dinner the night prior to the wedding

#1 bdesatnik

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Posted 01 August 2025 - 04:49 PM

I read one of your postings RE: prewedding dinner the night before the wedding, and it said that was not proper etiquette, why?
We too have 150 people coming to a wedding in a city where none of the guests actually live. The bride and groom do not want a big event the night prior. They want separate small dinners the night prior, and either nothing for the other guests or a small dessert reception. Is this proper not to feed dinner to the people who are coming in from out of town? If so, what else can the groom's parents do to contribute to the celebration? Please advise.

Thank you.

This post has been edited by TWQadmin: 03 August 2025 - 09:40 AM

#2 Wedding Queen and MOG

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Posted 03 August 2025 - 09:43 AM

The rehearsal dinner the night before the wedding is typically just for those who need to rehearse. Sometimes, as I'm sure you've read in many previous posts in this category, out of town guests may be invited. This depends on what the couple want, how many guests, who is hosting, etc. Please get together with the bridal couple to decide who can be invited to the rehearsal dinner.

#3 Nancy Tucker

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Posted 03 August 2025 - 10:01 AM

I totally agree that the rehearsal dinner is for those involved in the ceremony and their significant others. I have, however seen a dinner for the rehearsal followed by a simple cocktail party for the out of town guests. This way you have included them without breaking the bank. The groom's parents can host this as well as the rehearsal dinner if they so desire.

#4 Etiquette Now

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Posted 03 August 2025 - 01:46 PM

Agreed. And, I do like the idea of some sort of gathering for out of town guests.

The reasoning behind not hosting a dinner for most of the guests is that it could appear to be a reception, which isn't polite before the wedding and is then a prewedding party. Prewedding parties could be viewed as gift giving events. Guests are confused and they could bring gifts. This isn't fair to them, plus...very confusing.

So, it is best that if the couple wishes for you to host a get together, to make sure your guests know that it is a gathering to honor and thank them for making the trip.