Is it necessary for a rehearsal dinner?

Question

My fiance dont want to have one,but I do.I would really like the families to meet before the wedding.That way they will be more comfortable with each other the next day.How can I make him change his mind?

Answer 1

A rehearsal dinner isn't "necessary," but I think it would be pretty bad not to have one. You're having a rehearsal, right, so that all of your participants know what's supposed to happen during the ceremony? The rehearsal dinner afterward is kind of like a "thank you" to them for putting so much work into being in your wedding - traveling, buying outfits they'll never wear again, getting you gifts, throwing your shower/bachelor party, etc. It's not just for families, but also for bridesmaids/groomsmen, etc.

You don't have to invite every family member - parents, siblings, members of the bridal party, and the officiant can make up the group. And it doesn't have to be at an expensive restaurant - you can have a backyard BBQ if you want.

I just think if you're having a rehearsal, it's rude not to have dinner for your participants afterward.  

Answer 2

I think that you should definitely have a rehearsal dinner, even if it is not strictly unnecessary.  It's a time when you can get together with your closest friends and family and relax a bit before the wedding.  That is usually when you present gifts to your bridal party and parents as well as spend some time with them (because when it comes down to it, you are going to be busy mingling with other guests at the wedding and some of your closest friends and family have to help play host/hostess.)  

Having said that, it doesn't have to be a particular kind of dinner.  If you two have a favorite restaurant that always works but then again, I am going to be hosting my best friend's rehearsal dinner at my house.  This doesn't have to be an elaborate affair to rival the wedding, but you'll want to be with these people before your wedding anyways, so feed them!

Answer 3

I think the rehearsal dinner is a pretty important part of the wedding.

This is a time to get your bridal party and families together before the wedding, laugh, talk and enjoy just being together with people you love. This is also when you give toasts of thanks to everyone involved and pass out gifts of thanks.

I think you should just tell him this is important to you.  

Answer 4

after the rehersal gather back at your house for a bar b que and just sit back and relax and enjoy the night before your wedding

Answer 5

if you're having a rehearsal then you have to feed people after.  if you're not having a rehearsal, don't worry about the dinner.  people can meet and mingle during your reception, there's no need for them to meet 12 hours beforehand, the day before.

Answer 6

You don't need a rehearsal dinner, but you should definitely have a rehearsal for the wedding.  Afterwards, you can all go out to eat.  If you explain it to him that way, he might change his mind.

The rehearsal is beneficial for the both of you, as well as the entire wedding party.  Everyone needs to know what to do and when to do it.  So yeah, go to dinner after the rehearsal (but don't refer to it as a 'rehearsal dinner').  

Answer 7

The parents should have already met long before the rehearsal.

This is one of those things that you & he need to work out, it's called compromise.  If you can't over this, I would reconsider the future.

Answer 8

The dinner is just a way to get the principles in the wedding together and celebrate, get to know each other. This when the bride and groom give the presents out to the attendants. .

I know that in some social circles it is traditional to spend a lot of money on the dinner, but it is not necessary. Just have a cook out, or a BBQ or  picnic. Have a brunch and serve breakfast, that would be really cheap. Take everybody out for breakfast. We have diners around here that for under 4 dollars, you get a full breakfast and coffee. And some serve certain items all day. One of them would be thrilled to put some tables together for a large group. The local chain buffets cost more, but they have a full selection of breakfast goodies on certain days of the week.  

Answer 9

A rehearsal dinner is really an important event to have.  It lets everyone come together and get organized for the next day's events.  I'm thinking he's worrying about the cost or the dinner being too formal?  Am I right?  Why not suggest something more casual?  The dinner doesn't need to be too formal.  You could even do pizza and soda at someone's house.   I would suggest something really low-key, easy going and not expensive.  Also, think about keeping it short?  Maybe an hour and half at the most.

Answer 10

Don't need a rehearsal dinner. Sorry, but that's just a load of c**p.  Unless the families want to get together for a dinner and PAY FOR IT THEMSELVES, it is not a necessary expense for the couple.  Respect the fact that your fiance has probably let you make most of the decisions in this wedding planning and this is something HE doesn't want.  Perhaps it makes him uncomfortable.

In my case, since we have no attendants, we won't even have a rehearsal.

Answer 11

Rehearsing is not necessary for any dinner! Depends on how hungry one feels!