Choosing Your Vermont Wedding Rehearsal Party Venue (Part 2)

Now is the Time to Book a Rehearsal Dinner Venue

According to The Knot, “Your sole purpose might be wedding planning right now, but don’t forget about rehearsal dinner planning too.”

Party Slate says, “You’ll want to give yourselves enough time to scout [rehearsal dinner] venues in order to book one four to six months in advance.”

“The night before your wedding should be about—you guessed it—rehearsing, but also about greeting your guests, giving everyone a taste of what they can expect for the rest of the weekend, and simply celebrating your love in a comfortable, nonchalant setting.” (The Knot)

In our last blog post we highlighted three rehearsal dinner venues, including our very own bevo catering and event space. Today we discover the latest in 2020 wedding trends and explore a few more incredible Vermont rehearsal dinner and welcome party spaces!

Rehearsal Party Themes and Trends

Wedding Forward says, “Wedding rehearsal dinners are that hidden gem that not enough people are talking about. 

While planning your wedding theme and celebration, it’s common enough to have to make compromises for one reason or another. Maybe you had a few ideas that were a little too non-traditional for your actual wedding.” 

Maybe you’re interested in a certain theme for your party. Junebug Weddings says, “We’ve seen couples base their themes on a particular region, food, style, hobby, or interest. Some fun ideas include a fiesta, a crawfish boil, a casino night, or a wedding-themed murder mystery party. 

This is your chance to go a little more whimsical and carefree than you might for your wedding and offer your guests a totally unique experience. It also makes for a perfect icebreaker for family members who might not have yet met or out-of-town guests who are meeting everyone for the first time.”

“This is your chance to make up for those choices you wanted to make.” (Wedding Forward)

Ditch the Dinner?

While bevo is well-versed in catering Vermont rehearsal dinners, we also specialize in delicious stationary appetizers, apps and finger food in motion, and unique drink and dessert stations.

Party Slate says the traditional seated rehearsal dinner is recently being upstaged by “offbeat night-before gatherings.”

“Rather than a large dinner that includes everyone who has traveled for the celebration…couples are opting for more intimate dinners with just their immediate families and wedding party, followed by an after-dinner experience for the larger group.

“Since the rehearsal dinner has become more of a celebration in its own right than just a formality, some couples choose to hold the event two nights before the wedding. This way, there’s more time to relax, recuperate and get ready for the main event.

Turn the dinner into a fabulous welcome party. If you have family or friends that traveled far to be at your wedding, extend the invitation to them as a thank-you for their extra effort. 

If you’re throwing a destination wedding or a party where at least half of the guests are from out of town, show your appreciation by inviting everyone to some kind of night-before festivity. 

If you’re working with a limited budget, stick to a more exclusive group for the rehearsal dinner and consider having an informal welcome cocktail or dessert party for out-of-towners later in the evening.”  (Party Slate)

Best Vermont Locations for Rehearsal Dinners & Welcome Parties

Here are some of bevo’s recommendations for top spots to host your rehearsal dinner:

Shelburne Vineyard

A rehearsal dinner or welcome event at Shelburne Vineyard promises “Rustic Elegance in the Heart of Vermont.”

Who wouldn’t love to be welcomed to your wedding weekend in Vermont at a place like this: “Our tasting room provides an inviting atmosphere consisting of warm, elegant fixtures handcrafted by local artisans. Our loft space overlooks the tasting room and the Adirondacks beyond. French doors open to our patios with sweeping views of the vineyards; a beautiful setting for events inside and out.”

Burlington City Arts 

Looking for something in the city? How about a dynamic arts environment? 

“Located in the historic Firehouse in the heart of downtown Burlington, the BCA Center’s second floor provides a unique urban and memorable space for everything from meetings to social gatherings and parties. Any rental includes event staff, tables and chairs, projection and audio systems and the use of our kitchen.”

Splash at The Boathouse 

What about a catered event floating on the Burlington waterfront?

“The Boathouse is located on Lake Champlain and is one of the most sought out summer destinations in VT!  From our warm summer breezes to spectacular sunsets, we believe that your decision to host your event at Splash will provide you with memories to last a lifetime.”

In addition to these fantastic venues, we can cater your rehearsal dinner or welcome event at a private residence, or even at your wedding venue.

With years of experience catering these venues and more, let bevo take care of the details!