Pros & Cons of a Wedding Rehearsal Dinner at a Restaurant
By Meghan Ely, OFD Consulting
As the prelude to your wedding day, the rehearsal dinner sets the stage for a meaningful celebration and provides an opportunity to spend quality time with your closest friends and family. Many couples consider hosting this special event at a restaurant instead of a private venue or family residence. For those looking to enjoy a delicious meal without the hassle of arranging every detail, a restaurant setting offers an effortless experience.
However, while a traditional dining establishment simplifies planning, there are potential limitations to know before committing to your ideal rehearsal dinner venue. Keep reading to learn the pros and cons of hosting your pre-wedding celebration in a restaurant so that you can determine whether it aligns with your vision.
Photo by: Mandee Johnson Photography
Don't get stressed - get Let's Get Rehearsed’s FREE rehearsal dinner guide packed full of everything you need to plan a welcome party, from saving money to celebrating the night before the big day!
Pro: Budget-Friendly
One of the main draws of a restaurant is the potential cost savings. While some places may charge a nominal fee for renting a private room, it’s typically a fraction of the cost of booking a dedicated event venue.
Since many restaurants offer set menus for events, “it helps manage costs more effectively, as prices are fixed in advance, reducing unexpected expenses,” Joan Wyndrum of Blooms by the Box adds. While the variability of catering bills can lead to an unpleasant surprise after dessert, securing set per-person rates is easier at a restaurant.
(Let’s Get Rehearsed editor’s note: For more from Blooms by the Box, be sure to read their interview with everything you need to know to DIY rehearsal dinner flowers.)
However, Angie Johnson of Sapphire Celebrations notes that “some restaurants will have a high buyout requirement for hosting your event, which means they will have a food and beverage minimum that you must meet.”
In most cases, restaurants are the cost-effective choice since they come fully staffed and keep decor costs down. However, prices can rise depending on your chosen restaurant and party size, so shop around and compare rates before booking a rehearsal dinner to ensure you get the best bang for your buck.
(Let’s Get Rehearsed editor’s note: For more on how to pay for the rehearsal dinner, be sure to get our ultimate wedding rehearsal dinner budget planning spreadsheet.)
Pro: Easy Menu Planning
If wedding planning has given you a major case of decision fatigue, you’ll love the simplicity of hosting your rehearsal dinner at a restaurant. Instead of curating a menu as you would with a caterer, you can let guests order from the pre-existing menu.
This also means your guests can take charge of their food choices instead of hoping you’ll pick something for them to enjoy. “You can usually find something for everyone’s tastes or dietary needs, and it’s nice to have that variety without having to create a custom menu,” Craig Peterman of Craig Peterman Photography & Videography confirms.
Still, it’s wise to consider your guests’ preferences when selecting the restaurant, especially regarding food allergies and dietary restrictions. Peterman encourages couples to check with the restaurant to confirm they can accommodate dietary needs, like gluten-free, kosher, and vegan options for your guests.
(Let’s Get Rehearsed editor’s note: For more on rehearsal dinner, be sure to shop our collection of exclusive printable menus and seating charts designed just for the night before.)
Photo by: Rachel Maloney Photography
Pro: Multipurpose Space
While rehearsal dinners are typically an intimate affair, many couples have taken to hosting a larger wedding welcome party after dinner wraps up. If your rehearsal dinner is at a family home, you’d likely have to move elsewhere to accommodate a longer guest list. With an event venue, you may incur additional costs per hour, which can hike up your bill.
On the other hand, restaurants often have the space and support staff for a smooth transition. “For couples planning a rehearsal dinner followed by welcome drinks with the full guest list, a restaurant can be the perfect location to seamlessly tie the two events together in one location,” confirms Halie Child of Halie Child Photography.
In addition, those attending the rehearsal dinner don’t have to worry about hustling to a new venue and settling in again. They’ll already be a few hours deep into the festivities!
(Let’s Get Rehearsed editor’s note: For more on this option, be sure to read our article about what is a wedding welcome party and do we have to have one?)
Pro/Con: Parking Availability
Depending on your preferred restaurant, parking can be a pro or con. In any case, it’s worth considering how the setup impacts the convenience of your guests’ experience, especially out-of-towners who are unfamiliar with the area.
“Some restaurants have great parking, and it's always nice to have a free lot close to the establishment,” wedding planner Penny Haas says. “If it's a restaurant in a downtown area, there may be paid lots or valet costs to consider.”
