REHEARSAL DINNER: Everything You NEED to Know

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[@rarcos117]

Can you talk about day after wedding brunches?

[@lizzyl-k5396]

I second that request please!

[@sadieneal2156]

I 3rd that lol

[@greciiaor]

Yes please!!!

[@mizzjamie82]

Yes, trying to figure that out now!

[@saraimmich4463]

Yessss!!!!

[@Housewarmin]

I find that rehearsal dinners are the best time for all the in laws to meet each other. The aunts, cousins, and grandparents, can actually meet the other sides of the family. It’s very awkward to be at a wedding, and not even know who the Brides brother is. Also, if you have family who doesn’t see each other often, its a good reunion.

[@sdarling6518]

I think, the sooner the better. The the rehearsal dinner is very last minute and better for catching up, not meeting.

[@vanessacabello71]

Great point!

[@ForeverFashionGirl21]

@@sdarling6518 but cousins or aunts who live far away may not be able to meet other cousins and aunts- ya know?

[@ellie.preston]

I’m 17 and definitely not getting married any time soon, but these videos are so addictive 😂

[@jtoland2333]

Your time will come, and it's fun to daydream!

[@cattherat-ss4kv]

same, but my entire wedding is planned in detail lmao

[@internaljewels]

I’m not getting married anytime soon, but I still find myself watching your videos a lot😂😂

[@chanisegoldston3826]

Jewels I don’t even have a boyfriend 😩 but I’m always here for Jamie!! 💕

[@khaysimone2288]

Cha’Nise Goldston Same 😂 I’m planning ahead lmao

[@garrulus3399]

This knowledge will be gold for our friends who are actually getting married haha :)

[@mariettaherrera8778]

Can we get a video on guest attire. My fiancé and I where invited to a wedding and it’s semi formal and we disagreed on what constitutes as semi-formal?

[@sdarling6518]

m.kzbin.info/www/bejne/rIavhYOkqrOZr5I Semi formal

[@lexythompson9131]

were actually doing a rehearsal brunch since our rehearsal is in the morning. brunch typically has a lower cost per head than dinner at a restaurant. were also only doing couple, parents, siblings, wedding parties, and grandparents

[@dakotamcnair6332]

Could you talk about the wedding processional? I am so confused on how this works

[@hasanshanelle3765]

My husband and I are planning on having our rehearsal dinner at a bowling ally (thanks COVID for postponing). We are both competitive and so are our friends and family. So have a little competition and pizza, we are a little weird haha

[@katiem.kermashek861]

i loveeee this idea!

[@ToastyWaifu]

Ah! This is such an amazing idea!

[@DaysOfSodaAndLantana]

Cool idea!

[@jtoland2333]

That's awesome 😎

[@charitykennedy4020]

Love this idea!

[@TEWMUCH]

I would add that the rehearsal dinner serves as an ice breaker too! The wedding party and families can meet and mingle and they will be less uncomfortable to have to do things with each other in a high stakes moment the next day. it's a time to relax a little before the seriousness of the ceremony. just good quality time for everyone involved.

[@TJAG4evr]

THANK YOU Jamie for always making it clear that a wedding doesn't always mean bride and groom. It is so frustrating to plan a wedding and feel like my wife to be and I are an "exception." I love how inclusive your channel is. Thank you thank you thank you

[@vanessacabello71]

I know the truth makes people feel very uncomfortable these days, but I want you to know the truth; because it's better to hear the truth than believe a lie. We have a savior, Jesus Christ, who died for the sins of the world. God made you and loves you and wants you to know the truth of His love. God designed man and woman, and marriage, which unites both. I'm a sinner just like the next person, and I know people are just looking for love, whatever form it comes in. So there's no finger wagging from me. But you need to know that God has a better way. I don't know whether that means being single or married, but the Devil deceives those looking for love, that it doesn't matter who you love, that another person can make us happy. But only God's son can give us that fulfillment. I hope you will believe and trust in Him, and find "the peace that surpasses all understanding."

[@youtubeaccount-yr6hb]

So traditionally there's an engagement party, a bridal shower, a bachelorette party, a rehearsal dinner and a reception...that's a lot of parties. I have no intention of ever having a wedding but these videos have been educational.

