[groom2be]

I am the groom and my parents have graciously offered to pay for for the rehearsal dinner. The wedding is being held in the bride's area and my family is all coming from out of town. The original invite list for the rehearsal dinner was limited to just those attending the rehearsal. However the restaurant where the dinner is being held has a minimum, and after running the figures, my parents realized that they would either need to add on additional courses to the meal or they could invite my four remaining aunts and uncles to the rehearsal dinner. My parents feel extremely guilty that they do not have the means to be able to do anything or provide anything for the out of town guests and view this is a perfect way to thank them for coming from out of town. The four people have made fairly significant financial sacrifices to come a long way to be at the wedding. My parents feel that they are hosting, so the invite list is up to them, and that there shouldn't be an issue because the bride's aunt and uncles are in their hometown and have a home to eat in that night.

This threw is for a bit of a loop considering we are a month out. The bride is very worried that this could take away from what the rehearsal dinner is supposed to be, a celebration with the people who are participating on that day.

I see both sides of the argument here. What does etiquette dictate? Is it abnormal to have limited out of town guests at the rehearsal?

This post has been edited by TWQadmin: 01 October 2025 - 10:52 AM

[Etiquette Now]

Dear Groom2be,

Out of town guests may be invited, but it does detract from what the party is supposed to be. Plus, it can create an atmosphere of the preferred and the not so. Those who are preferred guests are invited to the rehearsal dinner and those who are not, aren't. It could hurt feelings.

Best wishes,

This post has been edited by Etiquette Now: 04 October 2025 - 10:01 AM