As a Hoboken Bride, you are so swept up in the excitement of your beautiful day to come, and it’s shaping up to be everything you’ve always wanted for you and your husband-to-be! But, a little secret of ours is that the rehearsal dinner is where the real party begins to kick-off your fabulous wedding weekend. Hoboken is a diner’s paradise, offering some of the greatest places to eat and includes spaces that will definitely accommodate your equally elated nearest and dearest! So, go ahead – eat, drink, and {the next day} be married with the Hoboken bride’s guide to rehearsal dinners in town as recommended by EVJ Wedding Co.:
1. Porter Collins {1426 Willow Ave}
If you love Anthony David’s, you will love Chef Pino’s newest addition to Hoboken — Porter Collins, where you’ll get a serious taste of luxury. With craft cocktails, a wood-burning oven and modern American cuisine, this spot is perfect for a casual, yet glam rehearsal dinner with a mid-20th century vibe. From a wide variety of options in the raw bar to burgers, chicken and rabbit dishes, there’s a little something for everyone to enjoy. It’s even featured on The Knot‘s website, so you know this place is already a hot spot for wedding receptions.
2. Amanda’s {908 Washington Street}
Wine and dine at Amanda’s which is one of the most perfect venues for a personalized party in the most coziest dining rooms that accommodate 10-90 guests. For larger parties, you can pre-select a personalized menu which will be super cute with the future Mr. and Mrs. names on it {!}. The floor to ceiling french doors, extensive wine list, candlelight dining, and garden terrace views create the most elegant rehearsal dinner setting.
3. The Cuban {333 Washington Street}
The eclectic flair at The Cuban creates a subtle and unique setting for your bridal party guests to experience. The Main Bar can host up to 30 people in banquet style seating. They also have two dining rooms which are located towards the back of the restaurant that can easily be joined for larger parties making it ideal for your rehearsal dinner. If you prefer a small and intimate, lounge style cocktail party, The Cuban has a ‘loft-style’ second floor bar which will definitely have your guests asking for more yummy mojitos.
4. The Brass Rail {135 Washington Street}
Bistro-it up before the big day at The Brass Rail which is a trendy, upscale restaurant offering a warm and comfortable atmosphere. The bistro area offers an expansive bar complete with the finest wines, beers, and spirits. To please the casual side of your party, downstairs is your best bet for serving passed hors d’ouevres. Party upstairs for the more formal, classy rehearsal event with some unique light fixtures above. Upstairs is sure to accommodate up to 70 people. You also have your own personal bartender with the sweetest views of downtown Washington street below.
5. The Turtle Club {936 Park Avenue}
Mingle with different mixologies at The Turtle Club which allows hosts to serve up to 50 people or more for a 3 hour open bar plus food for your hungry guests. It’s certainly a fun and spacious cocktail party-style setting to host your upcoming bridal event. And… the amazing list of different drink choices {including this beauty, berry-cocktail below} will definitely be sure to please.
A few tips to make your rehearsal dinner charming and Hoboken-esque:
-For planning your rehearsal dinner invitation, don’t forget to include parking garage accommodations for out-of-town guests arriving in this fab-little city! Stress free is the key!
-6:30 to 9:30 is the most perfect dinner time for your rehearsal event. It gives time for your guests to mingle, eat and get excited, but still provides you and your bridal party to have the perfect amount of beauty rest!
-Dress up your tables with fun engagement photos of the happy couple in a few frames to add a personal touch!
-DIY floral arrangements from the adorable bodegas on the streets of Hoboken can really spruce up your space! Hydrangeas and roses in lovely vases purchased from Christmas Tree Shop, HomeGood’s or Michael’s can add something special to your sweet event!
-EVJ can’t live without candle votives to light up your room and create that romantic touch before the EVEN MORE lovely day following.
What are some of your tips for an ultimately charming rehearsal dinner?