[@whitneystephens6717]

One piece of advice I didn’t hear you mention is formality of the dinner. We went casual (BBQ restaurant) for our rehearsal dinner since everyone was coming in from out of town and we didn’t want people to have to worry about packing a second formal outfit.

[@caitlinfoster9508]

I think BBQ rehearsal dinners are gaining popularity and are not as formal as they used to be.

[@beachtopeakrunning]

We held the “Tomorrow We Do” BBQ at a park that was steps from our wedding chapel. It was perfect because almost all of our guests were from out of town, even several from out of country. It was the perfect chance for me to meet my husband’s Canadian family in a relaxed, casual atmosphere. My only regret is that we did do some of the cooking ourselves for this event. I wish I had just ordered all the food, because Jamie is right, there is a lot going on in a 72 hour period.

[@TatianaVictoria]

I'm a newly engaged bride (so weird to finally say that!) and I have to rewatch ALL of your videos now! My mom wants my rehearsal dinner to be a mini family reunion and I'm not mad at it at all. Especially since both sides (my fiance and I) have huge families and not everyone has met each other yet.

[@elliealdrich7376]

I’d love to hear your thoughts on toxic wedding culture!

[@nadiadansani2139]

Examples????

[@katieakin1091]

My friend is getting married this Saturday (August 8th). They already got their marriage licenses and I think did everything June 6th (their initial wedding date). Saturday is the actual ceremony and everything. I’m excited 😊

[@brookemckenzie1862]

Can you touch on family breakfast/brunch the day after the wedding?

[@monicahamm3353]

Our Bride and Groom were doing a budget wedding..... tacos and pizza and it was an amazing wedding. Antiochian Orthodox, and so intimate and personal and full of love...... but for the rehearsal dinner, we wanted to a) show our love b) give a huge present to the wedding party, and c) do something different...... so we went to a local French Provencial Restaurant and they created a 4-course food and wine special menu for our rehearsal dinner (they do "wine dinners twice a month on average for vineyards hocking their wines)...... for the wedding party and all the out-of towners....... and it was amazing. the room was beautiful, the food was amazing, the service was spectacular...... it was expensive.... about $100/person for 30 people, but we didn't mind the cost or the upcharge for bar drinks during "happy hour" and it was a fabulous dinner for everyone to relax and get pampered with bougie food and to have a good time before the wedding. Can't recommend enough to think outside the box and plan a fun, relaxing rehearsal dinner before the main event the next day.

[@leslieh5099]

Oohh! You should do a video on Wedding Websites :D What needs to be included? What can be excluded? Etc

[@lakb45]

I wouldn’t have missed our chance to have a rehearsal dinner. It was a warm, intimate family moment. We had a small buffet at a local restaurant where we ate a lot anyway, so they gave us a great price break. The wedding was rushed and loud and busy, where the rehearsal and dinner actually gave us family and friend time.

[@joanbogdanski5575]

I absolutely LOVE her making a point to say tradition doesn't matter. We are the opposite of traditional and these videos give me ammo against people who won't let go

[@thevent8059]

Jamie I’ve been here since the beginning & WOW 80k insane! That’s amazing ❤️❤️❤️❤️ love you girl!

[@laurendaniels6817]

This series has been super helpful, thank you!

[@Wnry_Rckbe11]

Its like you know what I have coming up next on my wedding to do or dont list! Thank you for your videos! They are seriously super helpful & reassuring 😊

[@WildBunchMediaInc]

Thank you for educating me on all things wedding and all things JW videos - letting those ads play through fully now as a way to give back to you for producing all this stellar content!

[@lilykimberlyflowersinwestc1631]

I literally was looking for a video like this and you posted it! Thanks!

[@padi2821]

You’re amazing! Thank you so much for these invaluable and entertaining videos! It helps a lot with my wedding planning, and not to mention, I ENJOY watching them

[@LatinaMami898]

I've been married for almost a year and I still love watching your videos!

[@karlavalliere1282]

Thank you for this! Like many couples this year, my husband and I had to postpone due to covid19 (our new celebration date is July4th 2021) and decided to have a cozy city hall wedding in San Diego. We are looking foward next year and cannot wait for a lot of our families to meet (he is from the East coast). Tbh, after all the sadness and stress of postponing, I can finally find myself back to your videos and what a sweet treat! Thank you for thinking of us all and keeping the good content!!

