The rehearsal dinner is more than a meal…it’s a cherished moment, a memory in the making. Whether your rehearsal dinner is a chance to add some extra fun, quality time with your closest guests, or a more classic affair to mimic your traditional wedding celebration, it is one of the more intimate moments you will have throughout your wedding weekend festivities.  With just your closest friends and family, some of your most heartfelt and precious memories will be made during this time.

Rehearsals can certainly be a formal affair, but they can also be lighthearted and fun.  Whether you want it to resemble the ambience of your wedding or be a celebration all its own, choosing a place to embrace the tone of your party can feel like another hurdle in the wedding planning process. Thankfully we love a party and have compiled a list of our favorite spots for rehearsal dinners in the Charlottesville and Washington DC areas. 

Charlottesville Rehearsal Dinner Locations

The Kimpton Forum Hotel

The elegant setting and lush gardens at the Kimpton make this spot the ideal place to hold an elegant and upscale rehearsal dinner. Whether you need a separate room or choose to be immersed in the chic vibe of the restaurant, this spot can deliver.  L’Orangerie is one of the most beautiful intimate spaces we’ve seen and stands out as a personal fav… it can also double as a great post wedding brunch location! Overall, The Kimpton Forum Hotel offers seasonally inspired food, a trendy vibe and a contemporary atmosphere.

Old Metropolitan Hall

Voted the best rehearsal dinner location in Charlottesville, the Old Met can offer either an exquisite elevated dining experience or a casual laid back get together. This popular Charlottesville spot can be made to feel like your own, a place where your family and friends can come together to celebrate your pr-union festivities. You have the freedom to work with the  caterer of your choice to plan your perfect menu to match your vision for the night, kind of like planning a wedding…again!

The Space Downtown

If you are looking for farm fresh ingredients, local libations, custom cocktails and superior service, The Space may just be what you are looking for. On the eve of your wedding, an evening of fun and excitement is the ideal way to welcome your guests.  This spot will offer you a custom menu, floor plan and atmosphere that your guests will remember for years to come, it will feel as if you are transported from a typical restaurant to your own private trendy locale! Bonus points: Just like Old Metropolitan Hall, it’s located right off of the Downtown Mall with easy access to additional bars in case you or your guests are in the mood for a nightcap before the big day!

DC Rehearsal Dinner Locations

Dlena

A Mexican cocina centered around a wood burning grill is an uber chic spot to hold your rehearsal dinner. It is a little off par but super trendy if that is your style. The room at Dlena brings together old world and modern design in a cohesive and contemporary way. The food is served in such a way that the presentation rivals the deliciousness, but we promise neither are compromised. If you are looking for something a little different, fun and swanky we urge you to check out this DC rehearsal dinner location.

The Residents

If you are looking for a spot that will pique all of your senses, The Residents may be the location for you. This cafe transforms you into a world of color, complemented beautifully by greenery and an array of tropical plants throughout the space. A menu inspired by European cultures coupled with a cool, laid back vibe, The Residents is the perfect place for a couple looking to keep their rehearsal dinner a little bit more informal. From food to design to culture…this spot is hot!

Dirty Habit

Whether you fancy natural light and industrial or a goth inspired atmosphere, Dirty Habit has a stylish and avant-garde design that is beautiful and cutting edge. If sophisticated, mod  and chic is your thing, Dirty Habit’s design (alone) will make you swoon. A menu made entirely of global cuisine and craft cocktails, there is surely something for everyone. With an innovative twist on traditional meals and unexpected ingredients,this is a great spot to begin your wedding weekend festivities.

Ill Piatto

If you are looking for Italian cuisine, this is the place for you. Whether you prefer an indoor or outdoor event, Ill Piatto promises to transport you to the charming streets of Italy with a menu curated from the rich flavors and aromas of old world Italian fare.

The Gatsby

If the history of DC, prohibition, speakeasies and the like interest you, this spot can be just what you are looking for. The Gatsby’s design includes historic interiors with cathedral ceilings inside a century-old bank. This venue offers breathtaking waterfront views,complete with a dining room overlooking the Potomac.For the adventure seekers, there is also a private underground hideaway. If you are seeking an American fare for your rehearsal dinner menu, we urge you to check this place out.

Floriana

Voted as one of the most romantic restaurants in DC, Floriana is the quintessential place to celebrate the eve of your wedding. his Italian bistro built on family and community uses seasonal ingredients from local sources to prepare the freshest cuisine for their guests. The beautiful dining room is the perfect atmosphere for an intimate and romantic setting or a fun, lighthearted celebration. Whether you are looking to mimic your wedding or have a party completely separate from the wedding day ambience, Floriana can accommodate your needs.

Rehearsal dinners are the perfect chance to welcome and spend extra time with your loved ones before the whirlwind of your wedding day.It is your chance to relax and unwind before your big day, fit in a few extra toasts, welcome some out of town guests and of course give special thanks to the people that have been a huge part of your journey. As you embark on this next phase of planning, take a look at our blog, A Planner’s Perspective on Planning a Rehearsal Dinner for some super helpful tips and advice.