Community› Wedding Discussion Boards› Pre-wedding Parties
Pre-wedding Parties
New Discussion

Bridal Party Meet-and-Greet question

jensilva13jensilva13 member
First Anniversary First Comment
in Pre-wedding Parties
The weekend of my bridal shower, my fiance and I made reservations at a local restaurant (fun, not upscale) for the entire bridal party and their significant others to get to know one another. Just a fun, casual night out. The original impetus was for my out-of-town bridesmaid to meet everyone, although she won't be able to make it now :(. I was wondering what (if any) etiquette there was on this kind of a gathering. Since it's technically a "bridal party event," are we supposed to foot the bill? Of course, coming is not "mandatory" - just a fun night out. Naturally, they're all close friends, and some of them have even gone out with us to this same restaurant before for birthdays, etc, and everyone paid their own way. Will they be expecting us to pay, because it's a "wedding event"? My fiance says no, but I wanted other opinions just in case. At the very least, I suggested to him that it might be appropriate or appreciated to get everyone's first round of drinks or something, just as a "thanks" for being there. Thoughts?
Report Reply to Post

Best Answers

  • bananasplit472001bananasplit472001 member
    First Anniversary First Answer 5 Love Its First Comment
    Answer ✓
    No, I would not foot the bill as it is a casual get together.  It sounds like this is no different than just a night out with a group of friends.  I would not feel obligated to foot the bill or pay for something else in a anyway.  It is not a wedding event in any way.  If you feel concerned please let them know that they will need to pay their own way as it is just a nice little get together.  You are not forcing anyone to get together you just made plans with a group of people and whoever choses to show up will.
    Wedding Countdown Ticker
    Report Reply
  • Jen4948Jen4948 member
    First Anniversary First Answer First Comment 5 Love Its
    Answer ✓
    I don't think you need to foot the bill, but I do think you need to make clear that anyone who comes will have to pay his/her own way in advance and not when they arrive at the restaurant.  People attending events at restaurants and having to pay for themselves is usually fine, but not when it's sprung on them.
    Report Reply

Re: Bridal Party Meet-and-Greet question

  • mysticlmysticl member
    First Anniversary First Answer First Comment 5 Love Its
    A wedding party meet and great is indeed a wedding event and I would absolutely expect the bride and groom to pay for it.  It doesn't matter that it isn't mandatory.  No part of you wedding is mandatory.  


    Wedding Countdown Ticker
    Report Reply
  • JCbride2015JCbride2015 member
    First Anniversary First Comment First Answer 5 Love Its
    Whoops, just posted on what I realized was a duplicate post.  I'm with @mysticl, I think you guys need to pay because this is a wedding-related event.
    Wedding Countdown Ticker
    image

    "I'm not a rude bitch.  I'm ten rude bitches in a large coat."

    Report Reply
  • kmmssgkmmssg mod
    First Anniversary First Answer First Comment 5 Love Its
    Yep, you need to pay for it.  
    Report Reply
  • jensilva13jensilva13 member
    First Anniversary First Comment
    I thought about it, and I originally wanted to listen to those who said no. However, while I like their reasoning for future events, I reread the wording on our evite and it does indeed sound like we are paying *facepalm*
    Report Reply
This discussion has been closed.
Choose Another Board
Search Boards