Rehearsal dinner turnout

[basil]

How many of the out-of-town guests that you invited to your rehearsal dinner were actually able to make it?

We found a great place over Thanksgiving, but they only accomodate 40 guests comfortably and 50 max and that''s pretty tight. I have 22 people on my side who I''m certain will come, and probably another 8 maybes. My fiance''s family is all from far away - and mostly from the west coast or Taiwan. The first flight out of San Francisco still doesn''t get one to the east coast in time to make a 6pm dinner, and that''s if they took Friday off from work. So I don''t know if they would really come.

My gut says that this place is probably too small - but looking for opinions nonetheless?

 

[sap483]

Hi Basil. I don''t have any suggestions for you as I''m in the planning phases of my RD as well. I just wanted to say that I''m really glad that you were able to find another place that you like

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[basil]

Hey Sap,

Where are you looking at for your RD?

We''re trying to stay in the Bristol/Warren area, which I think has less choices than Newport. We originally looked at the Country Inn, but they won''t do a private party on a Friday night. Then we went to Tav Vino and their food was good, but I''m just not sure 40 people is big enough. But the room is really cute and looks out over the water, plus they have a deck with an awning we could use.

Have heard things about the Wharf Tavern (mixed reviews) and Nat Porter Inn, too. We are also considering Jacky''s Galaxie since my fiance is Chinese, but again, have heard mixed reviews about the quality of their food. I wish we were there more often so we could try more places ourselves!

 

[sap483]

We originally wanted to do it at Greenvale Vineyards in Portsmouth, but they're booked. I did find out today that Newport Vineyards is available- so it's an option. We need to go and take a look and sample their wine. It would have to be catered by one of their 4 preferred vendors, one of which is Blackstone which is affiliated with our wedding venue- so there's the potential for a discount. Otherwise we'll go the restaurant route. I want to find a place that has really good food and wine though, as FI and I both really enjoy wine and would like it if our friends and family could do a bit of samplling. Our coordinator suggested 22 Bowens Wine Bar and Grille. I'd like to go and try the food though. Have you been?

In Bristol, I've had dinner at the DeWolf Tavern. It was beautiful and the food was yummy (American cuisine w/ an Indian twist. I liked the waterfront setting too. Do you want something more casual or formal?

 

[basil]

Greenvale was someplace we had initially considered for our wedding, but then we decided we didn''t want to deal with multiple tents/rentals/etc. What about Sakonnet Vineyards?

I''ve been to DeWolf Tavern as well and it''s fabulous, but fiance''s father doesn''t like Indian food, so I think it''s out. I think I''m looking for something more casual, I think, since our wedding is more formal and I want to keep it laid-back.

We''ll probably try Jacky''s over Christmas and if their food is decent we''ll do that, cause I think fiance''s family will really like the idea of having a chinese buffet

I''m sad about losing the awesome view at Tav Vino though.

Have you started planning your wedding menu with your caterer? We''ve just started and it''s harder than it seems!