I am struggling with having dates at rehearsals/dinners. I think I can understand spouses who are not part of the wedding party being invited, but I'm having trouble understanding why dates need to be invited to either one. I don't see this as a social event, I see this as a little more serious where the attendees (BP mainly) have a job to do, and then they are thanked by a nice meal afterward. Plus, I'm not comfortable with random people I don't know at my private family affair. (I say my, but my fiance is completely in agreement with me on all of this). Our invite list currently is BP and parents only. Let's forego all of the details of out of town, really significant other vs. slightly significant other, etc. I'm just asking the very basic question, why must dates be invited?