The two of you decided to take the plunge, and now you're in the throes of wedding craziness. With the focus on wedding bands (for ring fingers and reception halls), tuxedos, veils and honeymoon plans, it can be easy to overlook the event that kicks off the whole wedding weekend: the rehearsal dinner.
After you've done a dry run of the biggest ceremony of your life, gather your nearest and dearest together for a special dinner before the big "I do." Feast your eyes on these outstanding options for hosting a rehearsal dinner in DeKalb County.
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Chamblee
3829 Clairmont Road, Chamblee, GA 30341, 770-234-0057.
When you host your rehearsal dinner at the 57th Fighter Group Restaurant, you step back in time in the World War II, aviation-themed restaurant. The restaurant, along the edge of DeKalb-Peachtree Airport for runway views, is designed to resemble a 1940s bombed-out European farmhouse. Two audiovisual-equipped private dining rooms can accommodate up to 80 people and feature cozy fireplaces to set the mood. In addition to the $100 setup fee, there is a food and beverage minimum of $1,500-$2,600, depending on the room. Orders off the banquet menu must be received at least four business days before the event. In addition to the two full-service bars in the lounge, you can tack on a private bar to your room for an additional fee, depending on which package you select.
Decatur
121 Sycamore St., Decatur, GA 30030, 404-371-8800.
With its blend of modern, Spanish flavors on the seasonally inspired menu, The Iberian Pig is a Decatur destination for special events. You can choose from one of two spaces to host your dinner. The upstairs dining room is better suited for larger parties, accommodating up to 60 guests. The semiprivate dining experience in the wine room is a more intimate atmosphere ideal for smaller groups, seating up to 22 guests. While there is no fee to rent out one of these rooms, there is a minimum. It's dependent on which room you choose, the day of your dinner and the number of people on the guest list. In keeping with the tapas tradition, all dishes off the tapas tasting menus are presented as sharing portions for the table. There are two pre-set menu options to choose from ranging from $39 to $49 per guest, with the option to tack on desserts for an additional cost. If you do not see the perfect menu on one of the pre-set options, the special events coordinator can create a customized menu. Full beverage and cocktail service is available to enhance the experience. Audiovisual equipment is available upon request.
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1042 W. College Ave., Decatur, GA 30030, 404-373-3331.
Wahoo! Grill exudes a cozy, down-to-earth vibe, which may be just what you need before your big day. The elegant, glass-walled dining room and beautiful garden are designed to accommodate intimate dinners. There is a $50 minimum for daytime events, which are allotted two hours, and a $25 fee for every additional hour. The minimum for an evening event is $75, and the cost of additional time is $35 per hour. Depending on the dining area you choose, Wahoo! can accommodate between 70 and 200 guests. Wahoo! offers a variety of menus and alcohol packages that use local, organic ingredients and include wine offerings. A final guest count and finalized menu must be submitted two weeks before the event. An LCD projector, an 84-inch projector screen, and a microphone and amplifier are available for a $40 rental fee per item. Valet parking service is available for a $50-$150 fee. A cash bar is an additional $175.
Dunwoody
McKendrick's
4505 Ashford Dunwoody Road NE, Dunwoody, GA 30346. 770-512-8888.
McKendrick's, a steakhouse across from Perimeter Mall, offers two private and semiprivate party rooms for events such as rehearsal dinners. Complimentary AV equipment and Wi-Fi are standard amenities with any special event. Private events will seat 12 to 60 guests. Semiprivate dining will accommodate 10 to 40 guests. There are pre-fixed menus for parties of 20 or more. The average cost is about $73 per person. Applicable sales tax, gratuity and beverages are an additional cost.
Stone Mountain
Stone Mountain Inn
1058 Robert E. Lee Drive, Stone Mountain, GA 30083. 770-469-3311. More details here.
Hosting your rehearsal dinner at Stone Mountain Inn will add an historical flair to the celebration. With four event rooms and an outdoor banquet facility, Stone Mountain Inn offers plenty of options to make your rehearsal dinner a lovely beginning of your new life together. The inn can accommodate 34 to 70 guests depending on the room. Pre-set menus range from $28-$35 per person and require a minimum of 20, 30 or 35 guests depending on the type of menu chosen. Audiovisual equipment is available for use, along with a pre-fixed dinner menu and beverage service. The cost to rent out an event space is $400 a day. Part of the Marriott hotel chain, Stone Mountain Inn also makes a great option if guests need overnight accommodations.
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