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Just Said Yes October 2018

What to call the rehearsal dinner when you're not actually rehearsing?

Courtney, on July 27, 2018 at 1:30 AM Posted in Parties and Events 1 9
We are having a dinner a few nights before our ceremony for the bridal party and close family, but I have no idea what to call it! I've seen this question posted a bunch of times and the suggestions are very cute, but I also have the added problem of not wanting to use the word "wedding".
My husband and I got married at a courthouse almost two years ago because we couldn't afford an actual wedding. Now we can, so we're doing a vow renewal ceremony and reception and having all of those traditional wedding experiences we missed out on the first time. We made a point to not call it a wedding on the invitations because it's technically not. So things like "pre -wedding dinner" or "wedding eve dinner" are super cute, but don't work for us. We're not rehearsing, just giving everyone a chance to actually meet before the big day so I don't want to call it a "rehearsal dinner" and I also don't wasn't it to sound overly formal or stuffy because it's a very laid back event at a pizza parlor.
Can anyone help me out with thinking outside the box and getting a bit creative and cute? My brain is failing me and the best I can come up with is "meet and greet" which even I think is terrible. Help please!!

9 Comments

Latest activity by Maggie, on September 24, 2018 at 1:43 PM
  • earias
    Champion December 2017
    earias ·
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    It's becoming more common now to have a welcome party instead of or in addition to a rehearsal dinner. Could you call it a welcome party?
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  • Caytlyn
    Legend November 2019
    Caytlyn ·
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    I would just call it a welcome party! I don't think that people will focus much on what you call the event. Are you sending out invitations? If not, you won't have to have a name for it. Just let your family and your BP know that you are hosting a dinner to get everyone together and acquainted before the big day!

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  • Rebekah
    Devoted June 2019
    Rebekah ·
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    Marriage celebration?
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  • B
    Super May 2019
    B11 ·
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    I agree with Welcome Party!
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  • S
    Devoted September 2018
    Sarah ·
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    Yes, I was going to say welcome dinner.
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  • MrsD
    Legend July 2019
    MrsD ·
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    Welcome Dinner? Thank You Dinner?

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  • H
    Expert July 2019
    Hannah ·
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    Here the rehursal dinner is also called a grooms dinner (as the grooms family typically hosts it). This is a little more on the wedding side though. Otherwise welcome dinner works too!
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  • ArwenToHisAragorn
    Expert October 2018
    ArwenToHisAragorn ·
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    We're calling it a thank you dinner because it's for the BP and parents/grandparents. FIL's are hosting but we'll be giving gifts out that night.

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  • Maggie
    Champion October 2025
    Maggie ·
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    Hi Courtney! Have you chosen what to call this pre-event dinner? I like welcome party! Smiley shame

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