Planning questions · Sample menus · How it works
An engagement party and a rehearsal dinner may share a guest list with a wedding, but they have their own setting and pace. Describe this gathering separately so its meal, service and budget can be discussed on their own terms.
For a rehearsal dinner, include the expected arrival after the rehearsal and any remarks planned during the meal. For an engagement party, explain whether guests will sit down together or arrive through a longer reception.
What to include in the inquiry
- Which occasion you are planning
- Date, venue and approximate guest count
- Arrival time and any fixed schedule
- Menu interests and dietary needs
- Bar, staffing, rentals and budget
The food and service
The restaurant sample collections and Wedding menu collection are starting points for a conversation. Confirm the actual dishes and their suitability for this event with the team.
Menus to discuss
Sample menus are a starting point. Confirm dishes and availability with the catering team.
Planning the next step
Include your estimated guest count and budget band. The Company field is optional. If the location is still undecided, enter “Not booked yet.” Read how the inquiry works and the common questions.
Start an inquiry for this event
Engagement & rehearsal dinners — planning questions
Should the rehearsal dinner have a separate catering brief?
Yes. Give it its own date, venue, guest count, schedule and budget, even if you are also discussing the wedding. The smaller gathering may have a different menu and service format.
How do we plan dinner around the rehearsal?
Include where and when the rehearsal ends, travel time to the meal and any planned toasts. Flag a fixed finish time so the catering discussion accounts for the whole evening.
Can the menu differ from the wedding menu?
Menus are customizable. Share what you want this gathering to feel like and explore the Wedding, Son of a Gun or other sample collections as starting points. Confirm the final dishes and availability with the team.