How to Plan a Rehearsal Dinner at Austin Restaurants
The rehearsal dinner is your chance to celebrate with your closest family and wedding party before the big day. Austin's diverse restaurant scene offers everything from elegant private rooms to casual patios, making it easy to find the perfect setting for this meaningful gathering.
At Party On Delivery, we help couples complete their wedding weekend celebrations. Here's your guide to planning a rehearsal dinner at Austin restaurants.
Choosing Your Style
Formal Dinners
Elegant settings for traditional rehearsals:
- Private dining rooms with table service
- Multi-course tasting menus
- Sommelier wine pairings
- Upscale dress code
- Seated arrangements with assigned seating
Casual Gatherings
Relaxed atmosphere for laid-back couples:
- Patio reservations for groups
- Family-style shared plates
- Bar area buyouts
- Come-as-you-are dress
- Mingling-friendly layouts
| Style | Guest Count | Price Per Person | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fine Dining Private Room | 15-40 | $100-200 | Formal celebrations |
| Upscale Casual | 20-60 | $60-100 | Elevated but relaxed |
| Casual Patio | 20-50 | $40-70 | Outdoor lovers |
| BBQ Family Style | 30-80 | $35-60 | Texas casual |
Top Austin Restaurants for Rehearsal Dinners
Fine Dining Options
Sophisticated settings:
| Restaurant | Cuisine | Private Capacity | Minimum Spend |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jeffrey's | New American | 10-40 guests | $3,000-8,000 |
| Uchi | Japanese | 8-20 guests | $2,000-5,000 |
| Eddie V's | Seafood/Steak | 15-60 guests | $3,500-10,000 |
| Perry's Steakhouse | Steakhouse | 12-60 guests | $3,000-8,000 |
Upscale Casual
Quality food, relaxed vibes:
- Odd Duck: Farm-to-table creativity
- Barley Swine: Adventurous American
- Launderette: Modern American comfort
- Emmer & Rye: Sophisticated small plates
Texas Classics
Local flavor for your out-of-town guests:
- Salt Lick BBQ: Legendary Austin BBQ
- Franklin Barbecue: World-famous brisket
- Terry Black's Barbecue: Central Texas tradition
- Moonshine Patio Bar & Grill: Southern comfort
- Matt's El Rancho: Austin Tex-Mex institution
Planning Timeline
| Timeframe | Tasks |
|---|---|
| 3-4 months before | Book restaurant, confirm capacity, set budget |
| 6-8 weeks before | Send invitations, plan menu, order any specialty items |
| 2-3 weeks before | Finalize guest count, confirm menu selections |
| 1 week before | Final headcount, confirm timeline, prepare toasts |
| Day before dinner | Confirm all details with restaurant |
Menu Considerations
Set Menu vs. A La Carte
Set Menu Advantages:
- Predictable per-person cost
- Streamlined service
- Easier dietary accommodation
- Less decision fatigue for guests
A La Carte Advantages:
- Guest choice freedom
- Individual preferences honored
- Potentially lower cost
- More casual feel
Dietary Accommodations
Work with the restaurant on:
- Vegetarian and vegan options
- Gluten-free modifications
- Allergy considerations
- Kosher or halal requirements
- Children's options
Budget Planning
What's Typically Included
Restaurant packages often include:
- Food (set menu or per-person pricing)
- Non-alcoholic beverages
- Tax and service charge (18-22%)
- Basic table setup
- Dedicated server(s)
Additional Costs
Budget separately for:
- Alcohol and wine pairings
- Dessert upgrades
- Floral centerpieces
- Printed menus
- Audio/visual equipment
Who to Invite
Traditional Guest List
- Wedding party and their partners
- Immediate family (parents, siblings)
- Officiant
- Out-of-town guests (optional)
- Close relatives involved in wedding
Modern Approaches
Some couples include:
- All out-of-town guests
- Extended family
- Close friends not in wedding party
- Wedding vendors (photographer, coordinator)
Toasts and Program
Typical Program Flow
- Hosts welcome guests
- Blessing (if appropriate)
- Dinner service begins
- Parent toasts
- Best man and maid of honor toasts
- Couple thanks guests
- Dessert and mingling
Toast Tips
- Keep speeches to 3-5 minutes
- Provide clear order of speakers
- Have a microphone for large groups
- End by 9-10 PM (big day tomorrow!)
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How far in advance should I book a private dining room?
A: For popular restaurants, book 3-4 months ahead, especially for weekend dates. Some high-demand venues require even earlier reservations.
Q: Who traditionally pays for the rehearsal dinner?
A: Traditionally, the groom's parents host the rehearsal dinner. However, modern couples often split costs or host themselves.
Q: Should we tip on top of the included gratuity?
A: The automatic service charge typically covers gratuity. Additional tipping is optional but appreciated for exceptional service.
Q: Can Party On Delivery help with rehearsal dinners?
A: While most restaurant rehearsal dinners include beverage service, we can help with after-parties or welcome events where you're providing your own beverages.
Create a Memorable Evening
Your rehearsal dinner sets the tone for your wedding weekend. Choose a restaurant that reflects your style, focus on the people who matter most, and enjoy this special evening before the big day.
Party On Delivery helps with all your wedding weekend celebrations. Order for your welcome party or any event where you're hosting beverages.
This article is part of our comprehensive Ultimate Guide to Planning Your Austin Wedding. Also explore: Wedding Vendor Checklist | Wedding Bar Service Guide | Signature Cocktails
Allan Henslee
Founder & CEO of Party On Delivery, helping Austin celebrate in style since 2023.