rehearsal dinner?

Question

Is it grotesque to have pizza for a rehearsal dinner? We don't have a lot of money to spend on it. If you think pizza sucks, do you have any other suggestions? We are trying to feed 40 people on $150.

Please don't say that the groom's parents are supposed to host. I am aware. They gave us money for the wedding and we chose to use it otherwise.

no no no...it's not going to be out of the box...at a restaurant...i'm not totally classless...

Gordon H...do you have a suggestion? or are you just trying to make me feel cheap?

Answer 1

I don't think there is anything wrong with that. I'm getting married in November and we will be dining on Round Table pizza, salad, bread sticks and chicken wings. I will also be hosting about 40 people. The food is good and practical. You don't have to worry about cleaning up. You let them take care of it and then you can go home and get some sleep.

Congratulations on your wedding!

Answer 2

I think this is great, dont worry about what people think, have a good time, you are the one that has to pay for it so make it fun, You might want to see if you the Restaurant could do atleast a tray or 2 of baked ziti and salad to go along with the pizza, This shouldn't cost that much. If they wont do it, try and do it at your parents house. You could bake a few Baked Ziti trys and make salad, you could do this for 150$ but you also have to worry about drinks and serving.

I would say have the pizza and dont worry about it, once you start worrying about what the "jones" think you bring in more expense and really , no body will remember or care. Good luck and have fun.

Answer 3

My sister had her rehearsal dinner at a pizza place and it was great! It was really laid back and for some weddings this is the first time the groom's family meets the bride's. The less formal the better. It makes for a better party atmosphere at the wedding.

Answer 4

I think the rehearsal dinner should be a reflection of you and your significant other. I know of couples who have have BBQ in the backyard and others who have taken people to the local bar for draft beers. It is completely up to you and about you. The people who are there are not there for a gourmet meal, they are there because they love and care about you. I would say do whatever you feel most comfortable with. If you have the time, make it pot luck and have a bash in a backyard. On everyones invitation put a not to have them bring their favorite dish. Or make it an appetizer party. Nobody said it had to be an elaborate party. Have fun with it and enjoy the time with family and friends!

Answer 5

There is absolutely nothing wrong with having a pizza party for a rehearsal dinner. I have been to one myself. My brother's rehearsal was a cookout in my mom's yard. Most of my friend's just had them at their houses, even the chick who spent $50,000 on her wedding. The beauty of the rehearsal dinner is that it can be anything from a humble cookout to a black tie event in a 5 star restaurant.

Answer 6

The rehearsal dinner is for the bridal party ... not everyone , unless 40 ppl are in your bridal party .. $150 will not work .. But you can have it at someone's house if possible and have some of the family cook and have it buffet style , that may work out best for you and will work with your budget .. $150 at a restaurant with 40 ppl isn't gonna work at all unless its a really cheap restaurant.

Answer 7

Just remember its a lot easier for people to be a**holes sitting behind a computer...I don't think your being cheap- you are trying to be practical...

Here are some suggestions...

if possible have a BBQ in your backyard...ask your bridesmaids to help by making one side dish, you make the rest (start calling in those "anything I can do to help" offers...not everyone will be able to, but you would be surprised)

If that isn't possible- and you can't use a friend's home either...you may need to consider paring down who will come to the rehersal dinner...keeping it to the wedding party and parents is completely acceptable

good luck! you have a tight budget, but not impossible

Answer 8

Pizza is fine. It's all in how you execute the party. To me, it sounds like your going to order a bunch of pizza and eat them out of the box. That's a No,No.

I would find a nice Italian restaurant (that serves pizza) w/ a private room.

Organize to have pitchers of water and soda available. Also, maybe a few bottles of wine. Any other alcohol beverages would have to be paid for by the drinkers, not the host. Then order a few family style salads and Italian bread or rolls. Then order the pizza. Have someone serving your guests. Don't have them eat out of the pizza box.

Answer 9

It really depends on your crowd. Personally, LaRosa's (a Cincinatti-based pizza place, if you're not familiar with it) is my absolute favorite restraunt, ever. They have a somewhat nicer atmosphere than say, Snappy Tomato's Pizza. So if you're going to a place like that, then I think it's fine. If you were thinking a place like Sbarro's, where it's like fast-food, then I think you should try for a different place.

And for these people that say a meal for 2-4 people costs that much, I just wanna know where they heck they're eating! They better be eating off of gold forks and being waited on hand and foot, for that kind of rip-off price. To me, an expensive dinner for 2 is $30-$50, and that would include an appetizer and dessert.

Answer 10

We had a dinner at an Italian restaurant... so no, 'pizza' in itself isnt gross. Rehersal dinners are the grooms parent's responcibility and it will reflect on them... eventhough they already gave you money for it. If they are ok with a pizza party - then all is well!