Rehearsal dinner in Charleston

I spent a ton of time trying to locate a place for my rehearsal dinner. I honestly think that was the hardest thing to book out of everything I had to book. My mother-in-law's budget was $1,000 and we had 30 people. I found that Italian restaurants were generally my cheapest option. We also didn't serve alcohol for a couple of reasons - 1. My dad is a recovering alcoholic, 2. It was more expensive, and 3. I didn't want our bridal party drinking a lot before the wedding. I also found it was cheaper to have a limited menu after than allowing guests to order whatever they wanted.

I did a Google search for you and I found Old Towne Restaurant. They have different buffet options that seem reasonably priced. They also have an appetizer menu.

I also found Virginia's On King. They have a food and beverage minimum of $1,250. They have two buffet/family style options. The first option is $36 per person and the second is $40 per person. They also plated dinner options. Alcohol is billed by consumption or to each guest. I would recommend not making your guests pay for their own drinks. Here's the link to their private dining menus - https://www.holycityhospitality.com/vincent-chiccos/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2019/03/Virginias-on-King-Private-Dining-Accomodations-and-Menus-2019.pdf

Personally, I think it would be better to serve a full meal especially if you are going to be serving alcohol. You don't want your bridal party getting the drunk and being hungover the morning of your wedding. Nor do you want them to leave hungry because you didn't provide enough food.

View Quoted Comment Thanks for your input but buffet is not an option- we’re looking to do passed and stationed hors d’ouevres. If the cost of food is prohibitive (which so far it has not been) I would expand my budget for the rehearsal dinner but thus far it’s not actually the food making it expensive it’s the venue fees. Additionally, I don’t care about my guests getting tipsy and we actually have an event planned for after the dinner so most people attending won’t be going straight back to the hotel. Thanks again!

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I think you might have a difficult time finding a restaurant with a private area that is going to be willing to serve just hors d'oeuvres. Venue fees and food and beverage minimums are how these restaurants make their money so they aren't going to be as accommodating as you might want. The only type of places that could see serving just hors d'oeuvres would be bars.

Hi Emily! I can suggest checking out Vintage Lounge! We are having our welcome dinner here. They have a great patio area out back that is available for rent - you can rent part of it or all of it! The partial rental area could be a great choice for you, depending on the amount of people. I believe they just have a minimum food & bev total, and as long as you meet that, there is no venue fee! Not sure it’s what you’re looking for, but it’s a great spot to check out!