Is a Welcome Dinner expected?

[abbypoo]

I have seriously been thinking about a welcome dinner/ rehearsal dinner. I know I want to have a rehearsal dinner, but with such a small wedding (about 40 people), I would feel bad for the people left out. I also know that I want to do OOT bags and having a dinner for everyone would be the easiest way to distribute them, especially if my guests are staying at different hotels. Also, because I'm sure at least a few of my guests are staying at different hotels, I was thinking we could have the rehearsal dinner at a nearby restaurant instead of the AI, which might cut costs a little. Who knows, I suppose it all comes down to what's in the budget!

[Rainfall]

Instead of doing a welcome dinner, i am going to visit each of our guest and hand them the OOT bags. a little more personal.

[staceychris17]

I don't think you need to have one, but you should organize a meeting of drinks the night before. this way you all can get together and finalize details.

[CristiandJamie]

I agree with Staceychris17, we are going to have everyone meet up in the main lobby for drinks then go to dinner. Since we are at a AI resort we plan to make a reservation at one of the restaurants there (but keep it casual that night).

[kerrij]

we aren't having one, but in our welcome bags we are giving everyone mardi gras beads and inviting them to the lobby bar for drinks followed by a night of dancing at the disco our first night. the purpose of the beads is so that everyone will know who else is with our group and be more comfortable to chat it up with them! i didn't want to have to pay for a cocktail hour, and i think this would be more fun!

[mmshaughness]

I'm with you kerrij on not wanting to pay the additional $! We are staying at an AI and are lucky that all guests are staying there as well. We are having everyone meet in the lobby bar for drinks and then we have a reservation at a restaurant at the resort. Pretty casual but should be fun! Great idea on the mardi gras beads! I might take that idea from you

[kerrij]

I found super cheap beads on centurynovelty . com they were sooo cheap! just an FYI incase you steal it! hehehe

[Loveisintheair]

I nver thought about the welcome dinner but it is a great idea. Just a little meet and greet and OOT gifts giveaway.

[AnnaBanana]

I think I read in some magazine that the proper DW "etiquette" is to have some sort of welcome dinner/meeting.

I, personally, plan to have a welcome dinner for guests only because they are traveling so far and spending so much money. I want to let them know that I really appreciate that! Plus, I want to make sure everyone is clear on the wedding day schedule and such.

However! I think it is a matter of preference and if you aren't interested in a welcome dinner, then it's no biggie if you don't have one. I don't think people EXPECT you to have one or anything like that.

[jamisoncollette]

We worked out a deal with our hotel to have an inexpensive welcome "dinner" of Puerto Rican appetizers. We were able to introduce everyone while exposing our guests to typical cuisine they might not otherwise experience. It was fun and there was none of the wedding related jitters yet since it was several days before the wedding. However, if not in your budget it is not mandatory to have.