Top Rehearsal Dinner Spaces in Fort Wayne, IN
The night before your wedding should be a time with your nearest and dearest before one of the biggest days of your life! Setting the tone for the weekend, honoring the work that has gone into planning, and breaking bread with loved ones should be the focal points….after a super easy rehearsal of course!
Fort Wayne has some amazing locations to consider when planning a wedding rehearsal dinner. From skyline rooftops to the swankiest dinner spots, you have a plethora of options. Of course, working with a wedding planner/wedding coordinator gets you the inside scoop on some hidden gems. Here are our top choices for 2023!
Club Soda:
235 E Superior St, Fort Wayne, IN 46802
With a jazz-infused upscale atmosphere, Club Soda is one of the top choices for the bella&fern team. The vibe, top-notch cocktails, and impeccable culinary masterpieces from Executive Chef Jesse Arnold, make this destination top-ranked. The facility has been a staple in Fort Wayne for years- and frankly, the “above and beyond” approach we have encountered (and witnessed through so many couples’ experiences) keep us booking their multiple spaces again and again. Live music can be heard Fridays and Saturdays and the gouda dip is a MUST. Whether you have a small dinner for just your bridal party or want to rent out the entire restaurant, your guests will be wowed at one of Fort Wayne’s Favorites!
Proximo, Hoppy Gnome, Baker Street (The Obi-Cai trio of awesome)
Proximo: 898 S Harrison St, Fort Wayne, IN 46802
Hoppy Gnome: 203 E Berry St, Fort Wayne, IN 46802
Baker Street: 4820 N Clinton St, Fort Wayne, IN 46825
Local restaurant group, Obi-Cai, owns three powerhouse restaurants. Two of them, Proximo and Hoppy Gnome, are downtown while the last, Baker Street, is North of downtown. Each has a unique vibe and flair ranging from Latin American flair to steak house favorites.
Proximo has a scratch kitchen with a cocktail and food menu that is out of this world. The focus of the menu pays tribute to locations like Colombia, Spain, and Cuba- offerings for Brunch, Lunch, and Dinner. The restaurant is located on a main strip of downtown which makes sitting outside during the summer, imperative. Your rehearsal dinner would fit right in the vibrant bustle of Fort Wayne! Try the seafood paella. Its delicious.
Hoppy Gnome and Gnometown Brewing are also located downtown. Their menu is more relaxed but still top quality. With tacos as a focal point for the menu and beer brewed right on site, this is often a hometown favorite for something a little more chill. Many groups like the ambiance and fun of learning about different beers and brewing styles. Some just enjoy top-notch food in such a funky space. Hoppy Gnome offers options for private brewing classes, group gatherings, and events abound in this location. bella&fern recently gave the brewmasters a run for their money when we tried out the beer-making class as so many of our bachelor/bachelorette parties are booked with Hoppy Gnome. Super fun experience!
Last, but not at all least (especially because this location houses one of Katianna’s favorite carrot cakes EVER!) Baker Street. North of downtown, the steakhouse-inspired restaurant has everything from the atmosphere to the perfect beverages. If you are feeling like a big city atmosphere with delicious traditional and specialty fare., this is the place for you.
The Obi-Cai Events Team can provide additional insight if you find it incredibly hard to choose…and we standby with each of our favorites!
Birdie’s at The Bradley
204 W Main St 5th Floor, Fort Wayne, IN 46802
Perched on the rooftop of Fort Wayne’s newest boutique hotel, Birdie’s is a casual and free-spirited bar that features an open-air terrace and an unparalleled view of the city. Inside is a beautifully appointed restaurant with an outdoor patio space that features warm fire pits and comfy seating. The food is really yummy too which makes this a fan favorite for rehearsal spaces, welcome hours, and bridal showers. We have had a wedding ceremony on the roof as well! The staff will make you feel at home and accommodate requests as they strive to exceed expectations in line with the Bradley and Provenance brands.
Wherever you and your group of VIPs end up for rehearsal dinner, it is important to consider more than just space. What kind of intention are you setting with your group? Do you want to just relax or do you want to be in the heart of the action in Fort Wayne? While these options are just the tip of the ice berg, they are truly tried and true for the past few years and we love partnering with them all.