my fiance and i would like to try to keep our rehersal dinner low-key because the reception will be pretty elaborate. also, we'd like to invite the out-of-town guests to come because we are having it in a function room in the hotel where everyone is staying. my mom is not too keen on our "menu". but fiance and i feel that its really a waste to spend a ton of money on the rehersal dinner, especially since we are serving filet mignon and lobster tail for the reception the following night. opinions/advice please?
2006-09-18 06:49:43 · 32 answers · asked by skykinz3 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
Sounds like a great idea -- I would just recommend having the dress be causual. I'm guessing pizza, wings, and beer reflect you and your fiance's personality. It's all about you two -- do it your way.
2006-09-18 06:59:12 · answer #1 · answered by thatgirl 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
While your mother may not approve of your menu choices simply because a low-key, casual, rehearsal dinner does not give the impression of an upscale, ritzy reception , take into account that this YOUR day! As long as respect and consideration for guests and family are executed, the decision to break with tradition is rightfully yours. Perhaps your mother is paying many expenses toward your wedding, and she may feel her input should be seriously considered. Suppose the person(s) hosting and providing the rehearsal dinner are not interested in saving money, and wish to be generous. It would then make more sense to oblige. If this is not the case, and you and your fiance feel there is a REAL NEED to curb wedding expenses by opting for a lower cost menu and atmosphere for the rehearsal dinner, be firm but kind to your mother - remind her that it would make you very happy about the special occasion. Best Wishes!
2006-09-18 07:21:57 · answer #2 · answered by Suz E. Home BAKER 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
sounds fine to me. its actually a family tradition to have that type of food for rehersal dinner. every wedding in my family for the last 40 years has had pizza. the way we do it is that the wedding party, parents, siblings, very close friends, and family get together at the recption hall the night before the wedding. As we eat pizza, and drink a keg, we all decorate the hall for the wedding the next day. However, where most people spend $30,000 or up on their weddings, our family weddings are on average $6,000. to $8,000. I've never even been to a wedding that cost more than 10 grand. I live in a very small town in west virginia. all of the women get together 2 or 3 days before the wedding and make all of the flowers, the parents of the bride and groom usually put money in together, and order couple hundred pieces of chiken, veggie trays, meat and cheese trays, and trays of cookies. then the guest all bring a covered dish. the most expensive dress was my cousin's (who put her dress on her credit card) she paid around $400. my one aunt is a professional cake maker, so that we all get our cakes as our wedding present. i think the most expensive thing is the drinks. i know that we spent 3 grand on the alcholol at my wedding. my D.J. was a friend so that didn't cost anything. basically what i am trying to say is that it shouldn't be about how much money you can spend or how pretentionous you can be, or how fancy you can be. its about you two getting married. and if you want pizza then that is all that matters because it is your special day. have it the way you want it. because hopefully it only happens once.
2006-09-18 07:20:08 · answer #3 · answered by searching4something 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
first of all, is your wedding, not your mom´s... if you and your fiance agrees that a low key dinner is ok with you, then go for it! even more if you are having a big and elaborate wedding, a rehersal dinner is a good option to gather those out of town guests and spend a good and casual evening, to relax from all the stress a wedding planning can be, and just have some fun that you and your fiance will remember with a smile... relax!
2006-09-18 07:00:24 · answer #4 · answered by Lucy G 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It's your call because it's your wedding. Traditionally, the groom's parents are supposed to host/pay for the rehersal dinner, though.
I'm not so sure about the menu personally, but if you think your dinner guests will be ok with it, then great. Otherwise, might I suggest ordering a couple of trays of lasagna, some salad, and some garlic bread from a local Italian joint? The trays feed a bunch of people, and will run you $50-$75. Add a couple of bottles of red wine, and everyone's happy (including your mom) for very little (pizza) dough. ;-)
2006-09-18 06:58:43 · answer #5 · answered by LadyJag 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I had, and my friends have had casual rehearsal dinners. Mostly at restaurants, some at the homes of family or friends. BBQs, luaus and pizza parties are so much more fun.
They are a great way to relax the night before the formal events of the Big Day.
Personally, I think renting out a function room is overkill for what you are doing. They aren't usually cozy. I suggest you reserve a room or a large table at a restaurant and tell the manager directly that this is a rehearsal dinner and you would like to ensure adequate wait staff.
2006-09-18 06:57:41 · answer #6 · answered by exclusiveindigo 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Well what about people who have health issues and don't want to drink beer? You need to provide an alternative food source for those people who are more health conscious.
Pizza, Wings, and Beer may cause some people to not fit into their dresses and suits come wedding day!
Add a Vegetable platter, a Fruit Tray and some Salad fixings to accommodate the dietary needs of others. It won't really cost all that much more.
2006-09-18 07:01:16 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I agree it's pointless to spend a lot on the rehearsal if the wedding's already expensive. I think you should shift the focus from a rehearsal dinner to a rehearsal cocktail party. That way you can serve your fiance's favorite drink, your favorite drink, champagne, and some yummy, classy& cheap little horsdourves. These can easily be found in the frozen foods section of most supermarkets; add a friut& veggie spread with a couple of dips and viola!
2006-09-18 07:00:59 · answer #8 · answered by nicegirl 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Why not. It sounds like it would make for a very fun and relaxed atmosphere. Go for it. I imagine that the other people will be happy to have wings, beer and pizza. Wish I were invited.
It would be a waste of money to go all out for the rehearsal dinner, too.
2006-09-18 07:22:26 · answer #9 · answered by Gin Martini 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think what you're doing is great. It will be more casual and fun, and your out-of-town guests especially will like that. A change of pace from the wedding. I have been to a couple of rehearsal dinners like that, and I always enjoy myself. As long as there's alcohol!!
2006-09-18 06:53:01 · answer #10 · answered by Becca 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