing it, a small charcuterie style spread would be nice too.
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Champion November 2016
LB · on July 24, 2019 at 3:16 PM
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If you are having a rehearsal you should be hosting a meal after. Having a rehearsal is completely optional.
That being said, the meal doesn't have to be anything fancy, you could get deli platters or having pizza delivered.
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Master December 2019
Cher Horowitz · on July 24, 2019 at 6:16 PM
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As PPs said, even a simple thing like pizza can work! Just make sure your guests get fed
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Super August 2019
Stephanie · on July 25, 2019 at 1:56 PM
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I totally get not being able to afford a full dinner. That being said, we are doing a family cookout style dinner following our rehearsal at our venue! (There are bbq grills available for us to use). I plan on buying a bunch of burgers and hot dogs, buns, and our families are going to be bringing sides! Simple, but still something!
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