Mixer event / Meet & Greet

Hey! My fiance and I are doing the same thing. First saturday of November we are all meeting at a local bar and everyone will become acquainted. Everyone will be paying for themselves, so we wont be responsible for that. And it's a pretty decent priced bar and has specials. A meet and greet is definitely a good idea!

I don’t think these events are necessary, but if you do have one, I would make it super informal and definitely not mandatory. I would just say “hey we’re meeting up with some of the wedding party at this place at this time, you’re welcome to join if you want.” Anything more formal would be a hosted event and you’d be responsible for the tab.

If you're wanting everyone to come together, I would host it and pay for the drinks!

I think these things are great, especially if you have bridesmaids who don’t know each other. It’s so hard to plan things with people you’ve never met, and sometimes meeting even once can help avoid arguments and drama. I don’t think you should pay for everyone though. A simple invite of “hey we’re inviting all the bridal party out to the bar so you can meet each other” is enough. And I can’t imagine why they would expect you to pay for them, I most certainly wouldn’t.

Honestly, why do they need to get to know each other. Just to stand next to each other for an hour long ceremony? That seems excessive in my opinion. It’s a nice idea but definitely not necessary. They are adults. They don’t need a play date.

My FH and I are doing a joined bachelor/bachelorette party as a way to get everyone together ( since we want the same weekend getaway party) which will double as our mixer!

Great Idea! I think you should do 1 free round as a thank you. Or not, is fine I guess it depends on how large of a group. I understand budget. Your heart is on the right place.

I don't think you need to host it but it would be nice if you did host some portion like the appetizers or something.