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.
Organizations 21st Century Nuptials, Coordinators Corner, Jacksonville Bridal Association
Education/Credentials Professional Bridal Consultant - Association of Bridal Consultants
Expert: Shannon M Mason Date: 6/21/2008 Subject: Wedding rehearsal dinner
Question I'm the grooms mother I asked the bride-to-be for a head count for the rehearsal dinner. I had a rough count of 30 she came back with 47 she's inviting any and everybody that is involved in the wedding. I had resverations for 30 at a nice restaurant now I can't afford 47. She's having this wedding in the fall so so much for a BBQ at my house. House will not hold 47 people. Any suggestions on how to deal with this.I know I'm suppose to show up and shut up but she has taken over the Honeymoon she had her Dad book (I'm a Travel Consultant). Then sent my son to ask me for money for the Honeymoon. Then she took over who was the groomsmen not letting 2 for my sons best friends he grew up with be in it (they are family). Asking her family. Help I'm so done with this wedding, I'm trying to shut up but my budget will not handle 47 at a nice restaurant HELP.
Answer Shelley:
You need to explain to her that you have a certain amount that you can handle for the rehearsal dinner. Let her know that you have budgeted for only those directly in the wedding party and their spouses/dates. This should include: bridesmaids, groomsmen, parents, grandparents, readers and soloist and the Officiant and his/her spouse.
Let her know that anything above that she will have to pay to have included. If she is concerned about out-of-town guest, then help her obtain gift certificates for local restaurants and malls, etc. Then help her put some gift bags together for the rooms of these guests. This will keep them occupied while you are at dinner.
The best thing for this situation is to be upfront and honest.
As far as the groomsmen, if you son isn't going to fight for what he wants, then don't let it concern you. I know that is harder said than done so I wish you the best of luck.