Choosing a location with hassle-free parking allows guests to arrive and depart with ease, preventing delays and unexpected expenses. Parking logistics are particularly important if you expect guests with mobility concerns.
If your dream rehearsal dinner venue isn’t ideal for parking, it doesn’t mean you can’t celebrate there! Instead, get ahead of the issue by notifying guests about parking options in advance or coordinating group transportation from the hotel.
(Let’s Get Rehearsed editor’s note: For more, be sure to read our article on picking the right venue or location for your rehearsal dinner.)
Photo by: Siobhan Stanton Photography
Con: Lack of Privacy
Unlike a dedicated event venue, restaurants are open to the public, so you can expect to encounter other patrons throughout your rehearsal dinner. This could make it harder to feel fully relaxed and enjoy personal time with friends and family members.
“Unless the restaurant has a private room or you’re willing to buy out the restaurant, you won’t have privacy for your rehearsal dinner,” says Jamie Chang of Mango Muse Events. “You’re sharing the space with all the other customers at that time. This can feel a lot less intimate and special and will also make it harder to mingle and converse.”
How will your loved ones feel about giving a toast in a room full of strangers? What happens if another table starts singing “Happy Birthday” when you’re in the middle of thanking your guests for their support? If privacy is a priority, ask about private rooms or more secluded areas where you can maintain a level of intimacy with your party.
(Let’s Get Rehearsed editor’s note: For more, be sure to read our article on everything you need to know about the rehearsal dinner guest list, and shop our best rehearsal dinner guest list organizer.)
Con: Limited Space
While dedicated event venues come in all sizes, many restaurants have a maximum seating capacity that may not accommodate large parties. This may not be a concern for those envisioning an intimate dinner, but you may need to reconsider a restaurant setting if you’re planning a more inclusive event with a significant guest count.
“You may risk capacity limitations with a rehearsal dinner hosted at a restaurant,” warns Colton Simmons of Colton Simmons Photography. “If they are open to regular business, you must contend with the space they have available on your rehearsal date, meaning you may not be able to invite everyone you’d like to.”
Limited space can also impact the ambiance of your celebration, as a smaller space can make even a private room feel crowded. Make sure there’s enough room for people to get up and mingle with others throughout the evening. When communicating with the restaurant, ask about their recommended headcount for guests’ comfort which may come in much lower than the maximum capacity.
Con: Slower Service
When you hire a caterer, you can trust that everyone on the team is an experienced professional. However, in a restaurant environment, you may end up dealing with staff members who are fresh out of training and still learning the ropes.
Unless you do a buyout of the restaurant, the kitchen and serving staff must also balance your party with other diners’ orders. As a result, you won’t get their devoted attention as you would with a catering company focused solely on your event.
“Depending on the size of your group, restaurant kitchens, and servers may not be proficient at handling large party service all at once,” explains Kate Foster of Hospitality Marketing Solutions. “That could result in not enough servers dedicated to your group, inexperienced servers mishandling order-taking, disorganized presenting of plates, entrée confusion, slow replenishment of beverages, etc.”
This can be especially challenging during peak hours like Friday evenings, which is typically when rehearsal dinners are scheduled. To ease the trouble, consider arranging a set menu in advance to simplify ordering and meal preparation.
Additionally, “pre-ordering appetizers and wine upon arrival can help mitigate the long wait times, and having toasts or other planned activities on the agenda can lessen guests' discomfort as they wait for the main course,” Foster adds.
Make sure to set realistic expectations with the restaurant and, if possible, consider requesting additional staff to attend to your guests. It will come at a cost, but it’s often worth it for a smooth, uninterrupted dining experience.
Many restaurants offer convenience, cost-effectiveness, and comfort, but it’s essential to weigh these benefits against the potential drawbacks. Do you value easy menu planning over potentially limited space? Is privacy a must? Get clear on your priorities and discuss your needs with your ideal restaurant’s staff to ensure the experience meets your expectations. If everything checks out, a restaurant is an excellent option for couples seeking a casual yet elegant rehearsal dinner with minimal planning effort!
Photo by: Carter Rose Photography
Don't get stressed - get Let's Get Rehearsed’s FREE rehearsal dinner guide packed full of everything you need to plan a welcome party, from saving money to celebrating the night before the big day!
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Meghan Ely is the owner of wedding PR and wedding marketing firm OFD Consulting. Ely is a sought-after speaker, adjunct professor in the field of public relations, and a self-professed royal wedding enthusiast.