You're getting married! Woohoo! Your wedding is the star of the production, but let's not forget the supporting cast! The engagement part, the bridal shower, the bachelor/bachelorette party, the mini-moon, the rehearsal dinner (and/or the welcome party), and the farewell brunch. While you may not plan and host all of these events, you're highly likely to host a rehearsal dinner a day or two before your wedding. So, we've rounded up a couple of our favorite spots near our venue in Pingree Grove, Gather, to help you with the planning. Lucky for us, all of these work great for those "other" events too, so we hope this post will be helpful!
Nikos Tavern
Great food, fun games! Where adults go to play like kids again. A great year- round option for indoor and outdoor gatherings. Classic, tasty American Fare.
Sammy's Mexican Grill
Fajitas, enchiladas, tacos, burritos and more! Sammy's has a super extensive Mexican menu and a casual, chic dining experience. We love their food truck too! Did you you we host a local food truck night? Stop on by for a bite and check us out, too! Keep up-to-date under our Events Page or Gather's Instagram Profile.
Maciano's Pizza & Pastaria
Pizza and pasta galaore! A cozy cooking experience that feels a touch like home (if home includes a big Italian family)!
And, of course, we love hosting rehearsal dinners here at Gather! Because our space is ideal for intimate events, many of the "other" wedding festivities are well suited for our venue. We also have two levels and an outdoor patio, so you can mix things up a bit even if you decide to host two events with us! Select a caterer that caters to your needs without being "stuck" to a restaurant menu (think family style, buffet, seated, stations).
We posted a similar blog post on our sister property's site, The Haight, and have borrowed the FAQs to share with you here, too!
Here are some FAQs regarding rehearsal dinners to help you know what to do (now that you know the where to do it)!
What is a wedding rehearsal dinner?
A wedding rehearsal dinner is a pre-wedding event that typically takes place the evening before the wedding. It follows the wedding rehearsal, where the couple and their wedding party practice the ceremony. The dinner is an opportunity for close family and friends to gather, relax, and celebrate before the big day.
Who is traditionally invited to the rehearsal dinner?
The guest list usually includes the couple's immediate family, the wedding party (bridesmaids, groomsmen, flower girls, ring bearers), and any other participants in the ceremony. It may also include out-of-town guests, close friends, and officiants.
Who pays for the rehearsal dinner?
Traditionally, the groom's parents host and pay for the rehearsal dinner. However, modern weddings often see the cost shared between the couple or covered by the bride’s family or the couple themselves.
When should the rehearsal dinner be held?
The rehearsal dinner is typically held the night before the wedding, following the ceremony rehearsal. Some couples choose to hold it two nights before, especially if they have a large number of out-of-town guests arriving the day before the wedding or if there is a wedding at The Haight the night before your wedding (which limits your access to the space). Your wedding rehearsal and rehearsal dinner do not have to be the same day or night.
What should be included in the rehearsal dinner program?
The program typically includes a welcome by the hosts, a meal, toasts or speeches, and sometimes a slideshow or special presentations. Some couples also choose to distribute wedding itineraries or gifts at this time.
Is it necessary to have a rehearsal dinner?
While it’s traditional, a rehearsal dinner is not mandatory. Some couples opt for a more casual gathering or skip the event entirely, especially for smaller or destination weddings. Or full wedding weekend celebrations, where they opt for a wedding welcome party instead.
Can the rehearsal dinner have a theme?
Yes, some couples choose to have a theme for their rehearsal dinner that reflects their personalities or interests. Themes could range from a casual barbecue or luau to a formal black-tie affair.
Is it appropriate to make speeches at the rehearsal dinner?
Yes, it’s common for the hosts, the couple, and close family members or friends to make speeches or toasts at the rehearsal dinner. This is usually more informal than the wedding day speeches.
How long should a rehearsal dinner last?
The dinner typically lasts 2-3 hours, depending on the formality of the event and the number of guests. It’s important to keep the event relaxed and not too long, allowing everyone to rest before the wedding day.
Should there be any activities or entertainment at the rehearsal dinner?
Some couples choose to have light entertainment, such as a slideshow, live music, or even games. However, this is entirely optional and should be kept low-key to maintain a relaxed atmosphere.
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