If you’re a Louisianian who has started wedding planning, the rehearsal dinner is likely an item on your checklist, but it’s probably one you won’t give much thought to until the big wedding details are nailed down.
Prioritizing is a necessary part of wedding planning, but you want to ensure your rehearsal dinner doesn’t suffer due to last-minute planning. What’s the big deal? While the rehearsal dinner often lives in the shadow of the wedding, it’s the kick-off of the festivities and an opportunity for you to have some time to spend with both of your families — and closest friends — and for everyone to have a chance to meet and spend time together. Sure, all of these people will be at the wedding, but as the couple in the spotlight, you’ll be pulled in so many directions that it will be tough to get quality time with these individuals.
Baton Rouge, the capital of Louisiana, is one of the two top cities in Louisiana to tie the knot. If you’re getting married in Baton Rouge and you follow the trends of most of Louisiana, excluding New Orleans, chances are you’re hoping to tie the knot in spring, summer or fall. Only eight percent of weddings in this area occur in the winter season. Given all this background knowledge, how can you ensure your rehearsal dinner doesn’t fall to the sidelines? Here are seven tips for hosting a rehearsal dinner in Baton Rouge.
1. Decide Who Is Going to Be Responsible for What
While tradition may say that the groom’s family takes the lead on hosting and paying for the rehearsal dinner, that doesn’t mean you have to do it that way. Rather than making assumptions, have an open discussion with your future spouse and any necessary family members to decide who is going to be in charge of hosting and paying the bill.
Having the conversation in advance can ensure you have open communication and a plan in place — avoiding any miscommunications or assumptions. If the groom’s family is going to host, then it’s best to let them take the reins on planning. Of course, offering to help is never frowned upon.
2. Make Sure You Don’t Forget Anyone in Your Guest List
The guest list for your rehearsal dinner can be flexible. At a bare minimum, it should include:
- The wedding party and their significant others
- Immediate members of both of your families
- Parents of any children in the wedding
- Ceremony officiant along with his or her significant other
From that list, if you want to expand and invite extended family members and/or friends who are in town for the wedding, you can — just make sure you’re fair in determining who gets an invitation. Sometimes, an “all or nothing” policy for out-of-town guests can be most polite. At the end of the day, you know your families and friends best and will need to extend invitations accordingly.
3. Think Outside the Box When It Comes to Choosing a Date and Time
Believe it or not, having a rehearsal dinner the evening before your wedding date is not the only option you have. It’s popular to have the rehearsal the evening before the wedding, with the dinner immediately following, but depending on your wedding party’s location and availability, you may have additional options.
For example, if you don’t have any out-of-town guests in your immediate family or the wedding party, you might consider hosting the rehearsal dinner two nights before the wedding so that you have more time to relax and prepare for your big day. If, on the other hand, you have several out-of-town members of your wedding party and family, you might consider hosting a rehearsal breakfast the morning of the wedding to kick off the festivities. Then, guests have a chance to travel the night before. Whatever you decide — make sure it fits with guests and wedding schedules.
4. Be Intentional About Setting a Budget
Inevitably, unless you have an unlimited amount of money to spend, the budget will play a role in many aspects of your rehearsal dinner — the venue, menu and perhaps even the guest list. If your future-in-laws or parents are looking for your help with planning — or if you are hosting the event — it’s best to be intentional about creating a wedding budget line item for the rehearsal dinner.
As you’re considering the numbers, here are some questions to consider:
- Will you send rehearsal dinner invitations?
- Will you have a seated dinner or cocktails with hors d’oeuvres?
- Are you planning on having a groom’s cake?
- Will you offer an open bar?
- Do you want to purchase some of your décor for tables, etc.?
If there’s some flexibility, you may want to consider visiting a few Baton Rouge rehearsal dinner locations first to gather some pricing information and then set your budget accordingly. Some venues may offer a variety of packages to accommodate different budgets, while others may be more rigid. Regardless of what you find, visiting venues and getting a feel for pricing is a great strategy to help you decide on a budget.
5. Choose a Baton Rouge Wedding Rehearsal Venue That Has a Local Flare: The Gregory
The best rehearsal dinner venues in Baton Rouge allow you to celebrate the local cuisine and share it with members of your family and wedding party who may not be from the area. However, you also have to find a place that can accommodate your rehearsal dinner guest list and fits within the budget you’ve set.
Finding a rehearsal dinner venue that balances both can be challenging, but you might begin by searching for restaurants with private rooms in Baton Rouge. Located downtown, The Gregory — a newer addition to the iconic culinary scene — is a perfect example of a Baton Rouge rehearsal dinner venue that fits different atmosphere mixes, menus, number of guests and budgets.
If you’re searching for an upscale restaurant with Baton Rouge flare, The Gregory at the Watermark hotel may be the perfect fit. This building has been a part of Baton Rouge’s history for over 100 years. You’ll find beautiful historic architecture, combined with a unique modern menu of Southern favorites made with local ingredients — a combination that’s tough to beat.
Guests may choose their entrée — from a three- or four-course limited menu with one-of-a-kind features thanks to our Josper charcoal oven, which captures flavors you didn’t realize you were missing — while our highly-trained, dedicated event planners choose the soup, salad and dessert. A final headcount is due within 72 hours of your event, while the food and beverage minimum is based on your projected guest count — ensuring a successful event personalized to both your palate and budget.
Several spaces within this Baton Rouge rehearsal dinner venue can accommodate you and your guests — including the Louisiana Purchase and The Founders Room & The Vault. While these spaces are beautiful as they are, many guests enjoy adding décor to turn them into a themed evening, like a recent Speakeasy-themed event.
