For many couples, the wedding day doesn't seem particularly "real" until the family starts showing up a day or two before the ceremony.
And on rehearsal dinner night, when everyone is together and reminiscing, it's a special time for everyone in attendance.
There are a number of options for rehearsal dinner locations around Northern Michigan to suit a variety of tastes, family traditions and those looking for a fun place to party the night away with family and friends before becoming husband and wife.
Papa Lou's, downtown Petoskey, is a casual, fun bar and restaurant that has become a popular location for rehearsal dinners, according to manager Johnnie Walker.
"If they book it during the nice summer months they can enjoy the view of the bay and the beautiful sunsets from our back covered deck," said Walker. About 40 people can be accommodated on the deck, and up to 70 on the second floor, he added.
Papa Lou's has frequent live entertainment and a relaxed atmosphere which is perfect for the night before the more staid wedding ceremony. The restaurant also offers free cab rides after 1 a.m. Thursday-Saturday nights, for guests who might be staying at nearby hotels.
"We are very accommodating as far as what people want to do, and we will wait on them hand and foot," Walker said. "We're laid back, we're not stuffy and we're a good place so people can enjoy themselves and not worry about anything."
Some ideas from the menu for the rehearsal dinner include spinach artichoke dip appetizer and "some of the most awesome specialty pizzas in the area," Walker said, like the Della-Donna with basil-infused olive oil, spinach, roasted red peppers, feta and artichoke hearts, or the Goodfellas, which includes pancetta bacon, hot Capicolla turkey and onions. Baby back ribs, grilled pork tenderloin and mahi-mahi are other entree choices.
"It's a nice relaxing spot," Walker added. "It sets the whole mood for the weekend."
Also downtown Petoskey, Whitecaps restaurant offers several options for rehearsal dinners, said manager Carol Markey.
"We are right on the waterfront, we overlook the waterfront park," she said. "The upper mezzanine overlooks the water and accommodates 35 people, a perfect size for a rehearsal dinner."
The restaurant also has a main-floor rear conference room that opens to a patio on Lake Street, a comfortable setting in the warmer months. Forty guests can be accommodated for this option.
Menu options are varied and include fresh seafood, wood-fired game and pizzas, freshly made pastas and a summer raw bar.
On the other side of the bay in Harbor Springs, Teddy Griffin's Roadhouse is another rehearsal dinner location idea, with a casual atmosphere and convenient location to Boyne Highlands, a popular year-round wedding destination.
"We can pretty much do anything the couple wants," said Joe Griffin, owner of the 20-year-old family restaurant.
Teddy Griffin's extensive menu has plentiful options. Award-winning prime rib, baby-back ribs, fresh Great Lakes whitefish and appetizers like crab cakes, stuffed mushrooms and frog legs will suit a variety of palates.
Typically, couples will choose about three options from the menu for guests to choose from during rehearsal dinners. Menu prices range from $16-30, he added.
The restaurant can accommodate groups up to 40 in both a screened-in porch room and the Red Wing Alumni Room off the bar, Griffin said.