Rehearsal Dinner Venues for Rent in Chicago

Rehearsal dinner? Congratulations! The Big Day is coming, and it’s time to celebrate. Just to make sure that everything runs smoothly, a practice run is a sure way to get you ready and feeling safe for the main event. And you are going to be amazed at how many fantastic restaurants you get to choose from. We guess you’re a little stressed anyway, so we prepared a little guide for you to have at least one less thing to worry about. 

Since you’re here, we assume that by now you have hopefully narrowed down the hunt to at least the city. Chicago is still quite a big place to search for a venue. Interested in having your rehearsal dinner in the center of the city, or perhaps somewhere further away? Maybe you would like a restaurant with a view of Lake Michigan or specifically the Navy Pier? If the event is happening in the evening, then possibly a beautiful panorama of the Chicago skyline is something that you would like to remember. There is no shame in wanting something specifically social-media-worthy (a rooftop garden? Yes, please.) The sky’s the limit – literally.

Checklist time

Mark it! You have a guide right here, make sure to use it to the fullest. No time to be forgetting things, so tick away.

Private dining or not?

To dine privately doesn’t necessarily mean being expensive. Here at Tagvenue, we have options that make everybody happy. Consider your budget and what you are willing to accept and what you are not. Make sure to be specific about what your expectations are – a private dining space is not a private dining room. If you cannot imagine people who are not your guests showing up on photos or videos, or perhaps interrupting, then filter out all the semi-private spaces. Lack of disturbance does make the day even more special, and you have the comfort of knowing that no uninvited person walks right in the middle of your event.

Budgeting – cutting costs or letting loose?

The good news is that you can go very low on the cost. Some places offer event packages that are charged per person, while others offer a session fee. If the rehearsal dinner is planned for a smaller number of people, then it might turn out that the venue you thought would be out of reach, will actually be quite reasonably priced. 

Don’t be afraid to ask for a discount, or check on the restaurant’s social media pages. Some locations have small competitions online for their followers. Why pay more when you can pay less?

Food and beverages

Most restaurants will work to suit your needs. Of course, they can’t come up with a completely new menu, but ask away – they will try to keep you happy and satisfied, that’s for sure! Be upfront about your guests’ dietary needs and requirements. Is anyone vegan or vegetarian? Some people will be gluten or dairy free. Watch out for allergies – nuts, garlic, and spices are considered to be the most common ones. And once that is taken care of, you can ponder about what type of dessert you prefer!

Themes and colors

What is the theme of your wedding? Which colors predominate during the ceremony, and which ones will complement the reception? If you’re still stuck for ideas, then think back to the romantic times you’ve had with your partner. Surely there were some dates which you remember more than others. You could base your ideas on that. Perhaps a first date, or the day you got engaged?

If a color motif seems too simple for your taste, you could try going for a nationality, movie or seasonal theme. Think how interesting it would be to have a wedding with such a concept! Whilst we are here, you can also check the dress code – some restaurants may require one, so just make sure that all guests know the specific rules. 

Deciding on the date

Usually, the date of the rehearsal dinner would be right before the wedding. Although you can follow the traditional way, there is absolutely no necessity for you to do so. If you pick a date in the middle of the week, it could be good to check in with your most important guests or let them know in advance. Picking a popular place might also prove to be tough, meaning that weekdays would be your best option. Do keep in mind that fewer busy days may mean a greater focus on you and your party. 

Prices vary depending on the most and least in-demand days. You will probably also have to pay a deposit, which varies between around ten to forty per cent depending on the restaurant. Just in case, you can also check the cancellation and refund policy (in case you find a better place, of course). 

Rehearsal Dinner Venues in Chicago FAQ

Can I have my rehearsal dinner in a Chicago roof garden?

Sure thing! Here are some options you might want to consider:

• Rooftop Lounge at Workbox. Located in the heart of River North, this exclusive indoor/outdoor lounge offers beautiful views of downtown Chicago and is furnished and adaptable to your needs. With its warm, organic design and capacity of up to 150 people, it's the perfect place to relax, connect, and unwind with your loved ones before your big day.

• The Rooftop at Taxim. Located on North Milwaukee Avenue, this rooftop venue offers stunning views of the city and a capacity of up to 96 people. It serves Greek wines, spirits, and history-inspired drinks, allowing you and your guests to experience a taste of Athens while enjoying the beautiful Chicago weather. The rooftop atmosphere is perfect for intimate dinners, and the delicious cuisine will make your rehearsal dinner one to remember.

• Penthouse and Sky Lounge at V. Collective Penthouse. Located on West Jackson Boulevard in the trendy West Loop neighborhood, this venue boasts unparalleled panoramic views of the Chicago skyline. With a capacity of up to 100 people, it's a one-of-a-kind venue for your rehearsal dinner. The chic boutique atmosphere provides an oasis above the hustle and bustle of the city, making it a unique and memorable venue for your special night.

Who should be invited to a rehearsal dinner?

Needless to say, invite the people closest to you, whether it’s your friends or family. The ones that you cannot imagine the wedding without, should probably be at dinner as well. It is also customary to invite the person officiating the wedding and the parents of the bride and groom. Think if you have any family members who it would be polite to invite.

Should I plan some fun activities during dinner as well?

Go for it! Maybe you would like some entertainment from an outside party? A DJ, a performer, or a live band? Spice up the rehearsal dinner and prepare something yourself. Do you have a special skill or talent that you could show off? A little dance or a song right before the wedding will put your guests and yourself in a great mood.

Additionally, You can always rent something a little extra, like a photo booth, and have your guests dress up and take pictures of themselves. If you want something a bit more low-key, then possibly just a Polaroid camera and photo album that they could put pictures of themselves in. A lovely idea is to have little gifts for each guest set out in front of their plate. A little jar of honey, or something personalized.

What are some rehearsal dinner mistakes?

Rehearsal dinners are an important part of the wedding planning process, as they allow the bride and groom to spend time with their closest family and friends before the big day. However, as with any event planning, there are certain mistakes that can be made when planning a rehearsal dinner. Here are a few common mistakes to avoid:

• Not considering the guest list. It's easy to get caught up in the excitement of planning the event, but it's important to consider who will be attending the rehearsal dinner. It's best to keep the guest list intimate and only invite close family and members of the wedding party.

• Not setting a budget. Without a budget, it's easy to overspend on the rehearsal dinner. Determine how much you are willing to spend on the event and stick to it.

• Not considering the location. The location of the rehearsal dinner is just as important as the location of the wedding. It should be easily accessible and convenient for all guests.

• Not communicating with the wedding planner. The wedding planner should be informed about the details of the rehearsal dinner so that they can coordinate with the vendors and ensure that everything runs smoothly.

• Not planning activities. The rehearsal dinner is not just about eating and drinking, it should also include some fun activities for guests to enjoy. It could be a game night, karaoke or even a movie night.

By avoiding these mistakes, you can ensure that the rehearsal dinner is a memorable and enjoyable experience for everyone involved. It's important to keep in mind that the rehearsal dinner is about celebrating love and friendship, and it should be planned accordingly.