Can any suggest cheap ideas for a wedding dinner?
Chicken is less expensive than beef or fish.
Pasta is inexpensive, too. You might want to have various green salads, different kinds of pastas, and a couple chicken choices.
We were on a budget and found pasta, whole chickens (instead of breasts), and chunky salads to be very helpful. We also did appetizers like bruschetta and fruit which were filling but awesome.
For protein, chicken would be the cheapest option. You could also so pastas, soups, hams, salads, bruschetta/crostini, goat cheese stuffed dates, and so forth.
Lots on the internet for ideas. Type cheap entrees, cheap appetizers
If it was my wedding, I think I'd opt for a "very veggie" menu. Lots of salads & bean dishes, deviled eggs, fresh-baked breads with salsas, dips, hummus etc. You might consider an "all finger food" menu too. Chicken wings, bite-size pizza squares, meatballs, fondue & bread dippers, mini egg rolls etc etc. There's lots of ways to be creative & healthy without spending an arm and a leg. Takes a bit of research or a very health-minded & creative caterer, but these folks are out there. Another idea? One of my cousins had one of the most memorable wedding receptions I've ever attended - she opted for a catered picnic.
Nothing that will slop, splosh, spill or stain clothing. Pasta with any kind of red sauce should be off the menu.
Some have suggested veggies and you can't do better. I did my sisters revow and had finger sandwiches with the crust cut off (saved for Thanksgiving of course).
This page is about luau wedding rehearsal ideas. A Hawaiian theme gives you wonderful tropical floral decorating and refreshment ideas.
How can I plan a cheap wedding rehearsal dinner?
What would be a fun, nice way to have a rehearsal dinner without breaking the bank?
I'm getting married in May '09 and want to get some cheap ideas for our rehearsal dinner. Should I do it at home or should I pay more and go out?
My son is getting married next month, not much time to save any money. I need some advice on cheap ideas for a wedding rehearsal dinner since we are broke.
I recently attended the wedding rehearsal dinner of my niece that was so wonderful. They had put up a big-screen TV and played a musical show made with pictures of the couple's dating days.
My son will be getting married in early May 2014. He lives on the coast of South Carolina and wants to have a BBQ meal. What type of decorations would be appropriate for a rustic marina type facility right on the water that would be informal yet still present that "wow" factor without breaking the budget?
By Carole
You can't go wrong with mason jars! Depending on what type of "mood" they're going for, try putting in some flowers or other types of filler to coordinate with their colors/theme.
My wedding is in the spring and I have no idea what to do for my rehearsal dinner. I live in Maine so the springtime gets very muddy we are also on a very tight budget :/ Help please!
By Beth S.
Make the rehearsal dinner a pot luck. Have it at somebody's home, even if it is in a garage. Borrow folding tables and chairs or picnic tables. Also limit the people that will be attending. Just the attendents and the brides and grooms parents.
Reserve tables at a nice restaurant and invite the guests.
Instead of a rehearsal dinner I thought we could have all the family members and wedding party for the meal after the wedding rehearsal. Between the 2 families, if everyone came it would 80 people then add in the pastor, bridesmaids, groomsmen, and maybe dates if they have one.
I am looking for a catered meal for 80 to 100 people that will not cost me an arm and a leg. We were looking at BBQ thinking that would be the least expensive, but I am open to suggestions. The wedding is in July, but I like to plan ahead.
By Ginnie C
My groom and I are paying for every aspect of out wedding. So we are a little strapped for cash when it comes to the rehearsal dinner. I was going to have sandwiches or something at the house.
But we live with members of his family in a cramped house and some of our friends and my family don't feel comfortable at the house. Does anyone have a good idea for what to do in my situation?
By Bridge from Bucks County, PA
If this is in the spring, summer, early fall make reservations for a certain area of a nice park and have a picnic. You could set up things like volley ball, etc. for entertainment. Most cities don't charge for using a park, or if so it is minimal.
My sisters prepared our rehearsal dinner in the church fellowship hall. We had ham salad and chicken salad sandwiches with vegetables and fruit. I'm sure they had pie and desserts, also. It's been 42 years ago! Other places that might be available for little or no charge would be senior citizens halls (some are really nice for events), bowling alley (you provide some snacks and everyone pays for their games and drinks), legion hall, Knights of Columbus halls, etc. We are doing a pizza dinner in an historic house. We are preparing everything but the pizza. Hope this helped!
Any ideas for a rehearsal dinner for 50? The bride's parents are having a $20 a plate wedding for 300 people. I hate to look too cheap, but I am on a budget! (It is a summer wedding.)
By Jilly from WI
