Tips for Planning the Best Rehearsal Dinner at Salon 61

An epic kick-off to your wedding weekend

There is a lot that goes into planning the perfect wedding weekend, and the best way to set the stage for what’s to come is with the rehearsal dinner! Introducing Salon 61, the newest private event space from Lettuce Entertain You, located in Chicago’s River North neighborhood at 61 W. Hubbard Street.

This chic new venue can accommodate parties of up to 125 guests for a seated event or 300 for a cocktail-style reception, making it the perfect locale for an epic rehearsal dinner. Not only is Salon 61 conveniently situated close to several of Chicago’s premier hotels where your out-of-town guests are staying, but the venue gives couples an opportunity to curate a menu that features the best of Lettuce Entertain You, including signature dishes from across your favorite Lettuce brands, such as RPM Seafood, Sushi-san and more.

For more information or to inquire about hosting your next event at Salon 61, click here.

Now that you’ve picked out your rehearsal dinner venue, Allie Drazin, Director of Private Dining & Special Events at Salon 61, is here to offer her pro tips for making it the perfect kick-off to an unforgettable wedding weekend.

Set the Stage

While your rehearsal doesn’t need to take place at the ceremony venue itself, Allie says to make sure wherever you choose to host your rehearsal dinner has a dedicated space to create a mock aisle and front row setup. Salon 61 features two large rooms—The Library, an intimate setting with warm, wood-paneled walls and coffered cherry wood ceilings (also perfect for cocktail hour!)—and The Atrium, which features a vaulted glass ceiling and large operable windows overlooking the historic courthouse building across Hubbard Street.

These two unique spaces offer plenty of room to practice your ceremony, plus Salon 61 offers full AV/ IT capabilities, making it perfect for seamlessly moving between the rehearsal and the dinner celebration to follow, all under one roof.

Pro tip: Offer your bridal party a signature cocktail or glass of bubbly while you rehearse!

A Curated Menu

The rehearsal dinner should immediately follow the wedding rehearsal. The Salon 61 team will work with you to ensure that your rehearsal dinner menu is different from what is being served at the wedding, but still unique, memorable and reflective of your personal style and preferences. We are loving parties that showcase interactive food stations and heavy hors d’oeurves. Think: Mini versions of RPM Steak‘s Millionaire’s Potato!

With the ability to select from signature menu items from various Lettuce restaurants, your rehearsal dinner at Salon 61 could include an RPM Steak carving station, a raw bar from RPM Seafood or the signature Sushi-san handroll bar. You don’t have to choose just one cuisine, but rather offer guests a sampling of all your Lettuce faves. In addition to interactive stations, Salon 61 can also accommodate a seated dinner served family-style or plated.

A Spot for Speeches

Speeches at a wedding can run a little lengthy, so the rehearsal dinner is a great opportunity to let your guests knock out everything they want to share in front of a more intimate crowd, especially anyone who is not slated to speak at the ceremony or who want to share personal stories about the special couple. Allie recommends planning the speeches to flow through the meal. It’s also a great opportunity for the couple to share gifts with their parents and the bridal party leading into the wedding weekend.

The Decor

Keep in mind, there is a wedding the next day that you do not want to upstage, so go heavy on the welcoming vibes versus opulent décor. In short: Keep it simple! The rehearsal dinner is about welcoming guests and setting the stage for a fun weekend ahead.

Be sure to ask the venue you select if they offer centerpieces or candles on the tables or if that is something you will need to provide. Salon 61 offers candelabras on each table, which provide a great centerpiece, plus the fully vaulted glass ceilings accompanied by grand crystal chandeliers make a stunning rehearsal dinner backdrop. They’re all you need!

Another perk of booking your rehearsal dinner (or next event) at Salon 61? The newest venue is part of the Lettuce Entertain You Frequent Diner Club program.