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Expert September 2022

Rehearsal Dinner Advice

EGD, on June 14, 2022 at 10:19 AM

Posted in Etiquette and Advice 26

I posted previously that I was unsure of what to do for my rehearsal dinner in regards to an open bar or cash bar, but I was ultimately hoping my FH's parents would host the rehearsal dinner, however, everyone's response was that I needed an open bar. Well, FH's dad just texted us that they booked a...

I posted previously that I was unsure of what to do for my rehearsal dinner in regards to an open bar or cash bar, but I was ultimately hoping my FH's parents would host the rehearsal dinner, however, everyone's response was that I needed an open bar.

Well, FH's dad just texted us that they booked a restaurant for the rehearsal dinner, but they chose the cash bar option. I looked up the restaurant that they booked and was able to find the banquet menu, and an open bar for 3 hours would be $15/pp so ultimately $450 at the end of the day with our 30 person guest list for the rehearsal dinner. Would I come off as rude if I just added the open bar package on there on my own dime? I don't want to come off as what they did contribute wasn't enough.

I should mention that things with FH's parents haven't been easy, in wedding planning and in life. So I do have quite a bit of anxiety surrounding this as everything I do is wrong in his mothers eyes, and she's screamed in my face numerous times that I'm rude and mean and ruining her life when I literally do nothing to her.

26 Comments

  • Cece
    Rockstar October 2023
    Cece ·
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    Your FMIL sounds absolutely horrible. I am so sorry! If you and your SO want to host an open bar, I say go for it! Like you said, the damage is already done at this point, so who cares if you being gracious to your guests offends her? 🤷🏼‍♀️
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  • D
    Dedicated October 2018
    Deb ·
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    We had beer and wine. We paid by the bottle and pitcher of beer instead of flat rate. A lot of people there were one or two drinks so it worked out for us. You do not have to supply an open bar. I hope everything goes wonderfully for you in spite of all of the in law stress.

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  • Frederic
    Dedicated October 2024
    Frederic ·
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    EGD, the thought is notable with regards to the parents gesture. But also keep in mind that you and your FH are the captains of the ship and it comes down to what you two agree on. I would have a discussion with your FH and ensure that you guys are on the same page. Then together talk to the parents on how you feel about the rehearsal dinner. You don't want to seem sneaky or anything like that.
    Now as far as the other issues with the FMIL and getting into your face...that's unacceptable in my book. She sounds very guarded 💂‍♀️ for some reason and MAYBE think you are coming in between her son and her..... some folks do that. That issue can be addressed several ways..... kill her with kindness, or have her son talk to her (defend you), or just not respond to her and allow time show her that her son has made an excellent choice
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  • Sloane
    Super May 2022
    Sloane ·
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    This isn’t rude at all. Thank him for booking the venue and just say we decided to upgrade to open bar on behalf of our guests.
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  • E
    Expert September 2022
    EGD ·
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    Thank you!

    I try to ignore her as much as possible, and FH does defend me when it's warranted but I'm also known to hold my own. I'm marrying the youngest of 3 sons, so I feel its part me taking away her "baby" and part the difference in family dynamic from his family to mine. We're very open and joking in my family where she's too sensitive for that. So when I am myself she take its as "me not being nice" and "being mean" when in reality my family and I can be straightforward with each other or joke with each other and it's fine but she finds it rude if i'm not 100% happy or in agreement with her at all times.

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  • Frederic
    Dedicated October 2024
    Frederic ·
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    Another coincidence!!! In my previous marriage.... my Mom was furious at first because yes I was the youngest of the bunch and she did like the idea that I was leaving the nest..... lol
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