1. Convenience - Your rehearsal dinner should be held in a location that is easy for out-of-towners to find, close to their accomodations and with plenty of parking.
2. Delicious - The food needs to be yummy so that you kick off the weekend with everyone smiling. Make sure that the wines, cocktails and non-alcoholic drinks offered are also up to your standards.
3. Ambiance - You also want to make sure it doesn't compete with the reception so pick a place with a different vibe than your Big Day party. That night is usually about catching up with your closest friends and family. Make sure your room is secluded and inviting to conversation.
4. Personality - The rehearsal dinner is a perfect opportunity to showcase local cuisine or highlight a favorite vacation spot. Love your visits to Maine? Maybe lobster mashed potatoes are just the way to treat your guests. Lots of guests visiting from outside the area? May be the time to show them how we do it Down South!
5. Thanks - This is the best time to give out attendant gifts, thank your parents and give gushy speeches. So make sure you have the privacy and a convenient room size for expressing your gratitude. The bride and groom should be seated in a central location so that everyone feels close to them.
I was invited to City Range last night to check out their private rooms at the Greenville location. I think you would be hard pressed to find a location that so beautifully fulfills all of my criteria.
The Greenville location has two flexible private rooms to accommodate 30 to 80 people that are booked at NO EXTRA CHARGE (hard to find). The food is amazing, the atmosphere is homey and inviting, with a large stone fireplace that would be so romantic in the cooler months.
For more information check out their website at http://www.cityrange.com/banquet_information. You can also contact Shannon Williams 864.608.4178 or banquet@cityrange.com.