[@dizzydreamer92]

I love your videos!! I’m not getting married for a while- 14 months- but you’ve been so helpful in my planning 💜

[@TheLilbuggie]

Loooove Jamie for all of my wedding planning support! Rehearsal dinner was a big stress and we simplified it beautifully. Wedding party and minimal family only, southern BBQ and friends let us use their house. Simple low key. Listen to Jamie do what works for you!!!

[@evangelinabalcioni9296]

I’m recently engaged, and I’ve been watching your videos about 6months before that even happened. Your videos help so much! It’s making me feel a little bit less stressed.

[@hopekimber4771]

I was literally asking my mom earlier for her thoughts on rehearsal dinners earlier today XD Thanks for the video!!

[@marylut6077]

Greatly appreciate that you addressed small wedding that won’t have a rehearsal, thus various options open up for day before wedding

[@Annie-vg3zq]

If this pandemic has taught us anything, it’s to be more financially responsible. Skip the rehearsal dinner. You’re already having your wedding the next day, and that’s what’s truly important. ❤️

[@26Bluegb]

If you do a casual one (wedding party only with pizza) it's not expensive, but a great way to relax all together before the craziness of the big day starts.

[@7razjaz]

I’m getting married September 12th and I feel like I’ve been watching you since I got engaged April 6th of 2019. Your videos have been very helpful to me. I did hire a full service planner so I have been in great hands every step of the way. But your videos about planning in this pandemic were definitely comforting. Thank you for what you do! I know I’m not the only one who appreciates what you do. And our rehearsal dinner is another excuse for us to party at this point 😂

[@jenniferpalmer2252]

Absolutely love the videos and got my best friend hooked too!

[@victoria_engman]

Welcome to AUSTIN!!!!! :D Happy to see you guys settling in!

[@HalleluYahfarm]

I loved this video! Before I watched this (I’m actually a non traditional bride with both traditional and non traditional twists on my wedding day) I had actually talked to my fiancé and while our reception will be simple elegance we decided to have a relaxed and fun rehearsal dinner! We are holding the rehearsal in our church the ceremony will take place in and the dinner to follow is informal taking place in the multipurpose room of our church and we’re having pizzas and beer! Just a fun little relaxed dinner party!

[@leynapaul4390]

In the haitian community, we don't do rehearsal dinner. We just have a barbecue the day before at someone's back yard and it is everyone that is invited to the wedding. A time for everyone to get to know each other.

[@jenweatherwax7113]

Can you do a video about reliably finding wedding dresses that are used, rental, and when sales are?

[@pothosplant5187]

Yes! So helpful! Thank you Jamie! Also, could you sometime do a video on picnic receptions? Planning on trying to keep everything cheap. Love your stuff!

[@ZainabHabib]

This would be great. I've been looking at this as an option too so that we can distance more easily

[@missselina973]

Love your videos, great information....👌💯💛

[@KelG]

This was super helpful, thanks!

[@chainsnroses1193]

My cousin had a pizza party at the community lounge of their apartment! Super casual! Instead of toasts they had a PowerPoint presentation abt the couple

[@sheilak.2001]

We don't do rehearsal dinners where I'm from (Indonesia), but I still find myself watching this lol!

[@rachjade8785]

Rehearsal dinners are not very common here in the UK but I really like the idea of having family members that haven’t met before meeting before the wedding to not have any awkwardness on the day. I want to have a bbq with just family and our wedding party the day before but have it at lunchtime so that the evening can be really chill and I can just have a pamper evening the night before.

[@Lmoviexoxo12]

lol. These videos are all coming at a perfect time for me. Mine is in 3 weeks

[@SjofnBM1989]

Our rehearsal dinner was 20 people. Bridal party, bridal parties spouses and our parents and we did a casual grazing table type deal. My best friend did a beach BBQ for hers because she got married at her family cottage so the Rehersal dinner was just her Dad firing up the grill and cooking steaks and burgers.

[@kristinaerickson2353]

For my friends wedding the bridal party stayed at a cabin. The grooms parents grilled for us the night before it was super casual and fun

[@francisbarker1328]

Can we get a video for people planning a wedding with no family

[@elitzalozada4794]

Hi!! I’m new here ! Silly question hahah. Is the master plan just for couples? Or would it work for wedding planners/coordinators to keep for references? Love love love your channel 💛

[@ashleyoverholt449]

I like the ideas of having my REHEARSAL Dinner, at a bar, with just family, and my Bridal party.

