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No rehearsal dinner

Blodwyn727Blodwyn727 member
10 Comments
in Wedding Etiquette Forum
Is it odd not to have a rehearsal dinner? We are having a very small wedding (guestlist is 40 to 50 people max) but with an average size bridal party. A good portion of the guests will be the spouses/children of the the bridal party. There are only a handful of people who are invited to the wedding who wouldn't be attending the rehearsal dinner so its almost like we would be paying for two receptions. Due to the availability of the venue the rehearsal is about 30 minutes before the ceremony (I'll be safely tucked away out of view and not attending the rehearsal) and the gates won't open for the guests until the rehearsal is finished.
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Re: No rehearsal dinner

  • lyndausvilyndausvi mod
    Moderator Knottie Warrior 10000 Comments 500 Love Its
    If your are not have a rehearsal then you don't have to have a Rd.








    What differentiates an average host and a great host is anticipating unexpressed needs and wants of their guests.  Just because the want/need is not expressed, doesn't mean it wouldn't be appreciated. 
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  • Cortney1982Cortney1982 member
    1000 Comments 5 Love Its
    We didn't have a rehearsal dinner.  Earlier in the day before the wedding we had a quick 30 minute rehearsal.  There is really no need for a special dinner done the day before, that's all glitz.
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  • rajahmdrajahmd member
    500 Love Its 1000 Comments Third Anniversary First Answer
    As long as you aren't having a rehearsal on a separate day, you don't need a rehearsal dinner. In fact, a rehearsal is not required. If your wedding is simple, you may not need one. I do wonder about doing the rehearsal only 30 minutes before the wedding. Will that be enough time? And how long will your guests be waiting for the gates to open? 
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  • achiduckachiduck member
    5000 Comments 5 Love Its
    It's fine.
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  • Blodwyn727Blodwyn727 member
    10 Comments
    Thanks everyone. Yes, Rachel - I mirror your thought on enough time for the rehearsal, but the wedding planner at the venue said they do it all the time. The guests have also been advised not to arrive early - here's hoping everything goes well!
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  • rajahmdrajahmd member
    500 Love Its 1000 Comments Third Anniversary First Answer
    OK, gotcha. Sounds like you have everying covered then. Good luck!
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  • JoanE2012JoanE2012 member
    5000 Comments 500 Love Its Fourth Anniversary 5 Answers
    We're not having a rehearsal the day before, therefore no dinner for us either.  I'm hoping to be able to take that last minute time to relax by myself and am glad I am not entertaining.  :D 
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  • Avion22Avion22 member
    2500 Comments 5 Love Its
    FWIW, we had a rehearsal dinner for the entire guest list (about 80 people), but it was super-casual.  We did a picnic at a local park picnic shelter.  It was awesome.  
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