Tacky rehearsal dinner?

It's fine. RDs have become overblown mini-receptions. They aren't even necessary if you aren't having a rehearsal (another thing that not necessary). They don't have to include every OOT guest who happens to attend; in fact, I think that dilutes the "thank you" reasoning behind the dinner.

You can have as casual and brief a dinner as you want -- however, if you are asking your attendants and VIPs to show up for a rehearsal, the night should end with you hosting a full meal -- casual, or otherwise.

Oh, and someone can stay behind to set up. Really, these rehearsals are not necessary -- but they've become customary. Everything you and your attendants/VIPs need to know can be imparted in a few minutes on the day of the wedding. I've seen it done.

I don't think so at all! We have the same situation, Thursday night rehearsal and nowhere reasonable close by. If I had the option to have it at a house and have a low key dinner I would! They'll get the full treatment the next night so I wouldn't worry about it, everyone is gonna be anxious to probably eat and leave and get ready for the next day anyway!

If you can get a catered sandwich tray (think Jimmy John's or Subway), that sounds fine! As long as everything is prepared and refrigerated properly prior to being served, I don't see much of a problem. If you are trying to stay quick and simple, you could also just order pizza to be delivered. RDs don't have to be fancy, just properly prepared and served in a timely manner to reduce the risk of anyone getting sick. Good luck!

As long as you are providing some kind of professionally made food (hence the "dinner"), it's fine! That's not tacky it's just laid back. I honestly think we're gonna have a catered BBQ style dinner in my FMIL's back yard.

It sounds kind of rushed. I wouldn't really look forward to sandwiches, but that's just me. I think sandwiches are so plain and boring. That being said if I was invited I would still go, but I wouldn't be excited about the food.

Definitely fine, I second the Jimmy's or Subway trays, those are quick, easy, and fairly affordable. We're doing salad, pizza, & adult beverages at a local pub near our venue. We wanted to keep it easy and not make it a huge production for the night before, I think people are gonna want to get home and relax and get a decent night sleep before.

Another option besides catered sandwiches, if you want hot food, is to order a bunch of pizzas from somewhere.

I agree low key is fine.

My only thing is, I think of cold-cut sandwiches made from a "fast" joint like Subway or Jimmie Johns and I think: food poisoning. Go with pizza. When in doubt, choose cooked food.

Sorry, I'm a pessimist

Last RD i went to was more casual and I really enjoyed it. Not tacky at all!

I've been in two weddings, and both had rehearsals. One was sandwich trays and the other was pizza. Both were perfectly lovely! Just some close friends sharing a meal during "the calm before the storm." Honestly, I wouldn't have wanted a huge formal dinner--that's what the wedding day is for.

Sandwiches and a low-key gathering would be perfectly fine with me! I'd look forward to sandwiches over pizza, but that's just me.

Perfectly fine, especially since you're considering your guests' time (and their children!). Like PP's idea of pizza too!

I think as long as you are feeding them you are fine!

Sounds perfect!

Not tacky, sounds great!

That's what most RDs around here are like. I've only been to one at a restaurant and it was awkward. I prefer the house party ones.

It sounds fine to me...we are all busy trying to get wedding things done and still go about our daily lives. I'm not planning anything fancy, and I don't care what someone else might think is plain or boring as someone else mentioned, it's a free meal for them to come and essentially run over everything. Go for it.

Definitely more than fine. I think it's considerate of your guests to keep it short and sweet. I'm sure they will appreciate it.

I think it's fine; the more casual the better. The next day is a collection of time stamps and a long string of stress, even though it's mostly happy stress. Don't make the rehearsal dinner into a stand alone event.

Most people don't even need a rehearsal, honestly. It's walking and standing; if you have a good maitre d or coordinator at your venue, they will shoot you down the aisle in the right order and timing, and your pro officiant will have organized the processional and gone over what to do.

It's not a 'free meal'; it's thanks to these people for taking another night out of their life to essentially be told how to walk and stand.

I would think that's okay!