Personal attention is given to your affair from beginning to end with an individual server assigned to each party. Clients can bring their own décor, except for glitter pieces, to provide a more personalized touch. The Louisiana Purchase Room includes two 55″ televisions — perfect for capturing big game highlights while celebrating your event — and flexible arrangements for up to 32 guests. Additionally, if you’re looking to include audiovisual technology with your special gathering, The Gregory offers those as well with prior notice and an additional cost for use in the Louisiana Purchase Room.
The Gregory is also great for engagement parties, bridal showers, bachelor and bachelorette festivities — think whiskey or wine tasting and day-after-wedding brunches. No matter how big or small your engagement party or rehearsal dinner, The Gregory has the space, exclusive seasonal menus and a vast wine list to create a memorable event. Also, if you don’t already have a wedding venue, the Watermark hotel is a classic Baton Rouge option enthralled in romantic glamour and historical charm.
6. Create a Flexible Agenda for the Evening
The number one goal for the evening is to have a fun and relaxing time with family and friends. Nothing should get in the way of that. However, there will likely be a few items you’ll want to check off of your wedding list that evening. It’s best to create a flexible agenda to ensure nothing is forgotten.
What exactly do we mean by “flexible agenda?” Don’t get into creating a timeline for the evening, but rather make a list of things that need to be done at the rehearsal dinner. Perhaps you create a list for before dinner and after dinner. The idea is to be organized, but not to create a rigid, time-sensitive agenda that takes some of the relaxation and freedom away from the evening.
Here are a few things you might want to have on your agenda for the evening:
- Thank family and friends for their participation in your wedding festivities.
- Distribute gifts to your wedding party.
- Remind everyone of their wedding day schedules.
- Consider opening the mic for toasts — or roasts.
7. Plan for Décor and Mementos
Décor will depend on which Baton Rouge rehearsal dinner venue you choose. Some have their charm, with less of a need for décor, while others may leave room for some of your creativity. Regardless of which type of rehearsal dinner location you choose, you may want to have some photo and/or video mementos to share with family and guests — perhaps to show your adventures together up until now, or to highlight some cute photos of each of you growing up.
Here are a few things to consider as you plan for décor and mementos:
- Flowers or other centerpieces for tables
- Directional signage for the rehearsal dinner venue
- Seating cards for guests
- Photos of you and your future spouse
- TV, computer, projector, sound, etc. for any presentation
As you’re planning for décor, pay close attention to the contract you signed with the rehearsal dinner venue, as it may restrict what you can set up. You’ll also want to ensure they can accommodate your digital needs — maybe you want to bring your laptop, but you will need Wi-Fi or a TV or projector. Whatever your plan is, make sure your rehearsal dinner venue is in the loop.
Answers to Frequently Asked Rehearsal Dinner Questions
For many couples, planning a rehearsal dinner can raise many questions, especially concerning planning and organization. We’ve compiled some common questions and their answers to help you with the process:
Who Pays for the Rehearsal Dinner?
The groom’s parents traditionally host and cover the rehearsal dinner costs. But, contemporary practices often see both families of the couples sharing the expenses.
Where Should the Rehearsal Dinner Be?
The location depends on your personal preference, budget and number of attendees. It can range from a formal banquet hall dinner to a relaxed backyard barbecue.
The most crucial aspect is ensuring the venue resonates with you and your guests. Also, remember to book the location you want as soon as possible to ensure you can host the dinner there.
When Should You Invite Guests to the Rehearsal Dinner?
Consider sending out these invitations after the wedding invites. The rehearsal dinner is an intimate gathering to thank those closest to you, so ensure it reflects your journey and the love you share.
Why Choose The Gregory for Your Wedding Rehearsal Dinner?
At The Gregory, we believe in creating moments that last a lifetime. Our event space in Baton Rouge exudes sophistication with gourmet offerings and an unparalleled setting for wedding rehearsal dinners. We proudly offer signature gourmet dishes, curated packages and a dedicated staff committed to elevating every detail.
Trust us to provide a rehearsal dinner that makes the moments leading to your special day truly extraordinary. Couples choose The Gregory for their rehearsal dinner because of the benefits we offer, including:
- Delicious food: Our master dishes are delectable stories, making dinner unforgettable.
- Close attention to every detail: Our team, seasoned in hospitality, ensures that every nuance of your event flows flawlessly.
- Tailored experiences: From food modifications to venue setups, we will bring your vision to life.
- Diverse dietary adaptations: Our chefs excel in serving dishes customized to your specifications and dietary needs, ensuring every guest relishes their meal.
- Venues for every vision: From intimate dinners to grand feasts, our spaces adapt to your dream, making it a reality.
Visit the Private Dining Rooms at the Gregory
If you’re recently engaged and searching for a restaurant for a wedding rehearsal dinner in Baton Rouge, get started by visiting The Gregory. In addition to checking out the spaces we have available for your event and getting a taste of the items on our menu, you’ll also have a chance to talk to an event staff member who has been trained to handle a variety of private events — allowing you rest assured, relax and enjoy all the moments of your special day.
Remember, the primary goal of your rehearsal dinner is to be a fun, relaxing evening with family and close friends, so having a staff you can trust to ensure everything runs smoothly is key. You can also be confident in our ability to lead you through the planning process regarding all of the rehearsal dinner venue details. Contact us to set up a meeting today and see everything the most magnificent wedding venue in Baton Rouge has to offer for you.
