AboutShannon M Mason Expertise As an accredited Professional Bridal Consultant, I can answer questions involving all aspects of wedding and event planning. From budgets and organization to menus and timelines, each part of the planning process is just as important as the next. Whether you are looking for answers to traditional wedding questions or you want to venture outside the box, ask away! If we don’t have the answer we will find it for you!
Experience I am the owner of New Beginnings Wedding & Event Management and have been planning weddings and events for 13 years. I attend networking and training classes on a regular basis to keep abreast of the latest trends and fashions.
Education/Credentials Professional Bridal Consultant - Association of Bridal Consultants
Expert: Shannon M Mason Date: 4/30/2008 Subject: Rehersal Dinner
Question Hi Shannon,
My fiance and I are getting married in Seattle, but we live in CA. Basically both of our families are having to travel to get to our wedding. For instance my family is coming from Australia and Georgia. His from CA. His parents are only paying for the rehearsal dinner, and my fiance thinks that just the immediate people that are in the wedding should be invited. However I feel that it would be rude to leave my Aunt, Uncle and cousins that traveled all the way from Australia, in a hotel room for the night while we all went out to dinner. He also doesn't think that my to stepbrothers (that are not in the wedding) should be invited. I understand that the list is getting big (about 30 people), but I don't want to hurt anyones feelings. Plus I feel that this is the only thing his family is paying for, why should we have to cut corners on it. What do you think? Thank you.
Answer Brittany:
It appears that your future in-laws are sticking to tradition when it comes to who pays for what as well as who is invited to the rehearsal dinner.
Traditionally, only those people participating in the actual ceremony are included in the dinner. That does include immediate family (so yes on the step brothers) as well as any grandparents who will be attending.
Considering that both sides of the family are traveling to the wedding, to include them all would be like having another reception.
I would suggest sticking to those that are participating in the wedding to be invited to the rehearsal dinner. During that time, perhaps you can arrange with the hotel to have a hospitality suite where the other out-of-towners can get together. After dinner, you can join them. If this isn't reasonable, then speak with some local restaurants and get those guests some coupons for food and attractions.
