Rehearsal dinner - is it absolutely necessary?

I think it would be best if we did a rehearsal. Probably in the evening after people are done work (Our wedding is on a Friday) and can get together somewhere to discuss it all and have dinner and then go to our separate ways. I dont really want to pay for the officiant extra for a rehearsal...

I think it would be beneficial for people to know where they have to go most importantly. Rather than spend time with half the family and then not with others.

We didn't want a rehearsal dinner, but his aunt mentioned having one where everyone pays for themselves and so that is what we did. It was a good way for everyone to mingle and just relax before the big day. However it isn't necessary by any means!

We are having a rehearsal dinner mostly because of our families. We are not doing an actual walk-through rehearsal just a verbal breakdown of where people need to be and when. The dinner is mostly to thank our wedding party and our close family for coming out and helping us.

I feel your pain..... My FH has watched me go thru a few meltdowns already, bless his soul. I have absolutely no idea what I'm doing from one minute to the next (and in all honesty and fairness, neither does he). Keep your focus on the big picture (you and him happily ever after)

We are having a beach destination wedding and we are not having a rehearsal dinner the day or night before. We are having a little rehearsal (say 10 minutes) the day before, but definitely not a a rehearsal dinner. We did give it some thought though and then thought WTF, we are seeing them all day on our Wedding, that's enough

My understanding is that the Rehearsal is for the Wedding Party only (no guests) and the Rehearsal Dinner is more of a "thank you for coming out to practice" as well as an "opportunity for the Wedding Party to meet" before the big day.

In my opinion, it's just another expense and I've got enough to do the night before, like getting my beauty rest Note: we are having a meet and greet a couple of days before with dinner + cocktails (it's a Treasure Hunt and BBQ thing)

Having said all this... I even axed the flower girl.

Now back to your day... is the Best Man's wife part of your bridal party or is she tagging along to things that he's invited to as Best Man.

When you say that you're trying to figure out where to have this thing, why not skip it and let your FH take care of it... if it doesn't happen, let it go. Be happy. It's one less thing to stress out about.

If you have a rehearsal in the afternoon, and the next day is your big day... do you really want to hang with friends and family... or bubble bath and relax? Check with FH, maybe he'd like to stay in, grab a beer and watch football or hockey? Just a thought... or maybe he's done his home work and taken care of everything... I know it's hard but remember "Communication is key" and never assume he's sofa king useless with this stuff..... we all are. It's not easy on us, and we're women... imagine how hard it is for the groom.

So here it is.... chat with FH about his and your thoughts about sharing your precious time the day before with your guests, friends and family and considered the reality that they will both have plenty of time to hang with you at the wedding (cause that is all YOU and FH will be doing... hanging out with them and thanking them for coming).

PS I found this site that really helped me out.

http://www.islands.com/12-destination-wedding-etiquette-questions-answered

Between us, my hotel room would be off-limits but then I'm a bubble bath girl vs my sister who'd rock the house down and host a party.

Check with Martha Stewart... she'll give you the best advise.... she is my go to source.

Best wishes, try to relax and remember that man loves you!

I have 4 weeks to get it all together. Last week I met with the DJ and took care of that. This week it's the photographer. Done! I was going to make my own wedding cake but I've decided to just get Costco's anniversary cake (it's just a decorated slab) and stick my bride and groom on top. Nobody will care anyway! It's way too much for one person to do alone so I'm taking the easier way out. Glad you are too. Doesn't it feel so much better than stressing?

Do what is the least stressful for you. We are not having a rehearsal dinner either. We aren't even having a rehearsal. I'm just telling everyone where they should be and that's it. If you want to, buy a couple of bottles of alcohol and some mix, and let people come and have a drink with you at your hotel room. It's easy, it's not too expensive, and it will be boring for the kids so their parents will probably take them home. Furthermore, having a couple of drinks might be just what you need to relax. There, that's taken care of. Next problem?