[@TiBunCosplay]

We're planning to just toss something on the grill at my in-law's house just to feed everyone who showed up for rehearsal and helping to set up the venue (we'll get an hour to get started on that the day before) Super casual, no speeches, just some time to wind down a bit after running around doing work and get some food in us. (My in-laws live only 5 min from the venue. The venue is in the countryside so it'd take longer having to drive into town and with the post-covid closing times of restaurants in our area, there would only be McD's and Taco Bell (drive thru only on both) available if we wanted to eat out. by the time we're done with the rehearsal.)

[@AbigailMay]

Can you do a video about the rehearsal? I'm in a pickle where I can't get the space the day before the wedding because of another event happening at my venue and they typically don't let people rent out the space during the week. What are some options for a rehearsal? Especially when there are members of the wedding party coming from out of town the day before.

[@amykjaimes]

Hey Jamie, what happens if someone objects at a wedding? Have you ever seen it happen? I’ve been watching novelas and I just realized almost every novela I watched has someone objecting a wedding 😂 #drama

[@alexisg7644]

You could always have that sentence not be said lol

[@alyssacowan5050]

These are reddit stories so take them with a grain of salt... kzbin.info/www/bejne/hZWkc4tnmbmBi8U&ab_channel=Updoot

[@jtoland2333]

The only reason it's included is to ask if both parties are legally able to marry. Are they both single? Are they related? Ect. It's not supposed to be a time for anyone to voice any personal objections.

[@Selahree]

we can't afford a rehearsal dinner or rehearsal.. what do folks do instead?

[@staceyk2274]

@@Selahree order pizza and hang out!

[@Sneaky_Snail_Pie_02]

My fiance and I are doing a small wedding, but I still want to know anything he and I could possibly need to for planning so I really like your videos.

[@jenniferwindham3670]

Would like to hear your suggestion for when the venue is only available for rehearsal the morning before your wedding. I thought about brunch afterwards but the wedding day is so busy already.

[@sugarbabies3]

Am I the only one who thinks she looks like Jamie Lynn Spears?

[@user-gh8sl7iu3y]

Any recommendations on 1) gifts - parents to bride and/or groom and bridesmaids& groomsmen. 2) toasts, what to say inspiration

[@MHSMagicLuver]

Our rehersal is at 11am the day before (Saturday) so we are going to have a rehersal lunch for family and bridal party. Not out of town because most are out of town. Instead.. I’ll probably pick a place that if anyone wants to come for dinner, they can but I’ll make sure people know that won’t be paid for (I’m spending about 30k on the actual wedding which doesn’t include rings, rehearsal lunch, or honeymoon).

[@hannahstephenson7572]

i mean isn’t the wedding basically about the guests having fun and that’s why we already spend tens of thousands of dollars?

[@stephanie.f22]

Semi-unrelated... Are rehearsals necessary for someone like me who won't have a wedding party and is walking down the aisle alone.... I can't image what I need to even rehearse besides the speed of my walking (which I can do anytime/anywhere as long as I know the length of the aisle lol)

[@dg_71994]

Great question!

[@SamNumberOneFan]

Very good question. I can't imagine that would be necessary but if you're not sure about the pace of your walk to the music, you might want to just get an estimate of the distance of walk down the aisle & practice that.

[@SjofnBM1989]

Depending on the venue it could be figuring out where you're supposed to wait. When to start/stop where you go after the recessional etc.

[@jenj1221]

My brother’s wedding had no rehearsal-no wedding planner, etc. to save costs. There was no flower girl,no bridal, but ring boy (brother’s son). It was a HOT MESS and this was a small wedding (25ppl). I can say they needed it! I never knew the importance of it until the moment happened in real time. The following occurred: 1) everyone saw the bride before she walked the isle 🤦🏽‍♀️ 2) coordination-nobody knew the time order or when to start the wedding. My father flickered the lights on and off screaming to cue In the music and everyone was lost. This started arguments, people getting off their chairs, and asking for managers. **I tell you a mess. It took away from intimacy and nobody was into it. 3) they did not know where to stand when saying their vows. They were lost/nervous and stood on the other side of the room past the arch. 4) almost no speech-For dinner no one knew how to direct people and the hours flew so fast almost no speeches were done. My cousin fit one in last second, and when I wanted to chime in it was “cake” time. 5) DJ was lost as everyone. He didn’t know what music to play and kept asking my brother. This messed with their dance and done seconds before that speech. Honestly so many things went wrong but of course we all made the best of it and still had a wonderful time. It was truly amazing even with its messes. 💕 with that said I learned what I do want in my wedding and the importance of a rehearsal /day of coordination (don’t trust the venues coordinator they are more worried about the food). I’m personally putting asides a budget for planner-day of coordination- rehearsal dinner (pizza) and a good photographer.

