We're trying to cut costs and we're considering having the rehearsal dinner at the church (in the activities room) instead of going to a sit down dinner. We've talked about getting it catered or just ordering pizzas. Has anyone done this? How did it go? We're planning to have 25-30 people at the rehearsal dinner, so we're looking at alternatives to a full-fledged dinner. Any suggestions?
2007-11-17 11:02:54 · 23 answers · asked by Why? 5 in Family & Relationships ➔ Weddings
I think its a great idea. no one said you had to follow tradition. I always believed in doing your own thing and being unique. If you have the money to cater so be it. To me the rehearsal is just totalk aobut what they have to do the next day so pizza should be fine. Also you can incorporate some games too. this way you can eat and have fun. I hope this helps if you need anything else drop me a line:)
2007-11-17 11:17:56 · answer #1 · answered by shyhonney 4 · 6⤊ 0⤋
I think rehearsal dinner are overrated now. So much money is dropped on a fancy meal when the very next day....they have another fancy meal. I think it is just too much on the formality. I had italian food catered to my house by a co-worker who also owns a pizza shop. It was casual and relaxed and everyone had fun.
You could have fruit and veggie trays and cheese and crackers...basically finger foods instead of an all out meal. Have some italian cookies or cake for dessert. It will be just as much fun that way...and perhaps more! Best wishes.
2007-11-17 19:53:12 · answer #2 · answered by Kim 5 · 4⤊ 0⤋
Sounds fine!
Instead of the rec room at the church I would consider moving the party to someones home, a park, maybe even do an activity like the zoo....the rec rooms at churches around here are pretty sterile and not much in the way of relaxation. Maybe order the pizza and watch a Italianish movie like the Godfather? For our rehersal dinner we are doing a taco party with margaritas at his grandparent's. It's been super affordable and everybody just thinks we are sticking with a theme instead of being cheap Lol.
2007-11-17 22:08:16 · answer #3 · answered by pspoptart 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋
My cousin did this over the summer, it was GREAT! We had so much fun and it was so much more relaxed! They set up the tables in a U shape and everyone set facing inwards so we could all look at eachother, they had it catered with just soda and iced tea (obviously you wont have drinking at the church, but you dont need it anyway the night before the wedding) Even if you dont hire a catering company, most grocery stores offer catering trays that you just pick up and take home to reheat and they have great prices and the church will have an oven you can use.
Good luck!
2007-11-17 19:30:06 · answer #4 · answered by kateqd30 6 · 5⤊ 0⤋
i think thats actually a good idea. you need to save money for your actual weddingand you can't be wasting too much money just for a rehearsal. serve appetizers or easy to make foods that are good for several people. (pizza is a great option because most people like it and it is easy to make or even to easier to have it delivered!) people don't have to rehearse eating so food should not be the big problem.
as long as the church room layout is similar to your wedding reception room layout, you should be fine. if not, try to demonstrate how you want things to go even if you don't have the things with you at the rehearsal dinner. good luck!!!
and Congratulations!
2007-11-17 19:52:24 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
That's no dilemma, it's a totally fine idea! Where I'm from, we don't have full dinners, usually after the rehearsal, people gather at someone's house for drinks and snackies. Very informal, just a chance to chat.
2007-11-18 06:57:26 · answer #6 · answered by Lydia 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
My brother and sister in law had their groom's dinner at a place called "Pizza Ranch" which kind-of struck me odd because I thought he had more class than that, but it went fine. The pizza sucked, by the way but they had chicken that rocked! Our grooms dinner was at some country club with fruity stuff on the chicken. I was so sick after eating that! (mother in law's idea...she got a "deal") Go simple! It's the night before your big day!
In the activity room of the church would be fine. Pizza is probably a good option; maybe with some wings or salad or something. Call around for a good price!
2007-11-17 20:10:25 · answer #7 · answered by Gabby_Gabby_Purrsalot 7 · 3⤊ 1⤋
Sounds fine to me....or why not take the pizzas and do a picnic dinner in a nearby park. Pleasant surrounding and unique and costs very little. Very comfy and informal too. A pleasant change, kind of like a rest before the storm.
2007-11-17 19:35:42 · answer #8 · answered by bluegirl6 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Using the same money it would cost for pizza, you could also order a 6 foot sub or a deli platter of mini-sandwiches from the grocery store deli department.
Or, another non-traditional idea stems from the wedding of my husband's cousin. We were asked to bring a potluck/crock pot for the rehearsal dinner. (Also in the church activity room) At FIRST, I thought it was kind of tacky to ask your guests to bring their own meal. But once I got there I totally changed my mind. We were among family, and it really was their style to do a crock pot/potluck where everyone contributes. It was unusual for me, but rather the norm for these 2 families. It worked perfectly for them 12 years ago!
2007-11-17 19:27:36 · answer #9 · answered by Sharon F 6 · 6⤊ 0⤋
I have played for a reception in very similar circumstances and what happened in this case was that the bride's family (Mum) provided the meal straight after the wedding and the groom's family provided the meal for thr evening reception. We don't have rehearsal dinners here in the UK, so I don't know if this helps. Gos bless you on your Wedding Day.
2007-11-17 19:09:20 · answer #10 · answered by SKCave 7 · 4⤊ 0⤋