Bridesmaid’s bf invited to the rehearsal dinner?

Initially I was like yes invite him! But $2,600 more for one person is quite a stretch. I can see your dilemma. Have you talked to the venue about having 1 more? I’m assuming there’s no one else to cut.
Is there another venue you can use? If it has to be this venue and there’s no flexibility, I’d say maybe talk to the friend and explain the situation. You mentioned a hotel (i assuming he’d be there alone from out of town) maybe offer to order him a pizza and get him some beers 🤷‍♀️
I know it’s bad manners/etiquette to not invite him, but close to 3 grand isn’t worth it to me for a friends boyfriend to attend.

If he'd be the only SO at the dinner, he might feel out of place anyway. I think it's ok to leave him off the invite list, and if they ask, explain that the venue is small, and no one else is bringing an SO.

That is rough. The SO's of the bridal party should be invited to the rehearsal dinner. I'd talk to the venue about squeezing in one more


Can you do your dinner elsewhere?

I know my friend's hubby would be happy to stay at the hotel with his own food and a good movie to save me $2600, but I definitely vote first talking to the restaurant about one more person, and then talking to the friend one on one about the situation to see what she thinks.

That’s really tough. What a huge price difference for such a small difference in headcount! Can you explain the situation directly with your bridesmaid about it? Assuming you’re close, I’d think she would understand. Especially if it is only wedding party and parents. Not ideal, but not worth spending thousands of extra dollars…

There are rare few instances where the significant others should not be invited (the partner is racist, violent, abusive). They are automatically invited as a social unit regardless of the time together. A true plus one random stranger to entertain an unattached single guest is always optional and many couples don’t invite them.


If it’s an by option, find a different rehearsal dinner venue that doesn’t have minimums or maximums. Any casual restaurant should be able to accommodate you.

I would first explain the situation to the venue, and find out if they can accommodate one extra person for the room that holds 16. If not, I would look into other venue options.

He needs to be invited. You might look disrespectful of their relationship if you don’t. Hopefully you can talk to the venue.

He needs to be invited. You might look disrespectful of their relationship if you don’t. Hopefully you can talk to the venue.