About London
London, situated in South East England, is the country’s vibrant capital. The city is a popular destination with tourists because of its exciting attractions, iconic skyline, rich history and incredible food and drinks scene.
London is a great place to host a rehearsal dinner to prepare for your big day. The city is well-connected to the rest of the UK by road, high-speed rail and bus routes, so your family members and friends who live outside of London should be able to reach your chosen venue without too much hassle. In this guide, we will help you plan an enjoyable rehearsal dinner that you will remember for the rest of your life.
Rehearsal Dinner Venue Options in London
Planning a rehearsal dinner can be a challenge. You’ve got to find the right venue, sort the food, entertainment, decorations, furniture, drinks and much more—all these on top of your actual wedding day! However, with help from the right companies, you can organise a memorable rehearsal dinner that will get you excited for your big day!
- Event Planner
If you feel out of your depth when it comes to event planning, you might want to consider enlisting the help of a professional. A seasoned event planner will help you organise all aspects of the rehearsal dinner, giving you more time to relax and prepare for your upcoming wedding.
- Furniture Hire
If you find a great venue, but it doesn’t provide all the furniture you need, don’t fret. You don’t need to look for a new rehearsal dinner venue. You can simply hire the furniture and equipment you need from a furniture hire company. Thankfully, there are plenty of nationwide furniture hire companies that can help you.
- Catering
The main event of your rehearsal dinner is the food. While many couples opt for sit-down meals, a growing number of couples are offering more casual dining options to their guests. For example, you can hire a caterer to provide a large buffet, BBQ or even a hog roast—the choice is all yours!
Rehearsal Dinner Venue Vendors in London
- Sandeman Events
If you’re searching for a reliable event planner, look no further! Sandeman Events organise events such as weddings and parties for clients from across the United Kingdom. The team can source venues, find gourmet caterers, hire outstanding staff and create a theme for your event that keeps your guests engaged and happy. So if you’re looking to work with an event planner, contact the team at Sandeman Events.
- YaHire
YaHire is an award-winning event furniture company that offers clients value for money, quality products and reliability, with a solid reputation in the events industry. The company offers a wide selection of furniture, including chairs, tables, linen, catering equipment, barware, gazebos and a variety of accessories. Whatever furniture you need, YaHire probably has it!
- Melanie’s Catering
With over 30 years of experience in the catering industry, the Melanie’s Catering team have a great passion for food. The company prides itself on using only the freshest, finest ingredients from trustworthy local suppliers to create innovative, delicious dishes that will delight your guests. In addition to providing excellent food, the team will also provide efficient waiting staff, as well as furniture and kitchen hire services. So if you’re looking for a hands-on catering company that will reduce the hassle for you, contact Melanie’s Catering team.
Pros and Cons of Rehearsal Dinner Venues in London
Advantages
- Transport networks
London has a world-class transport network made up of motorways, high-speed rail links and plentiful bus routes. As a result, guests travelling to your rehearsal dinner from out of town shouldn’t find it too challenging to reach London for the event.
- Nightlife
London has an epic nightlife scene. So once your rehearsal dinner comes to an end, why not round up a few friends and family members for a night on the town? Think of it as a rehearsal afterparty!
- Vendors
A key advantage of hosting your rehearsal dinner in London is that you will have a wide selection of vendors to choose from with excellent reviews.
Disadvantages
- Price
London rehearsal venues are expensive to hire. But don’t worry, there are steps you can take to find a more affordable venue. For example, you can find somewhere smaller or look for venues in Zones 2 and 3, as prices will reduce as you get further away from Central London. You can find some really great deals if you widen your search!
- Demand
The demand for great rehearsal dinner venues in London will be steep, especially during peak wedding season, from May to October. So to ensure that you are able to secure your preferred venue, enquire about hiring it as far in advance as possible.
Famous Locations in London
- The South Bank
The South Bank is a popular area of London as there are plenty of exciting things to do there. As the name suggests, the area spans a section of the south bank of the River Thames and is home to several of London’s most iconic cultural institutions. You will find the National Theatre, the Southbank Centre, Royal Festival Hall, BFI Southbank and more. So if you can’t decide what to do with your time in London, head over to the South Bank and visit one or more of these fascinating attractions. Afterwards, why not visit one of the area’s excellent eateries to refuel after a busy day of exploration?
- St James’s Park
Situated close to Buckingham Palace, you will find St James’s Park, a 57-acre green space loved by locals and tourists alike. The park contains a selection of beautiful flowers and trees, as well as adorable wildlife such as ducks, bats, foxes and even pelicans! Pelicans were first introduced into the park in the 17th century as they were a gift to King Charles II from the Russian Ambassador. So, after you have wandered around the park, why not stop off at St James’s Cafe for a drink and a bite to eat before you set out to explore all that London has to offer?