Rehearsal dinner location?

What about a hotel in the area? We are hosting the rehearsal dinner for about 50 people at the hotel we blocked catered by them in one of their banquette rooms. We are doing a buffet style since the reception is plated. We also didn't want to do the same cuisine 2 nights in a row, even though they might not be eating the same options, it would still be similar. We wanted something more casual but FFIL wanted something nicer since "its still part of the celebration". I think it actually turned out to be a really nice choice, not to formal but more than just pizza or bar food.

I wouldn't want the rehearsal dinner at the actual venue either, or that big - you're getting married there the next day, let that be for the wedding! Finding a hotel in the area is a good idea. I also wouldn't want half the guest list there either - I'm not very traditional, but I thought the rehearsal dinner was supposed to be more on the intimate side. You can do whatever you like, but definetly push for a different venue!

At first I wanted to have our rehearsal dinner at the venue as well for convenience . But my fiancé brought up the same point of keeping the place a surprise for guests. Now that his out-of-town family is invited to dinner, it would've seemed silly to have 30-40 of our 100 guest list eating dinner at the same place 2 nights in a row. So we opted for a nice waterfront restaurant a few minutes down the road.

Would the venue even allow that? Is there a wedding the night before?

Some venues have other room options for rehearsal, have you looked into that?

Ive been to a wedding where the rehearsal dinner was in another room at the same venue and we are even considering that for our wedding as well.

I understand why you don't want to use the SAME room but there might be other options! Good luck!

Hi Vivian! I can completely understand why you wouldn't want the rehearsal at the same venue. Have you spoken with your in-laws about the situation?