So P and I had gone into this knowing we were paying for everything. My parents spent a pretty penny on my last wedding AND they are presently letting me and my kids live with them (without paying a penny) until P is out of the service and into the same town as me, so that I can stay home with the kids and work my business. Needless to say, I don't expect a penny from them.
Patrick's parent's hadn't mentioned offering any help, so I was assuming to not have anything from that side either.
then today, out of nowhere, they offered to pay for the rehearsal dinner. Which is sweet. But we aren't having one. LOL
Our wedding is at 5:30pm and I will be seeing Patrick before the wedding (albeit not the whole time, but we will start setting stuff up together, then I'll leave to go do hair/makeup/dress, then we'll meet back up where the photog will take pics of him seeing me for the first time, etc). Our bridal party is tiny (2 adults, 3 kids) and we are walking down the aisle together. I don't see any value in having a formal rehearsal or dinner (especially since some people won't even be in town until saturday morning since the wedding is so late and his side of the family lives only 2.5 hours from the ceremony location... makes sense to drive in early on saturday instead of on friday).
We told her that we appreciated the offer but don't intend on doing a traditional rehearsal... and she said "well maybe we can contribute something to the wedding or reception" but wanted to talk to his dad first (of course). So hopefully that will take a small dent out of something!
Jackie (Photographer by trade) & Patrick (Military Police Officer)
May 18, 2013
"I Love My Wounded Warrior"

May 2013 Brides November Sig: The venue