[@marylut6077]

Thanks for discussing small wedding without a rehearsal, but would you please offer ideas if not doing the event at dinnertime after a rehearsal?

[@erikamiller8075]

Thank you Jamie! This was so helpful. Question for you or anyone in the comments - my wedding is on a Friday evening (ceremony at 6) and all family and wedding party members live about an hour away. All are planning to spend the night after the wedding but I don’t want to make them stay the night before the wedding by having a rehearsal dinner at/near the ceremony location. So 2 questions: 1. Do you see any issue with holding the rehearsal and rehearsal dinner the week before. And 2. Can I just have the rehearsal anywhere, aka closer to home, if it’s a non-religious ceremony at a garden at the reception venue?

[@emilyhawkins8126]

I get married this Saturday (08/08) thank you so much for this !!!

[@katiem.kermashek861]

We had the tap room at a local brewery booked and they offered catering with a private patio. Then COVID. We're now opting for a much more casual and smaller dinner at a little bar and grill. Not what I had in mind but I had to reality check myself and ask, who is going to remember where we had the rehearsal dinner 10 years from now?

[@leniqueschreuder3584]

We in South Africa do not do Rehearsal Dinners, however was a fun video. God Bless

[@brookemckenzie1862]

Yep. Nowhere near marriage...but I’m hear for it ALL😍

[@catherinewhitehead8839]

I'm quite a traditional bride, but I don't see the point of this, or a bridal shower. Is anyone else in the same boat as me?

[@ceilinastardom3322]

Were doing the rehearsal/dinner at the location and just order Pizza because our venue is on a farm at my friends house. Just an idea if people are doing something similar! :)

[@LeauxB]

We are actually having a rehearsal BRUNCH before our rehearsal (more cost effective for us and gives us time to take official "engagement" photos after rehearsal). My groom's parents haven't offered to pay for anything other than the cake (I found the cheapest one) and the photo/videographer. I am so grateful to have the mom that I have (and to be the only child) because although she has to pay for almost EVERYTHING, she's been so graceful throughout the entire stressful process.

[@mp8129]

Maybe they didn’t have a lot of money 🤔 and photo/videographer is between $10-15K, the cake is $2K and up, so in total they paid a lot. You instead of appreciating this you are complaining…I feel sorry for your parents in law that they have such materialistic person in their family now.

[@moniqueescorpiso3396]

I love your videos! I wish I could watch them in an orderly manner on how I should plan my future wedding.. 💕 thank you for all your great tips and advice!

[@valeriecarmichael660]

Rehearsals dinners to me seem exhaustive. My fiancé is an introvert, which means being around many people is draining for him. Putting him in this setting the day before the wedding would be like running 100km before the actual marathon

[@jtoland2333]

What do you think about doing a potluck for the rehearsal dinner? We aren't terribly formal people, it's a small wedding (less than 100), and I think we'll cut down the stress factor if we just use the church's kitchen and dining hall immediately following the rehearsal. Jamie, would this be a bit too down home for the occasion?

[@oliviakennedy4448]

Can you do a video about the cost difference between having a wedding on Friday, Saturday, Sunday or Monday? I’m super open to a Sunday or Monday wedding if it allows us to get more within our budget but I hear and read many negative comments about Monday weddings. Can you talk about this/create a video? Thank you so much!

