Let’s Rehearse Over Meatballs…

Let’s Rehearse Over Meatballs…

August 13th, 2010 @ 12:52 pm by Mrs. Sand Dollar
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In case you were worried I was having a total hick wedding, let me put your fears to bed.

My name is Sand Dollar, and I am having a Redneck Wedding. A no-holds-barred, beer-drinkin’, hell-raisin’, foot-stompin’ good time. There, I said it. It feels good to get it off my chest! Don’t get me wrong, I admire a chic black tie event as much as the next girl. And if my budget (or groom) allowed it, I would probably consider doing things a bit higher-end. But alas, it’s just not in the cards for us. (Have you heard enough clichés yet??)

Case in point:

The Rehearsal Dinner. At first, we had planned on nixing this completely. Neither party on Mr. SD’s side had mentioned hosting, and there was no way on earth I was going to volunteer. Especially when (in my opinion) I don’t think we need to rehearse. We’re all walking down the aisle to one song, no changes. We’re not doing any special seating. And as we’re not doing a first look, we’ll all be lined up together out of sight. Ultimately the men start walking, the ladies follow, then after a good 10 seconds I’ll head down with my parents on each arm. It’s not too complicated! Then, bada bing bada boom! We’re married and heading back up the aisle. What’s there to rehearse?

But knowing FMIL and her crazy-traditional slash-nineties-mindset (we’re talking balloon arches surrounded by fake ivy-covered lattice), she decided we MUST have a rehearsal dinner. At the community civic center. And here’s the catch:

It’s gonna be a potluck. Yes guys. A potluck rehearsal dinner. I don’t think I’ve ever heard of such a thing! Soon enough I will be up to my ears in tulle and plastic bells and Jordan almond strewn centerpieces. Because I’m 99% positive that she will dominate the decor. And you know what? I’m okay with it. This is her big shindig, and I want nothing to do with coordinating it. I’ve basically paid, planned, and orchestrated the entire wedding by my lonesome, and it’s such a relief to hand something over completely. Go ahead! Ask all your friends to make spaghetti, or barbecue meatballs, or pound cake. I don’t care! All I want is for all my wedding party and out-of-towners to be able to come together that evening and carb-load before we slave drive everyone the morning of the wedding to set up. So feel free to stock up on the matzo balls and cream cheese wheels the night before guys, because you’re gonna need it!

Is there any aspect of your wedding where you’re completely hands-off?

Tags: houston, rehearsal |

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22 Responses to “Let’s Rehearse Over Meatballs…”

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Member

jordynrose (message) 6,351 posts, Bee Keeper

It is not a redneck wedding unless your wedding dress is camo print, and we all know yours is not. I have been completely hands off with the rehearsal dinner too, and it has been awesome! All I did was make up some flyers to include in people’s invitations, but that was painless.

8/13/10 @ 1:05 pm (reply)

Member

slicey19 (message) 2,844 posts, Sugar bee

Are out of town guests expected to bring a meal to the pot-luck? I would be so confused if I was traveling to a wedding, staying in a hotel and asked to cook. I think I would bring chips and salsa in the jar. I just see this as a potential problem you may want to consider.

8/13/10 @ 1:14 pm (reply)

Member

mrscurly (message) 32 posts, Newbee

I personally LOVE potlucks! Put a spin on it and have each person bringing a dish also bring the recipe. Then put them all in a special wedding recipe book! Get the book before hand and other guests can write notes and fond memories of the bride and groom!

8/13/10 @ 1:20 pm (reply)

Member

Rocktsrgn (message) 494 posts, Helper bee

Assuming that only local guests are asked for dishes, I think this is awesome! I wanted a pot-luck wedding, but was outvoted by my mom and husband. Of course, it was in Georgia. But I did end up handing over the entire rehearsal dinner to my husbands sister and mom, and it was GREAT to be so hands off with something.

8/13/10 @ 1:21 pm (reply)

Guest

Rachel S.

I had nothing to do with my rehearsal dinner this past weekend and it was perfect! My in-laws made bbq in their smoker they towed up from home and my then, soon-to-be mother-in-law made adorable centerpieces with burlap squares, mini pinecones, and candles. The whole things was adorable - and better yet all I had to do was show up! Enjoy it! It will help you keep your sanity

8/13/10 @ 2:04 pm (reply)

Member

aruka11 (message) 615 posts, Busy bee

Love it! I may end up stealing that idea

8/13/10 @ 2:27 pm (reply)

Member

emma5w (message) 547 posts, Busy bee

I WISH I was hands-off on the rehearsal. Unfortunately, my FMIL seems to think I am something of a bridezilla and need to be involved in everything (I SERIOUSLY dont know where she got this - I am one of the most laid back people ever!), and so she’s left all of the planning to me, even though she and FFIL are playing for it. I’m honestly really frustrated by the whole thing. This is supposed to be the one part of wedding planning that I don’t need to worry about, and yet I’m being made to do it all!! I’d be happy with a potluck or a black-tie dinner…just as long as I didn’t have to do anything about it!!

