About Jacksonville
Jacksonville is the state’s most populated city and the largest city by territory in the contiguous United States. It is located on the banks of the St. Johns River in northeast Florida's First Coast region and the area experiences hot and humid summers and cold and dry winters.
Jacksonville has been inhabited for centuries and is steeped in history. In the late 18th century, the city of Jacksonville began to develop as a settlement. Despite setbacks such as the Great Fire of 1901 and economic troubles in the 1960s and 1970s, the city has witnessed a major surge in economy and prosperity since 2003.
“Jax”, as termed by locals, is the perfect destination to explore the outdoors and be surrounded by nature. With 22 miles of beaches, huge parks, historic neighborhoods, fishing opportunities, a bustling street arts scene, quirky museums, creative coastal food, and wonderful craft beer it is the ideal location for a rehearsal dinner.
Rehearsal Dinner Options in Jacksonville
Have you finalized your plans for the rehearsal dinner? Make sure you've covered everything from the cuisine to the makeup and the stunning décor on your to-do list.
- Décor
Your rehearsal dinner venue in Jacksonville should look grand and exquisite. You will need flower centerpieces, top-of-the-line flatware, pretty linens and china. Get whatever you need from the city's equipment rental and decor companies.
- Photography
You will be creating memories that you will want to remember for the rest of your life at your rehearsal dinner. On the day of your celebration, use the services of a photographer in Jacksonville.
- Catering
The cuisine is probably the most important aspect of a rehearsal dinner. You can serve anything you want, whether it's appetizers and sandwiches or a large buffet. For the night, hire a good caterer and cuisine according to your liking.
- Dress Designers
Meet with a dress designer before your rehearsal dinner in Jacksonville who can provide you with helpful fashion ideas and assist you in selecting the finest attire. There are always bespoke designers who can help you find the perfect outfit.
Rehearsal Dinner Companies in Jacksonville
The most beautiful rehearsal dinner venue in Jacksonville is easily put together when you work with those with a passion for parties.
- Seiromen
Jessica owns Seiromem, an event planning and design agency based in Jacksonville. She and her team create traditional, original, elegant, and most importantly, memorable events and designs for all their clients. Wedding planning, floral design, party planning, intimate dinners, reunions, and corporate events are all services provided by Seiromen.
- Davoli’s Catering, Inc.
Fred and Antionette Davoli founded Davoli's Catering, Inc. in 1970. Fred Davoli and his crew have over 50 years of expertise in the food sector and take care to create unique food for your event. Weddings, intimate social gatherings, and major business events are all catered to by them. Davoli's Catering, Inc. takes pleasure in providing attractively presented and delectable cuisine.
- Kuhn Flowers
Since 1947, Kuhn flowers have been serving Jacksonville and the surrounding areas. Their 28,000 square foot retail facility in the heart of Jacksonville displays a breathtaking selection of the most beautiful fresh blooms, green plants and gifts. This family-owned company is committed to offering exceptional customer service while providing the freshest collection of florals in all of North Florida.
Pros and Cons of Rehearsal Dinners in Jacksonville
Jacksonville, like any other city, has its ups and downs, highs and lows that can influence major decisions. Let’s take a look at some pros and cons.
Advantages
- The weather is pleasant all year
The weather in Jacksonville is tropical and warm all year. The winters are mild and there is no snow. Summers are the only time when it is hot and humid. This leaves you with the option of choosing an outdoor venue.
- There are numerous beaches
Fancy a beautiful rehearsal dinner with the sunset in the backdrop? Jacksonville is one of those Florida cities with long lengths of beaches on all sides. Pick a beach for your rehearsal dinner and enjoy the breathtaking sunset.
- There are numerous outdoor attractions.
Whether you enjoy hunting or fishing, golfing, or hiking, Jacksonville offers a variety of outdoor activities to offer. Combine an outside activity with your rehearsal dinner to ensure that all of your guests have a good time.
Disadvantages
- Less safe
The city's crime rate is higher than that of other cities in Florida. Not all regions, however, are dangerous. Before deciding on a dinner location, find out which area is the safest.
- The city is inaccessible by foot
Jacksonville isn't particularly walkable and biking isn't an option. Jacksonville is a large metropolis so there's a lot of urban sprawl. To travel around, you'll need to use a car.
- Bothersome traffic
Jacksonville is a rapidly growing city with a large number of vehicles on the road. As well, there's the construction that's going on everywhere. Even on weekends, this results in longer traffic times. Keep this in mind on the day of your rehearsal dinner.
Famous Locations in Jacksonville
- Kingsley Plantation
Kingsley Plantation, which is located on Fort George Island, had a significant role in Florida's history. The National Park Service has conserved the 1814 plantation home and its surrounding structures. Here you will get an insight into a distinct age in the South including the unique tabby huts on the plantation which were built and inhabited by the slaves. A self-guided audio tour or a guided tour with a park ranger is also available.
- St. Johns Town Center
St. Johns Town Center is the shopping hub of Jacksonville, with over 1.2 million square feet of open-air shops, over 175 businesses, and more than 20 eateries. Here you'll discover a wide range of stores, including the big names, as well as three hotels located inside the Center.
- Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park
Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park is known for Jacksonville's top surfing spots. This oceanfront municipal park is in Atlantic Beach and contains more than 20 miles of biking and hiking paths of varying complexity. There's also a camping area, a lake for paddle boarding and fishing, kayaking access, and long stretches of white sand beaches.