Two Separate Questions: Rehearsal Dinner and Hair

peaches85

Both of these questions are going to make me sound like a major cheapo, so I apologize in advance, haha...

1.  Did anyone do a backyard bbq rehearsal lunch/dinner?  Everywhere I look around West Orange is at least $30 pp without the cost of soda and alcohol.  FI and I can't justify either us or someone in our families paying so much for a meal just to thank people for coming to our rehearsal (which will last all of 30 minutes tops) and for being in our wedding when we're paying for the entire wedding set to take place the next day.  So, we were toying with the idea of just having a bbq... nothing wrong with that, right?  Or, can anyone think of close-to-West-Orange rehearsal lunch/dinner locations that won't break the bank?

2.  I know I've mentioned this before, but I'm still struggling.  Every place I've contacted to do my hair has listed their bridal prices as $150 or more.  I really can't justify spending that much on my hair plus having to pay for clip-ins on top of that because my hair is so fine.  Any more recommendations for stylists near West Orange or who would be willing to travel for a minimal charge?  I don't need a fancy place, just somewhere that will make my hair look fancier than the bun or ponytail I normally throw it into, haha.

Laurms15

I always like the idea of a backyard BBQ type RD. I love that its casual and lets you really hang out with people in a setting thats not so formal.

Danes983

I cant speak about hair bc I am having my regular stylist do mine who I have known since I was 7.  As far as RD. We will be having ours "most likely" at Cheeseburger in Paradise which is located at our hotel.  It will be fun and relaxing since the next night is the formal affair. My MIL isnt thrilled bc she is paying, but its really what FI wants.  I think doing a backyard BBQ would be fine. or just do a local Pizzeria.  Make it fun!

kasabby

I was in a wedding a few years ago and the bride at the rehersal dinner at her house. It was really just the wedding party and significant others --so it was only about 10 people. She made ziit, sausage and peppers, we had some wine and called it a day. I thought it was great! 

akmackay

I think having a backyard BBQ or just going to a pizzeria or something is fine. It's about spending time with them, not about spending money on them.

As far as hair, have you asked where you go to get your hair cut? Otherwise I have no suggestions

VanessaB24

Our rehersal dinner was actually 2 weeks before our wedding and we had everyone come to our house, we had ordered catering. It was like 12 bucks a person. So doing a BBQ sounds good, we probably would have done a bbq but we don't have a grill... hopefully next yr we will get one!

After searching and asking around, like you we were on a budget so I didn't want to spend $$ on hair and make-up, I was quoted $1000 for the guy and an assistant to come to my house for the day of. People are out of their minds to even charge that much but anyway i ended up going to Staten Isl. to House of Trends with Jessica and she was amazing. It was $100 and thats what she charges for any kind of style you want.
I'm not sure what area you live in but thats what i have for you.

mbcdefg

As long as you're feeding your guests, you can do anything you want. We went to a local pizza place and had pizza, wings, antipasta and mozzarella sticks, and ordered pitchers of soda (and some people ordered beers if they wanted them) and I brought in cupcakes. Worked out just fine.

I went to a salon in Bayonne that charged under $50 for my hair.

Reilly626

Famous Dave's BBQ truck can come to your house... they have the info on their website.

jrgoogrl

I think doing a RD at the house BBQ style is perfectly fine!

As for hair and makeup have you considered going to a salon, instead of having someone come to you? I know it can be a hassle but that's really where the crazy pricing comes in.

demarcosjd

My cousin is doing a low key rehearsal dinner and I'm actually really excited about it! I think it will be a lot of fun, more laid back, and people can enjoy themselves. I almost wish we would have done something like this. We enjoyed our rehearsal dinner but for the money I don't think it was necessary. DH parents covered the cost and wanted it at a nice restaurant since they invited all of their out of town guests. I think the rehearsal dinner can be anything that you want it to be.

I'm not sure about a salon in that area. I went to a salon in south jersey and my hair was $65

njpabzy

I think a BBQ is a wonderful idea. As for hair, I am going through the same struggles in Sussex county, sorry but i have no suggestions, I will let you know if i find someone reasonable.

lblumetti

For your hair, I understand what you mean because I can't see spending that money on my hair personally either.  If you travel to a salon, the cost will be cheaper.  It seems you are looking for the artist to travel to you in which $150 is actually not a bad price for that.  Also, they typically have a minimum number of people getting their hair/make-up done.  If you are set on having the stylist travel to you, maybe check out craigslists (but as always, just be cautious).  You may find someone who does it on the side for a reasonable price or who is just starting off.