8/13/10 @ 2:40 pm (reply)

Bee

Miss Husky (message) 1,754 posts, Buzzing bee

LOL! “Soon enough I will be up to my ears in tulle and plastic bells and Jordan almond strewn centerpieces. ”

My strategy for describing our hick wedding? Replace the word “redneck” with “rustic”

8/13/10 @ 3:19 pm (reply)

Guest

Sarah

We didn’t touch the rehearsal dinner at all—it was our trade-off for not letting *ahem* Certain Parties meddle in the ceremony and the reception. It honestly had to be made that clear: this is our stuff, you do not touch it. Anything else, do what you want.

8/13/10 @ 3:22 pm (reply)

10.

Member

jgoulart (message) 1,069 posts, Bumble bee

My cousin had a pot luck rehearsal! It worked out well. Each wedding party member brought a dish and after adding a keg of beer, party was on!

8/13/10 @ 4:47 pm (reply)

11.

Member

jlp2w71611 (message) 298 posts, Helper bee

Our 2nd reception in my Mr.’s hometown I have given completely up to his parents.. although we will be bringing decorations etc from our wedding reception to it. I just feel like the wedding itself is the “real thing” & don’t care to plan anything more than that!

8/13/10 @ 5:08 pm (reply)

12.

Member

bbbride2010 (message) 49 posts, Newbee

Good for you! It will mean a lot to your FMIL to have full reign of this party of your planning.

I’m going to have the same situation with ours and not sure if I’m going to be able to give over the planning as easily.

8/13/10 @ 9:02 pm (reply)

13.

Bee

Miss Glasses (message) 2,741 posts, Sugar bee

I don’t want to think of our RD, putting it together just sounds like a PITA. I have to do it because Mr. G’s parents aren’t even coming to the wedding and my mom is so Asian she’s never even heard of the tradition. A potluck sounds bloody perfect!

8/13/10 @ 9:27 pm (reply)

14.

Member

eileen marie (message) 1,662 posts, Bumble bee

GREAT attitude. Not a huge fan of the potluck or BYOB. (I am seeing this more & more for showers.) If you’re throwing a party (and expecting gifts), provide a little food and drink. It’s not THAT expensive. But it is great that you are just letting go of control completely. Go you! I did the same for mine -it wasn’t exactly like what you described (LMAO), but it wasn’t good. Ah well, my in-laws TRIED.HARD. The wedding is all yours baby! Own it!!

8/13/10 @ 10:16 pm (reply)

15.

Member

LittlestBirds (message) 2,605 posts, Sugar bee

I also enjoyed staying completely out of the planning for our rehearsal dinner, and MIL did an absolutely fantastic job. The invitations were adorable, the venue classy and chic, the menu diverse and delicious, and everything intimate and loving and such a wonderful kickoff to our wedding weekend. Sounds like you have the right attitude, and hopefully it will turn out to be a fun time to bring everyone together before the big day.

8/13/10 @ 10:27 pm (reply)

16.

Member

MsBunting (message) 229 posts, Helper bee

I am hands-off on the rehearsal dinner (for the FMIL) and the welcome bags (for my mom). I’m generally a bit of a control freak, but I pick my reasons to freak out. They have great taste. And I think potlucks are the greatest.

8/13/10 @ 11:05 pm (reply)

17.

Bee

Miss Socks (message) 1,323 posts, Bumble bee

hahaha, some things are just out of our control, SD! Glad to see you’re embracing it–be sure to take LOTS of pictures–I gotta see this!

8/14/10 @ 8:07 am (reply)

18.

Bee

Miss Octopus (message) 1,446 posts, Bumble bee

For the record, I love your redneck wedding

Also, I think you’re totally right to just let it goooooo with regards to the rehearsal dinner. Put it on the eff-it list, as I like to say.

8/14/10 @ 9:46 am (reply)

19.

Bee

Miss Sand Dollar (message) 1,305 posts, Bumble bee

@slicey19: Of course only local guests will bring dishes! Mr. SD’s mom and aunts will most likely provide the main bulk, but I’m sure we’ll have a few extras. I think right now spaghetti and King Ranch Casserole are the main menu components. I was all about pizza, but whatevs. So long as I don’t have to cook!

8/14/10 @ 10:57 am (reply)

20.

Guest

Nikki

Maybe your FMIL will surprise you. Does she read your blog posts? Perhaps she has found some online inspiration. You are right, though, that it’s not worth it to worry about it. Everybody will be together, and that’s all that matters. Enjoy yourself (and take pictures for the hive!).

8/15/10 @ 5:54 pm (reply)

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