[@malissaveroniprince1668]

I read in some cultures it may be viewed as bad luck ☹

[@christyp3853]

Hey just wanted to point out that at least for me, the song in the outro was VERY loud. Still an amazing video. Thank you Jamie 😊

[@Sophia-nz9vo]

I love your videos! I would love if you would do a series of covid down scaling your wedding. Due to covid I am having to down scale my already paid for wedding. It's going from 150 people in a venue that holds 300 to 25 in the same venue. I would love for you to go over. How to deal with gifts you got from people who are now not invited, how to send out "uninvited letters", ways to make a little wedding special for the ladies/gentes who never wanted to elope, covid bridal shower/bachelorette ideas, ect

[@lianamaeraguini3960]

Can you please talk about hotel weddings? How charges go and stuff

[@alexisg7644]

Some will be inclusive, some won't be.. Some will be a few thousand for everything and others like $20,000. In all the venue shopping we did, we found that places we judged as being affordable options before seeing pricelists turned out to be out of budget. This probably didn't help much, but just ask a lot of questions because none of the places will be the same for costs.

[@mellie3337]

Wow this stuff is crazy! No wonder weddings can be so expensive. We don’t do rehearsals here thank goodness

[@TheresaPagnozzi]

Our rehearsal was tonight lol

[@janehaefner9438]

Hi Jamie, love your videos. Mom of groom-to-be here. Who do we invite if everyone who is coming to the wedding is from out of town? About 100 wedding guests and my rehearsal dinner count is 40+ so far if I invite all bride’s family. Help please.

[@missprincesslaura12]

How would you do wedding drinks if the groom’s parents don’t agree with drinking but most of the attendees enjoy having a drink or two - or are welcome drinks just like a more relaxed version of a rehearsal dinner?

[@Mariemendoza13]

Many people have been mentioning traditions to me and it’s interesting because I don’t like half of wedding traditions. I only want a bridal shower and a bachelorette party. Personally I’m very close to my fiancés family so I honestly don’t feel much need for a rehearsal dinner. I honestly just want everyone to meet up for an hour to practice rehearsal. Idk to me it just seems like an extra unnecessary cost.

[@troyhenry3267]

My daughter is getting married Jun 1. She's knee deep in the planning stages right now. She wants her rehearsal dinner event to be more on the formal side,, so I wanted to ask you if you have any videos you've made on attire/suit recommendations for the father of the bride rehearsal dinner?

[@mramos191]

Do you invite the bridal partys' significant other and children if they are not in the wedding?

[@kellij91]

We had dinner at a really nice local restaurant. We invited our families, and the wedding party but told everyone that it was up to them to pay for their dinner/drinks so if they didn't want to come we understood

[@kellij91]

I'll also add that my aunt threw us a cookout with both of our families, the wedding party, plus some a few days before the wedding so they already had been fed once

[@b1con411]

Ooh what is the outro song?

[@valerielinares2068]

Jaime, I appreciate this video. I have a question though. Say a couple is having their wedding on a Sunday. Say also, they want to have their rehearsal on the previous Saturday. Since it is highly unlikely for them to do the rehearsal on the venue property because they're probably be having a wedding at the time, would it be possible, or what do you think of the couple having the rehearsal at a different location, even though they're not getting married at that location? To say it a different way: Say the couple is getting married on a pecan grove at an outdoor venue on a Sunday. BUT, on the Saturday before, their venue is hosting a different wedding. So, could the couple just have their rehearsal somewhere else just for the rehearsal? Like, at their church, a local park, someone's backyard? Or, would you recommend the couple use the venue for their rehearsal? Thanks! 😊

[@whitneystephens6717]

I’d like to offer an alternate option since this was my scenario too (Sunday wedding). We did the rehearsal Saturday morning at the venue, well before the other Saturday event started. We had to plan things a little different then for timing so what we did is split the bridal party and groom’s party and went to two different lunch reservations after the rehearsal (communicated this was self-paid), then did a standard rehearsal dinner at a restaurant that night. It worked out beautifully, gave us each some extra time with our closest friends, and kept the lunch reservation size reasonable (12 people or so including dates). It also allowed me to have a brunch setting and the guys went for burgers and beers. Highly recommend doing it this way if it works for your venue!

[@thebinapt23]

Newly engaged and had no idea that gifts for the in-laws were a thing. I'm glad I know now but what are typical gifts? If anyone has suggestions, I'm all ears!

[@jamie8999]

BUY GIFT CARDS!!!! My mom gave us a good amount of money to help us pay for our wedding so my fiancé’s parents wanted to do the rehearsal dinner, so we sat down and chose a restaurant that we all really love and since we figured it out so far in advance, my soon to be in laws have been buying $50 gift cards to that restaurant like twice a month so that when the dinner comes around we have all of those gift cards instead of dropping a big payment on it or putting it on a credit card! We are going to have the restaurant cater and we are just gonna host the party in our apartment complex party room to be more intimate so we’ve been slowly buying sodas, alcohol & nice quality paper plates etc! The sooner you plan the better!!

