About Indianapolis
Indianapolis Indiana is a city known for fast cars and invigorating sports all wrapped up in a homey Midwestern blanket where everyone feels welcome. Best known for the Indy 500 - the biggest single day sporting event in the world - and the Colts - the NFL football team based in Indianapolis - Indianapolis is a place that will keep you entertained from dawn to dusk.
But that’s not all! With over 20 museums in the city - including the world’s largest Children’s Museum - and plenty more attractions to boot - the city known as Indy is one of the best places to visit in the midwest, and an even better one to host a romantic rehearsal dinner. With stunning parks and bustling marketplaces, it is hard not to feel swept away by Indy.
Rehearsal Dinner Options in Indianapolis, IN
- Decorators
Figuring out the decor for your rehearsal dinner is key to setting the tone for your reception afterwards. Fortunately, you don’t want to simply show up to the venue empty handed, as Indianapolis is home to an abundance of professional decorators who can set the tone right.
- Equipment Rentals
At your rehearsal dinner, you will likely need various equipment like microphones, sound equipment, or lighting options like a spotlight to focus on the happy couple. Many venues might have equipment you can borrow for an additional fee, but there are also multitudes of equipment rental options in Indianapolis.
- Caterers
With its great food scene, catering should be a breeze in Indy. Restaurants and brewpubs have flourished in Indianapolis and their food and drink will keep you and your guests warm and happy throughout the evening.
- Music Options
Indianapolis has a thriving music scene, so it shouldn’t be hard to find the right entertainment to set the tone for your evening. Whether you want a DJ, a live band, or a harp player, Indy has you covered.
- Hotels
When considering where to have your rehearsal dinner for your wedding, you want to make sure that there are plenty of accommodation options available for your guests. Fortunately, Indy is home to plenty of high quality and affordable accommodations for those visiting the city.
Rehearsal Dinner Planning Companies in Indianapolis, Indiana
- Emily Ventura Designs
Owned by Emily Ventura, a professional event planner and Indy local, Emily Ventura Designs is a leader in the field for all things wedding. With multiple awards and accolades from The Knot, including a spot in their Hall of Fame, Emily knows the ins and outs of Indianapolis and will show you what the town truly has to offer.
- Blue Llama Events
Blue Llama Events specializes in events for individuals wanting to customize their event to match their background, culture, and personalities. Rated as one of Indianapolis’s top event planners, Blue llama Events brings its passion and expertise to every event they produce, and has won a wide variety of awards and accolades for their quality services.
- Blissfully Simple Events
Couples’ Choice Award Recipient for 2021 by WeddingWire, Blissfully Simple Events is a female owned Wedding and Event Planning team stationed in Indianapolis. From rehearsal dinners, bridal showers, weddings, and receptions, the team at Blissfully Simple does it all and does it well.
Pros and Cons of having a Rehearsal Dinner in Indianapolis
Pros:
- Fair prices
For a large city, Indianapolis is incredibly easy on the budget.
- Endless entertainment
Between the Indianapolis Speedway and two major sports teams, sports fans will not lack in options in Indy. For those looking for more arts and culture, the city is also home to many museums to see and explore.
- Food variety
Considered as an up-and-coming food scene, everything from traditional American favorites to the more unique and exotic can be found throughout the city
Cons:
- Summer rain
If your ideal rehearsal dinner is a picnic in a park, then Indianapolis in the summer may not be the best choice. In May, Indianapolis tends to get rain on more days than not, so you might want to consider hosting your event indoors.
- Busy city
While the hustle and bustle of Indy is part of its charm, it also makes for frequent traffic jams and large crowds.
- Lackluster public transportation
The public transportation in Indianapolis is a bit lackluster, making it easier to rent a car or walk/bike from place to place throughout the city.
Famous Rehearsal Dinner Locations in Indianapolis, IN
- Indianapolis’s International Marketplace
Located along Lafayette Road, Indianapolis’s International Marketplace is a place you shouldn’t miss. With over 80 restaurants with cuisine from all around the globe, your guests at your rehearsal dinner will be blown away by their experience in Indy.
- Indianapolis Motor Speedway & Museum
This famous speedway not only is the world’s largest auto racetrack, but hosts the Indianapolis 500, the largest and most famous race in NASCAR. Near the motorway, visitors can visit the museum which displays and houses old race cars and information on the sport’s history. Whether watching a high-speed octane-fueled race or visiting the historical museum, the speedway is an entertaining and educational attraction for all ages.
- Newfields
The 152-acre campus of Newfields has more than enough to keep your rehearsal dinner guests entertained for an entire day. With over 54,000 pieces of artwork, open green spaces, and walkways through beautifully landscaped parks, the Newfields has multiple things for visitors to experience and enjoy.