rehearsal dinner, what's the point?

We decided not to have a rehearsal dinner. It's money that we can save, being that we are paying for the entire wedding ourselves. But I'm taking my girls out to lunch, to give them there gifts.

One of my bridemaids is causing such a big fuss, saying that we have to have one, it's to thank the bridal party for being in the wedding. Well. that's why we are going to lunch.

What is the prupose of a rehearsal dinner? I need opinions.

There's nothing you "have to" do. If there was such a thing, she could call your future in laws and tell them that they have to throw you a rehearsal dinner (because that is who is "supposed to" pay for it) but.......since we know this isnt the case, try to talk to her one on one without addressing the situation and simply tell her she is causing you addition stress (didnt you just post about the dress nightmare situation?) and you would appreciate if she would drop it. If she doesnt, well, you've learned something about her that might be useful to know. Good luck, Im sure the dress will work out too. Wont that beach relaxation be soooooo pleasurable for your honeymoon?

My GOD, how awful! Try and get as much info from the owner of the shop. Maybe you can get a police report # so you can pass it on to your credit card. Dawn Alesia is right. There are so may places in the city & LI that have great things. Where are you going to be staying? maybe we can all suggest places that you might want to check out.

I think a rehersal dinner is just a dinner after the rehersal because it's typically a time when everyone is hungry, and what better thing to do than plan one in advance and let everyone join??? Some wedding party and family members will be meeting for the first time at the rehersal, so it's just an extention of the rehersal to socialize. It's probably more of a convenience thing rather than some tradition...just my opinion.

Well, our rehearsal took all of 1/2 hour, was somewhat stressful due to our inept coordinator and was very anti-climatic. Considering how far everyone drove to get there - from 15 minutes to 8 hours, it would have been odd to just wave and say thanks for coming. 'Cause it just wasn't my MoH, it was our bridal party, siblings, readers, in-laws, out of town guests etc.....

We paid for our wedding and also for the rehearsal dinner so I know where you're coming from. We did a sit down but you could do an inexpensive Chinese Food Buffet at your favorite rest.

Or simply invite the folks back to someone's house (yours, inlaws) for coffee and cake. It kinda rounds out the evening and does provide a nice environment for everyone to chat. It was one of my nicest memories and I'm glad I did it.

Have the dinner beforehand, or just have desert (cake/coffee) afterwards since a full dinner that late may be too heavy before bedtime :-)