Rehearsal Dinner Help

steveandmichelle2012

Hi Knotties!

I was wondering if anyone can advise on some good locations and ideas for a rehearsal dinner in the French Quarter. We are paying for our wedding ourselves so we are looking to keep the budget to under $1,500 for the dinner. 

We have 25 guests for the dinner, intially we were hoping to have it at a place we have already been to that we loved but unfortunately the budget is getting in the way. Can anyone recommend a good location or restaurant that is budget friendly?

Thank you so much for your help!! 

Michelle

TrulydPrincess

Hi!  Are you looking for something very formal or informal?  Have you tried the House of Blues?  You could aslo try to do a fixed menu...that may help with the budget.  You could also try Pat O's...they have a room upstairs.  I hope that helps.

jeffandjazzgetmarried

We are having our rehearsal dinner at Bourbon House for 26 guests and not expecting it to cost over 1100. The most expensive menu items (we didn't choose) were $41. We chose entrees that are 27 and 25 bucks a piece. Guests will get a soup or salad, choice of entree and dessert - no booze. 

We are having a rehearsal lunch which is cutting down on costs for us.

danalambert

Perhaps check out Cafe' Amelie and also Toujagues in the Quarter...

mnols

Tujague's was very accomodating for ours and worked with us on a menu to fit our budget.  You should definitely give them a call to see what options they can offer.  The food and service was fantastic and we were upstairs with the balcony which added a nice touch.

derksenriley

We did ours at Domenica for $1500 for 30 people, including tax and tip.  We ate in the main dining room during happy hour so that really cut down on the cost of drinks (1/2 price) and we didn't specify that people order anything specific but a lot of people ordered pizzas which are 1/2 price during happy hour.  Their food is awesome.  However you have to be willing to have a pretty casual rehearsal dinner and it is loud in there so we didn't end up doing any speeches or toasts.  (We were split into 3 tables of 10, all in one section, so H and I mingled around a good bit but everyone else kind of stayed put - we didn't assign seats but it ended up being roughly split up with his family, my family and then bridal party each taking a table, it was fun). They do have a private dining room but it was too small for our group and they don't do the specials in the private room.  I want to say that it holds 25 cozily but you could look into that. 

steveandmichelle2012

Thank you so much for the posts and ideas ladies! First off I am sorry for my late reply, I checked email me the responses but I never received any so I figured no one replied.

All of these places definitely will work for us and luckily they are places we have been before. (which we preferred... we didn't just want to have it in a random place we haven't experienced ourselves yet). 

It looks like I have my work cut out for me, I didn't research any of these places yet so I cannot begin to say how grateful I am for your suggestions. 

NikNik2013

We're using Acme Oyster House on Iberville. They have a private room, and lots of package options. Our dinner is March 8, 2013, so I'll post reviews after!

steveandmichelle2012

Hi Ladies,

I just wanted to thank you again for everyone's advice. After researching and talking to a few of your suggested venues we decided to go with the Bourbon House. Their menu and pricing just couldn't be beat. Plus their coordinator Mary is super sweet!

Good luck with all of your planning!!! 

Marti66

Just was at a crazy pre wedding party at Mother's.  I am sure they did not spend a great deal.

steveandmichelle2012

We were considering mothers but it seemed like it may be out of our budget. Plus even though my fiance walked there many times we think it may be a bit of a hike for our parents. Having a dinner at mothers would have been amazing though. Mmm... I could use some mothers right now. lol