Potluck rehearsal dinner?

Hi Fran,
I am the maid of honor in my friend's wedding. This is her second marriage, so the couple is paying for the wedding.  They are trying to cut expenses by asking close friends and members of the family to bring a dish to the reception.  They are also asking the wedding party to bring items for the potluck rehearsal dinner. My question is shouldn't the bride and groom supply the food for the rehearsal dinner.  I always assumed that the rehearsal dinner was a way to thank the wedding party for all of their help.  Am I wrong?
D.H.

Dear Darrell

It has become very popular lately for small family weddings to have a potluck reception. It is actually a great idea and gives the family an opportunity to share their favorite dish with each other.  Be sure to take a copy of the recipe to the reception and put it in a cook book provided especially for the occasion.  

In answer to your question concerning the rehearsal dinner,  the dinner is a time for friends to come together in honor of the upcoming nuptials. Whether a backyard barbecue and picnic, a pizza party, a sit down dinner at a popular nightclub or a potluck dinner,  the idea behind the rehearsal dinner is to relax and wind down for a few hours before the big day, which is just hours away.   There really isn't any wrong way to do it. If this couple is your friend, and you know that your small contribution to the dinner or reception will help them, then consider it an honor rather than a hardship. Your favorite dish will be greatly appreciated.

Sincerely,
Fran