Wedding Rehearsal Make Your Own

Question: Is a wedding rehearsal dinner really necessary?

(Posted by: Kat on 2009-08-06 09:22:42)

I'm adding up costs and even though I am cutting corners, things are getting expensive. Is a rehearsal dinner really necessary? I've never enjoyed them and would rather just go home after the rehearsal. What do you think?

Posted by: IndianLake on 2009-08-06, 09:29:58

I've enjoyed the ones I've been to, but I would never call them necessary. If you're worried what people would think, you could always have a casual rehearsal and then invite anyone who wants back to the house for carryout pizza, but even that isn't a requirement.

Posted by: TB on 2009-08-06, 09:30:27

I think it's a traditional courtesy to entertain your wedding party and pastor after the rehearsal. It can be a small party, it can be informal, and it can be inexpensive. But to eliminate this customary hospitality is going to cause lots of hurt feelings.

Posted by: swayed on 2009-08-06, 09:33:29

It is always noce to give the wedding party some type of dinner after the rehearsal. We had a party at our in-laws house after our rehearsal.

Posted by: kittenkatt79 on 2009-08-06, 09:33:40

The rehearsal dinner is a tradition. It's a more intimate dinner with your nearest and dearest. Also a good time to thank your parents and bridal party. However, its not necessary (but it really is nice...I would feel strange if I didn't have one). They don't have to be expensive or at a restaurant. My rehearsal dinner will just be a BBQ out on the beach with volleyball and swimming afterward. Rehearsal dinners can be as casual as you want.

Posted by: tdizzle on 2009-08-06, 09:33:55

I dont think you have to do it, but make sure to let people know in advance. Most people will expect food after a rehearsal, so make sure they know there wont be any.

Posted by: Luv2Answer on 2009-08-06, 09:34:24

Yes, it's necessary. It's part of the cost of the wedding you should have considered when you set your budget and started planning.

Posted by: Jenny on 2009-08-06, 09:35:15

Its your wedding, your day, and your event!! They are not necessary Have fun!!

Posted by: RX2 on 2009-08-06, 09:39:50

I had mine at my house, it was comfortable and casual. I told everyone to wear what they wanted, cause the next day they would be wearing the fancy clothes. It was nice and inexpensive, best of all everyone got to interact with each other as opposed to sitting at a long table. We all enjoyed it.

Posted by: Linda on 2009-08-06, 09:41:36

Yes its necessary, why would you send your bridal party home hungry after all they have done for you?

Posted by: arbrig08 on 2009-08-06, 09:42:56

It isn't necessary at all. I can't believe some of the answers that are here. It isn't even necessary to have a reception or a white gown. You do whatever you want to do. Now if you are looking for an inexpensive option, you should definitely do something at your house or maybe at a small restaurant. I would love to have a wine and cheese thing at my house and end it early so I can get some sleep before the big day!

Posted by: Pookie on 2009-08-06, 09:44:23

I do think dinner is necessary after the rehearsal because its a way for you to thank your wedding party for taking their time out, and what a better way then to feed them/ . I dont think it has to be done at a restaurant, in fact were doing a bbq at my parents just up the street, then we are giving out thanks in speech form to our party and giving them their gifts, the whole thing is going to be pretty casual and I am hoping short lived (the next day is the day before the wedding - lots to do!) Ordering pizza would be perfectly acceptable, and you do not have to invite guests not directly involved in the wedding, perhaps you consider extending invites to their partners though. If you didn't have a rehearsal dinner, I dont think anyone would be offended really, I just look at it as a possibility for everyone to get to know one another, and get together for a dinner, a drink and wind down before the big day.

Posted by: melouofs on 2009-08-06, 09:52:16

If you're going to have a rehearsal, then yes, something is necessary. My cousin was married without a rehearsal and it went off without a hitch. I also had no rehearsal for my own wedding. Again, no problem.

Posted by: kill_yr_television on 2009-08-06, 09:59:36

It depends on the time of day and how long your rehearsal lasts. If people are missing a meal on your account, then you should feed them even if it's only pizza. If the whole thing is over in 40 minutes and nobody had to drive far, then I think you could show your appreciation in some less costly way than a restaurant dinner.

Posted by: I love my love on 2009-08-06, 09:59:59

Yes because you're asking your wedding party to take time out and rehearse the wedding. so to remunerate them for their time, you gotta feed them. also the rehearsal dinner is when you give their gifts. if your ceremony is so simple you don't need any rehearsal, then you don't need to rehearse and thus you don't need a dinner after!

Posted by: Christy on 2009-08-06, 10:14:38

It's probably not "necessary " so to speak, but it's a really nice gesture. I'm getting married in about a month and we decided just to do a picnic style dinner at the church hall to save money. You can have it at a relatives house too. You definitely don't have to take everyone to a fancy restaurant or anything.

Posted by: lalala on 2009-08-06, 10:21:01

I think you should provide some type of refreshments for those involved in the rehearsal. It doesn't have to be a full sit down dinner at a fancy restaurant. It can be something as simple as ordering a pizza.

Posted by: iloveweddings on 2009-08-06, 10:30:15

Well, I don't think it is actually "necessary " so much as it is a tradition. This is a time to thank your attendants, etc. However, it does NOT need to be fancy! We hosted my son's rehearsal dinner in our backyard! Very casual. Others I know have had some pizzas, beer, soda! Again, very casual. If all of your attendants and parents are local, then I suppose there is nothing wrong in having everyone go home after. If some are coming from out of town, then, yes, I do think it would be nice to host something.