rehearsal dinner on a budget + welcome party on a budget

jeffandjazzgetmarried

Hi friends - I am an OOT bride and am having a hard time thinking about where I can have a rehearsal dinner on a budget (not a mini wedding) for 25 people or so.

I figure my rehearsal dinner might be earlier (like 5 p.m. or so). Then I'd like to have a very informal welcome party from 7-10 (our wedding is at noon the next day). Any thoughts?

NOLAbridealmost

Domenica is one of John Besh's restaurants and they have an AMAZING happy hour: incredibly delicious authentic Italian style pizzas for 6.00 during happy hour (probably 10 inch diameter pizzas)  If you are doing it that early you could make an RSVP) for 25 people and just pre-order a ton of the pizzas in different varieties.  

http://domenicarestaurant.com/

ngddvm1

We are doing our welcome party at the Rock N' Bowl.  It is a little out of the Quarter, but it is $20 per person for all-you-can-drink beer and wine, plus open bowling for 2.5 hours (includes shoe rental!), and free cover for the live music that starts at 9:30.  The price includes food as well, so it may be possible for you to figure out a lower price that doesn't include food since you are already planning on eating somewhere!