I searched the forum for this topic but most of what I found was about whether or not to have one at all, so forgive me if I've missed something! FI's family is starting to plan the rehearsal dinner. Originally they planned to invite all guests. Our guest list is 145 people, and based on verbal responses, we are expecting about 95 to show up. (I know people may back out, but looking at this list, it is really mostly close family and close friends, so I'd be shocked if we ended up with any fewer than 80.) While I really want to show all of our guests a good time, I don't think they should feel like they have to invite everyone to the rehersal dinner, especially if they're doing something on the more formal side. It would be different if we were talking about excluding 10 guests, but it's the difference between 30 people (assuming we invite our entire families, in the wedding or not) and 80-95 people. Thoughts? I mentioned doing welcome cocktails or something like that instead, but then you have the awkward part where the family/wedding party leaves and everyone else stays. I really think if they want to include everyone, just doing something causal is fine. Hoping you guys can give me some feedback. Thanks!