Dinner the night before...

I think it sounds like a good idea in theory as it would be nice to have everyone meet each other beforehand, even if it is American.

However, do you want the stress the night before of making sure they all get on? I think whichever is more relaxing for you should take precedent as you don't need the added stress the night before.

I found most of the evening I didnt want to be alone and having dinner was a great way of distracting me. Im glad we did it. Everyone seemed to have a lovely time though most of the time I was sitting there remembering to breathe.

Then people came round to my appartment to help with jobs. I really wanted them there and appreciated the help but later in the evening I really wanted to be alone and people didnt sense that so at 11 I had to kick them out.

I would suggest a cut off time or a neat way of you escaping if you need a bit of quiet time to yourself.

We are getting married in frome and live in Poole so the wedding party is all staying up in some lodges the night before, we are planning on just ordering some food and having a big meal all together before I say good but to my OH till the alter!!

We have booked our venue out for 2 nights for everyone coming as its so far away.

So everyone will be having dinner together the night before which will be a good chance for the people coming from abroad to finally meet everyone and for friends to meet the family etc.

Looking forward to it, and very glad that the night before isn't just me on my lonesome.

All of my friends are staying the night before close by so we are having a meal together. At the moment there are abotu 26 of us coming, I think it'll be good to see everyone before the big day and get to catch up with them.

I'm not entirely sure what we're doing but I know both families will be in the same house the night before the wedding and other rellies will be in the same town. Mum suggested a big dinner but we need to decorate the Church and venue so it might be more of a fish and chips on the beach kind of scenario rather than a formal sit down. I know OH wants to do something as a big group but our families have already met.

We have most family and close friends coming for 2 nights so we've said informal food and drinks in the hotel bar as and when people arrive, then maybe a drink with just the girls for me before bed and after I've said goodnight to h2b. 2 of my bridesmaids are staying in my room with me so that will be nice. Don't think I'd like to be on my own!!

It's a good idea IF it's what you want. Who cares where it originates, as long as you're happy with it? If you'd prefer something a little less formal, though, let your parents know and maybe just have everyone round for a couple of hours for a few drinks.

We're going to have a relaxed meal out for the bridal party and anyone who wants to book a table in the same restaurant will be more than welcome - lots of people will probably be staying over on the Friday night because it's a fair way from everyone's home.

This!

We've reserved an area in a little country pub and let a few people (mostly direct family and the wedding party) know we'll be there on the Friday night and invited them to come eat, drink and be merry with us