[@courtneyguevara334]

Do you have a video specifically on speeches. How to organize, length, who says them, etc. ?

[@dominiquegarcia5764]

Not a wedding planner but at my wedding, my MIL without telling anyone added her brother and her friend to the speeches on our wedding night. It took an hour to get through all the speeches. Communicate to all your family about who is speaking. I think I originally wanted best man, matron of honor, and parents to speak and I gave them 2-3 min time limit.

[@courtneyguevara334]

Dominique Garcia that helps! Thank you

[@Rue367]

I want to redo my entire wedding weekend including the ceremony 😞

[@sabrinahernandez6713]

Hey Jamie, could you please do a video on wedding dress alterations. For example how much should I pay, what should I expect them to offer in a package. Do all tailors expect you to pay full price upfront. Also do you have any recommendations where to go or who to do the alterations in southern california. I ask this because I just bought my dress last week off the rack (thank you for the tip) and it saved me 25% (but it was still a little pricey) and the bridal salon said that I had a week to decide if I wanted to do the alterations with them to receive the "discounted rate". They said the alterations had to be paid in full before my first fitting and it was going to be more than $1,500 and thats already more than 30% of what I paid for my dress. Am I being ripped off? I don't want to skimp on the quality but I'm hoping if theres some places just a tad cheaper

[@dominiquegarcia5764]

I’m not from southern CA but I think $1500 is really overpriced. I paid $500 for mine but I lived in Cleveland OH. My sister did order her dress and had her alternations from a salon somewhere in LA. She had a negative experience with the alternations specialist at the salon, they wouldn’t listen to what she wanted. I would look at reviews and shop around. My $500 alternations included 3 fittings. I didn’t have them steam my dress since I was traveling with my dress to my wedding. Hope this helps !

[@veronica.gv.]

I think you could definitely find a more alternative shop to make your alteration. Usually bridal stores will charge that much for your dress because they do it in house. I didn't buy a bridal dress, mine is considered a prom dress so I paid $60 for my alteration. Here in Socal

[@alexisg7644]

That sounds like a rip off if a price. Unless you have a mind blowing expensive gown! When I bought my gown, I was told to save $400 for alterations that she would do. This includes a built in bra and stuff to hold it all perfect. A little bit of adjustment to make it hug the top of my butt without a ripple, and cutting some length off because im 5'4

[@katiegibson1102]

HELP! We are really close to the wedding and can't afford a "traditional" rehearsal dinner. We were going to have it at a brewery or winery but we can't afford to feed everyone. What do we call it and how do I stop feeling guilty for not taking on that expense?

[@bridgetteblueeyesandgoodvi3853]

I'm still confused what is a rehearsal ? Aka the rehearsal dinner... Like the final say about what will happen the next day like a plan?

[@elizabethj1303]

We really don't want to do a rehearsal dinner. We would so much rather do a day after brunch. But my fiance's parents are absolutely insisting and basically inviting the entire guest list, they're insisting it be at a venue, and insisting it be before the wedding...so we're basically having two weddings. Our wedding is 6 months away and this is the thing that's stressing me out the most.

[@marissagutierrez4997]

Can you skip a rehearsal dinner?

[@dominiquegarcia5764]

Planning my rehearsal dinner was more stressful than my wedding. My MIL didn’t want to plan it, and told us TWO weeks before our wedding that she invited 20 people to the rehearsal dinner and 8 people to the wedding. Were the 20 people out of town guests or in the wedding party? NO. It was the only time I flipped out in the whole wedding process. I’m obviously still mad about it

[@twinchipuppy]

Thank you for all the videos, however I have a question about the rehearsal dinner. I am giving my wedding party a plus one because I’m doing a destination wedding, so they can make it into a vacation with their partner. Do I need to invite their partner to rehearsal dinner, technically they don’t need to be at the rehearsal, but also weird to say plus one is not invited to rehearsal dinner.

[@malissaveroniprince1668]

Great question. If you don't want them there and there is a lot could they have a fun trip to do during that time?