The wedding is planned, the honeymoon is booked, and there isn’t much else to do besides enjoy time with your closest family and friends! A rehearsal dinner allows you to do just that! The wedding day goes by in such a blur that a rehearsal dinner really allows you to relax and mix and mingle without the pressure of all the eyes on you.
We’ve put together a list of some of our favourite rehearsal dinner spots around Victoria and thrown in a few tips for you to consider when planning for your rehearsal dinner! Stay tuned because in the coming weeks we’ll also be sharing our top spots on the Saanich Peninsula and on the Westshore!
1. Penny Lane (Penny Farthing Pub)
Nestled in the heart of Oak Bay Village is the wonderful Penny Farthing Pub, which has a room called Penny Lane that is available for private bookings. If you are looking for a very aesthetically pleasing room this is the spot! With white brick, black chandeliers, wood tables and bentwood chairs it is sleek and sophisticated. Not to mention the food is absolutely delicious.
Our own lead planner, Sara, chose this spot to host her own rehearsal dinner!
(Photos from Myrtle and Moss Photography, provided by The Penny Farthing Pub)
2. Zambris
A favourite for Italian food lovers, Zambris is located in the trendy Atrium building right downtown. If the budget wasn’t big enough for the dream destination wedding in Florence, your rehearsal dinner here can definitely transport you there. You can even book their indoor “patio” that is inside the Atrium courtyard!
Not only a beautiful spot for a long table family style rehearsal dinner with your crew, Zambris also plays to host to small weddings and events!
(Photos courtesy of Zambris)
3. Heron Rock Bistro
Located just south of downtown this is a great spot if you are an out of town couple looking for a true local experience. Their menu and drink list is extremely focused on local ingredients. They host musicians every Friday – Monday night so there is a good chance your dinner will come with some entertainment. For larger groups they can customize menus and work within your budget!
Planning tip! Consider hosting your ceremony rehearsal and rehearsal dinner a couple of days before your wedding instead of the evening before, not only will it extend the celebrations for an extra day but it also means you can really relax the day before the wedding without big group commitments (we are thinking spa day!).
(Photos courtesy of Heron Rock Bistro)
4. Fortune Gallery
Want something super unique? What about a dinner in an art gallery? Fortune Gallery in China Town is a great spot and is available for private events! They have a bar built-in and the most beautiful heritage brick wall. This is the perfect place if you want a cool, industrial, downtown vibe. Plus they have a cool loft that your guests can mingle in before and after the dinner!
For this venue you can bring in your own caterer! Here are a few of our personal favourites:
- Toque Catering
- Truffles Catering
- House of Boateng
(Photos courtesy of Fortune Gallery)
5. 10 Acres Bistro/10 Acres Commons
Located one block from the Fairmont Empress, this farm to table restaurant serves up delicious cocktails and even better food. There are two parts to 10 Acres – the Bistro and Commons. With slightly different menus, the Bistro and Commons offer different atmospheres so it will suit whatever your rehearsal dinner style is. Both very hip and modern decor with a welcoming, fun atmosphere!
If you are staying in the downtown core, the Bistro and Commons are most great options because they are a hop, skip, and jump from many of Victoria’s best hotels!
