Lame RD Question

alliebaran

I asked this on my local board, but it's pretty sleepy over there...FI and I are planning our RD and most of the places we've spoken with give booking/pricing info for 2 hours.  That seeems short to me, but then again, I've never paid attention...Not sure if it's worth the extra money to have a longer RD.So, how long was your rehearsal dinner (or how long will it be)?TIA!!

calle28

How many people do you plan on having there? I would think 2 hours would be fine.

alliebaran

We're trying to keep it between 50-60 (mainly because of budget).   

scoetto

2 hours sounds good. That's plenty of time to eat and do toasts, etc.

lpstl

I think it depends on the type of place you're having it, and what you plan to serve. Our rehearsal dinner was 3 hours at least, but we had 35 people, cocktail hour, and a plated 4 course meal.

calle28

That's a big RD. Is it going to be at a sit down restaurant or buffet? I think it should be ok because they will be expecting you guys.

lyndausvi

Most I have been to are 2-2.5 hours

babbles270

I'm from Wisconsin - we like to drink.  2 hours wouldn't be long enough for us.

Leah&Christian09

Ours was about 30 people and about 3 hours.  But my family are drinkers.

ScarletGem

Ours was a little less than 3 hours, for 35 people. 

KathyandDave

Ours was 50 people and  2.5-3 hours. Sit down meal, with some appetizers before hand.

alliebaran

Thanks everyone for your feedback...We want to have it more casual so we're looking at either doing it at a brewpub or pizza place (this is Chicago!).  It will more than likely be buffet-style and we're just going to have beer/wine.  Our group can seriously drink, so that's why I was thinking 2 hours wouldn't be enough.  But is it worth an extra $800 to add an hour?  Can't decide...

TurtlesAllTheWayDown

That doesn't include the actual rehersal, right?Are you getting a separate room? If that's the case (some people might really disagree with me) when the RD is officially  over, it's possible some people might just want to move to the bar in the next room. Either you can open a tab there (which I assume would end up being less than $800) or everyone can be on their own for drinks.

MeaghanandMichael

We had a RD that was a cocktail hour and then about two hours of eating and toast. Then we had an after party. I think if you don't plan on doing a cocktail hour or plan on having an after party two hours is plenty.

Catwoman708

For a casual dinner, 2 hours should be fine. If you want to party, drink, or dance, then either allow 3-4 hours or plan on heading out for drinks/partying afterward. Maybe I'm getting old, but the night before the wedding, I think I'd be pretty tired, and needing to tend to last minute details and have a little time to rest up before the big day.