Do I need a rehearsal dinner?

ashleyogle2684

I would like to have rehearsal just for my own peace of mind, but am trying to be fair to our family and wedding party.
Our wedding is on a Friday evening and so a rehearsal would have to be on the evening prior. This would not be a problem, except that 5 out of 10 of our wedding party guests and all of my fiance's family live more than a 5hr drive away, which means that they would have to take 2 days off work and have to pay for hotel for 2 nights. Is this unreasonable to ask of people? I have always been uncomfortable with people going out of their way to do things for me, so I am not sure if this is just a personal thing with me or if it really would be inconsiderate to expect this from family and friends. Any input would be appreciated. Thanks in advance!

Simply Fated

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_pre-wedding-parties_do-i-need-a-rehearsal-dinner?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Special%20Topic%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:32Discussion:450392a4-0493-4120-b236-b3e61ee4c173Post:92ce893c-8d59-4be9-aa14-00265e8e48d2">Do I need a rehearsal dinner?</a>:
[QUOTE]I would like to have rehearsal just for my own peace of mind, but am trying to be fair to our family and wedding party. Our wedding is on a Friday evening and so a rehearsal would have to be on the evening prior. This would not be a problem, except that 5 out of 10 of our wedding party guests and all of my fiance's family live more than a 5hr drive away, which means that they would have to take 2 days off work and have to pay for hotel for 2 nights. Is this unreasonable to ask of people? I have always been uncomfortable with people going out of their way to do things for me, so I am not sure if this is just a personal thing with me or if it really would be inconsiderate to expect this from family and friends. Any input would be appreciated. Thanks in advance!
Posted by ashleyogle2684[/QUOTE]
What if just you and your fiance met with the officiant and went through the motions together? Maybe invite one or two nearby friends along?

ashleyogle2684

Yes, that's a good idea. We can have our MOH and BM tag along so that everyone knows what to do on the day of. Thanks!

daisyamers

i'd still invite everyone but express to them you understand if they can't be there for the two days.  i (and the entire wedding party) drove 6 hours the day before a wedding so that i could be at the rehersal and i would have been hurt if i hadn't been invited. your bridal party just might want that excuse to spend more time with you.