Rehearsal Dinner...Is it really necessary???

U think it's good to rehearse so everyone knows what they are doing but you don't have to do a dinner. Many ppl starting having the dinner part so that everyone can meet and the OOT guests can relax and meet everyone also. Also it don't have to be fancy, it can be going to the venue, doing the rehearsal and then going back to the house and play games or something.

I am not having one, I just thought of it as an unecessary expense. I just went to my FSIL's who spent $$$ on it and I thought it was useless. I ate and drank off her dime which was nice lol but pointless.

I like the idea of doing it cause it's a nice kick off to the wedding festivities! However, that being said, I'm not sure it's absolutely necessary. Your day, do it your way

We are having a pretty large rehearsal dinner because we are having a DW and lots of guests are OOT. I think it's just another way to thank guests for coming and yes a time for strangers to mingle. But, it by no means is required. I really didn't have too much to do with the planning and FHs parents are footing the bill.

Traditionally, this is the groom's parents' opportunity to host a part of the festivities. Of course, things aren't necessarily traditional anymore.

The rehearsal dinner is the way to thank your BP for taking time after work to show up and run through the process. Personally, I'd plan something short and sweet for them, even if was just getting a quick drink together (the getting up early the next day reminder is the perfect way to end it early). Others don't feel it's necessary. It really depends on what you're prepared to do, physically and financially.

I like the idea--gives the families time to mingle informally before the wedding, a lot more laid back and it's not all focused on the bride and groom. So, I'm so thrilled we are doing one.

HOWEVER...I certainly don't think they are mandatory by any means. Weddings are expensive, it can cost a lot to feed 50 people one day and then 150 the next. If you want it, do a cheap backyard BBQ. If you don't, no one will blink twice.

Yes, I do think it's nice to thank the people in the BP for their time (and money spent to prepare). I may have to think of something creative that is quick, & to the point, but we can still enjoy.

Personally, I was annoyed (and honestly still am to this day) that my sister never provided the members of her BP with a rehearsal dinner. After spending $500 to be in the wedding and the time sacrificed, I thought it would have been a part of the "thank you for all you've done." Since we won't have rehearsal for our DW wedding, FH and I are hosting an appreciation dinner for our BP. We also see it as a great way for them to get to know each other before we depart. I guess it depends on if you think it's something your BP and out-of-town guest are looking forward to.

We're having a backyard bbq with the wedding party and immediate out of town relatives after we rehearse at the church

I think it'd nice to have - something specially for the people closest to you or that spent a lot of time/money to see you get married but not a requirement. There are ways to have it be cost effective too. I've seen lots of people host it at home and then just have "to go" options. I have a private room booked at an upscale pizza place that will end up being pretty cheap and their private room doesn't have a fee to book - it's just for a certain amount of people.

My MIL turned ours into a mini wedding reception...which sort of bugged me. She put in a TON of time and effort and it was sooooo nice of her, but I really just wanted a casual fun time to relax with the bridal party. Instead we invited every out-of-town guest on their side (somehow the OOT guests on my side never received their invites...which was fine, I didn't really want OOT guests there anyway since I didn't know most of them) and had a fully catered, open bar extravaganza with flowers, elaborate centerpieces, favors for attending, toasts and cake.

So it can go both ways...my favorite ones I've been to were just relaxed, casual events (one was in the couple's home/backyard, with appetizers, drinks and a few lawn games going on) where we could hang out and mingle (and meet/get to know the groomsmen) before the big day.

Dean to Be...I like the "appreciation dinner" concept, & it sounds much better than rehearsal dinner. I may have to be really creative and do it ahead of time, since one of my bridesmaids will be celebrating her wedding anniversary the day before my wedding day.

I suppose it doesn't really have to be a dinner. how about a rehearsal brunch?

it costs less, and if you want you could have more time during the day to relax with your wedding party.

you could have the rehearsal after the brunch if you want. you don't have to have the meal after the rehearsal.

A rehearsal dinner is absolutely not required but it's a very nice way to start the festivities, thank the bridal party for their participation, and give out-of-town guests and family a chance to meet and mingle.

Traditionally the groom's parents hosted the rehearsal dinner but these days anything goes in that regard. It doesn't need to be fancy.

BTW - you really do want to have a rehearsal. We've played for some ceremonies where nobody had a clue what to do and it really makes a difference.

FH parents are paying and hosting the rehearsal dinner. We have a fairly large group, us, parents, grandparents, some extended family traveling in, the bridal party, and their dates. If they hadn’t offered to host it we probably would’ve done a causal bbq at our home or at my Mom’s house. That’s also an idea. You can keep in simple and still get everyone together.

We aren't doing one. Our rehersal is at 10AM and theres not really a place to do it. FH's parents are living in Germany so they couldn't host it like they wanted to, so his Mom who is flying in might come over to my parents house to meet them but thats as close as we get to a 'rehersal dinner'

I'm having a casual get together at my house. We'll eat then go to our separate events.

I do very, very few rehearsals anymore; most of my couples don't do them, but that being said, a casual get together, while not required at all, is a nice touch. Traditionally, the groom's parents host it, but lots of traditions are being smashed.

If you do it, it really only needs to be bridal party with dates/spouses, family, and you.

Aronna....rehearsal brunch sounds like a great idea.

I am going to have to disagree. If you are having a rehearsal, you need to provide your guests with something after (or before, as someone else suggested). It doesn't have to be fancy or cost a lot of money. Grab a few pizzas and some soda/iced tea whatever. You only need to invite the people who are participating in the ceremony to the rehearsal, so only those people need to be invited to the dinner. Many rehearsals take place over a mealtime so it would be rude to not give your guests some kind of food. I know I would be pretty grumpy if I participated in a rehearsal for you when I normally eat dinner (or breakfast or lunch) and then was not invited to a meal with you.