Rehearsal Dinner

You should invite the significant others of those in the wedding party to the rehearsal dinner. I personally don't think it's rude to say that if they want alcohol, they will need to cover it, as long as you're covering food and non-alcoholic beverages, though it would be a nice gesture to cover drinks too.

It’s definitely rude to ask people to bring their own alcohol. If you choose to not buy any that’s your choice but generally rehearsal dinners do have alcohol on the menu. And also usually whoever is going to the rehearsal dinner normally gets to bring a plus one, as long as they are invited to the wedding. Definitely if they are engaged or married, if they are just dating I personally wouldnt invite them to the rehearsal dinner even if theyre invited to the wedding.

Yes you should invite significant others and you should definitely cover all food and drink. It’s very rude to ask your guests to open up their wallets at a rehearsal dinner so I would plan to provide everything

Even if it’s really casual? I’m just supplying pizzas, wings, and salads. I can’t afford it if everyone decides to buy alcoholic drinks and extra meals or apps... and Im having a hard enough time finding a restaurant to hold larger than 10, I was lucky enough to find one that allowed me 16.. with partners that’s more than double so it would be almost 35.....I am at a lost here.

I would pay for their alcohol also. Can be just beer and wine if that is easier

View Quoted Comment It’s just going to be at a casual restaurant. Initially the plan was to go to my brothers house but not everyone will want to drive 30 minutes.

View Quoted Comment You mean like pitchers?

View Quoted Comment But what if the restaurants have a max group limit? I don’t have any other options other than my brothers house 30 minutes away...to just hang and eat.

View Quoted Comment Pitchers, carafes or just by the drink. Talk to the restaurant and see what your options are!

View Quoted Comment So if the restaurant doesn’t have alcohol on the menu, I’d probably just go without for the night and people can bring if they want but I wouldnt specifically ask them to

View Quoted Comment Ian confused why people would bring their own alcohol? It’s at a casual restaurant (burgers, pizzas, chicken, etc.) they would have drinks. I can afford some pitchers of beer but not if everyone orders cocktails and hard liquor.

Significant others should be invited. I have attended many rehearsal dinners and every single one was pizza and beer/sodas. Everyone in attendance mentioned how they preferred it was relaxed as such.


As long as you cover dinner and nonalcoholic beverages, you will be fine.

View Quoted Comment The problem is the restaurants group size is limited.

View Quoted Comment I’ve called around and many are only allowing max 10. The only place that happens to be convenient is allowing me a room if 16 as long as they’re are separate tables. Partners put it at 30 which is a big difference financially and that’s one of my main concerns. It wouldn’t have been a problem but since I am laid off and my fiancé started a new venture (this all happened before I lost my job) money has become tight especially after making final payments and unexpected emergencies.

Have the party at your home with food delivered and drinks purchased at Costco or somewhere similar.

View Quoted Comment Find a restaurant that allows a larger group or have the dinner at your home.

View Quoted Comment I rather not do it at a home where it’s much more enclosed and people do not want to drive 30-35 minutes away from the venue to my place opposite side of town. I brought it up already and most of my family resides near me. His family is all the way in Delaware county. Friends are from west side of town which would be nearly 45 minutes. No one with a house nearby could accommodate since most have apartments and condos.

View Quoted Comment I’ve tried calling everywhere. This is the only place nearby I can find that is within my budget and allowing this size of a party. Anything over they can’t. I am starting to feel sick since it’s in a few days and I’m having to make a whole new plan for this just to try to accommodate partners.

View Quoted Comment

I'd have it at your brother's house. If I were a bridesmaid in someone's wedding, I'd much rather drive an extra 30 minutes out of the way and have my significant other included than attend at a restaurant alone without him. 30 minutes is not that difficult in the scheme of things and if that means that everyone can be accomodated, then I personally think that outweighs having the rehearsal dinner at a restaurant. I hope you're able to find a solution!

Try not to stress - although I know that is easier said than done. You have 2 options:


1. Given the current circumstances (restaurant restrictions due to coronavirus), if you decide to move forward with the restaurant, I think your bridal party would understand a break from the norm if you don’t invite significant others. Just explain the situation to them. Also, providing pizza and non alcoholic drinks will be fine. The drinkers can buy their own from the bar if they like.
2. Have the rehearsal dinner at your brother’s house and invite significant others. I understand the distance, but those that want to come will come regardless of the distance.