News

The rehearsal dinner has long been a tradition of the wedding weekend. Traditionally hosted by the groom’s family, it was an opportunity to gather the couple’s immediate families and wedding party for a meal following the wedding rehearsal.

Today, there are far fewer rules. Some couples still plan a more traditional rehearsal dinner hosted by one family, while others opt for a more casual gathering hosted by the couple or shared among family members.

And despite the name, it doesn’t even have to be dinner! A rehearsal lunch can be an easy, relaxed way to spend time with the people closest to you before the wedding festivities begin.

For couples getting married at CJ’s Off the Square, there are plenty of great options just minutes from the venue in downtown Franklin.

Whether you’re looking for a private dining room, a casual lunch after rehearsal, or a festive dinner to kick off the wedding weekend, here are a few of our favorite nearby spots to consider.

First, Consider a Rehearsal Lunch

Here’s one planning tip that can make the day before your wedding a little easier on your schedule and your budget:

Most wedding rehearsals at CJ’s Off the Square take place at 11:00 AM the day before the wedding.

That makes a rehearsal lunch a natural option.

Instead of rehearsing in the late afternoon and heading directly into a formal dinner, your group can rehearse at 11:00 AM, head to lunch together afterward, and still have the rest of the afternoon and evening free.

There can be a financial advantage, too. Many restaurants have different food and beverage minimums or private-event requirements for lunch than they do for prime dinner hours, particularly on busy Friday evenings.

It’s worth asking each restaurant about both options when you inquire.

A rehearsal lunch can also be especially appealing if you have welcome drinks, family plans, or out-of-town guests arriving later that evening. Everyone who needs to attend the rehearsal gets time together, while the rest of the day remains flexible.

Some of our favorite spots

Grays on Main

Located on Main Street in the heart of downtown Franklin, Grays on Main combines Southern-inspired dining with live music in a historic 1876 building. They host private events and specifically accommodate rehearsal dinners for groups of roughly 40 to 120 guests, along with private brunches and full-room buyouts.

Why we like it: Grays has a fun, unmistakably Franklin atmosphere that can make a rehearsal gathering feel like part of the wedding weekend experience, especially for out-of-town guests. It’s a good fit for couples who want something lively, local, and full of downtown Franklin character. It’s also an easy walk from CJ’s Off the Square.

Grays on Main (private and semi-private dining options available)

Culamar + Rooftop

Located right in downtown Franklin, Culamar + Rooftop is a Mediterranean-inspired restaurant with a rooftop overlooking the historic downtown area. The restaurant currently serves lunch daily as well as dinner, making it worth considering for either a post-rehearsal lunch or evening gathering.

Culamar also accommodates groups and private events, including the option to reserve the rooftop rather than a traditional enclosed private dining room.

Why we like it: It feels festive without feeling overly formal, and the rooftop can be a fun introduction to downtown Franklin for friends and family coming in from out of town.

Culamar + Rooftop(not a private room, but you can reserve the rooftop)

Perenn Bakery

If you love the idea of a beautiful, relaxed daytime gathering, Perenn Bakery is one to explore.

Their downtown Franklin location is open daily from 7:00 AM until 2:30 PM and serves breads, pastries and café and rotisserie fare. They also advertise Perenn After Dark for private evening events.

That makes Perenn an interesting option in two very different ways: stop in for a relaxed daytime meal after rehearsal, or inquire about taking over the space for a private event after normal business hours.

Why we like it: It’s cozy, charming, and offers something a little different from the traditional restaurant rehearsal dinner. And it’s right in the heart of Franklin.

Perenn (open until 2:30 pm; available for private events after closing)

Red Pony

A longtime downtown Franklin restaurant, Red Pony is a great option for couples looking for a more traditional rehearsal dinner experience.

Located on Main Street, Red Pony specializes in an upscale take on Southern dining. The restaurant offers contracted event spaces on its second floor, including options for groups of different sizes. Couples should note that these spaces are upstairs and require guests to use stairs.

Why we like it: It gives you that classic “special dinner the night before the wedding” feeling while keeping your group right in downtown Franklin.

Red Pony (private and semi-private dining options available)

Franklin Mercantile

For something straight out of a Hallmark movie, take a look at Franklin Mercantile.

They are open to the public from 8:00 AM until 2:00 PM, then available for private parties in their approximately 2,000-square-foot space, with seating for up to 80 people.

Why we like it: It’s comfortable, casual and an easy walk from CJ’s Off the Square. This could be an especially good fit if you want something relaxed and approachable or if you have a larger rehearsal group without wanting the atmosphere of a formal dinner.

Franklin Mercantile(open until 2 pm; available for private events after closing)

Saffire at The Factory

If you want to take your group to The Factory at Franklin, Saffire offers both restaurant dining and a dedicated private event option.

Their Blue Room can accommodate up to 60 guests seated or 75 standing and can also be divided into two smaller private spaces for groups of approximately 10 to 30.

Why we like it: The flexibility makes this one worth exploring whether you are planning an intimate dinner with immediate family or inviting a larger group of friends and wedding-party members.

And because it’s located at The Factory, your guests can experience another favorite Franklin destination while they’re in town. We also love the popular Skylight Bar, right next to Saffire, for guests who want to continue the conversation over a drink after lunch or dinner.

Saffire at The Factory (private dining room available)

etch at The Factory

Also located at The Factory, etch is the Franklin location of chef Deb Paquette’s globally inspired restaurant.

The Franklin restaurant offers two private dining rooms for seated luncheons and dinner celebrations. Both spaces are available for lunch and dinner events, with weekend brunch availability as well, and private events require a food and beverage minimum and contract.

That lunch availability makes etch particularly worth asking about if you’re considering celebrating immediately after an 11:00 AM rehearsal.

Why we like it: It offers the polish of a private dining experience while still keeping everyone conveniently close to CJ’s Off the Square.

Etch at The Factory (Two different private dining options)

Lunch or Dinner? There’s No Wrong Answer.

A rehearsal dinner is a wonderful tradition, but it doesn’t necessarily have to happen at dinner.

Think about the entire day before your wedding and what you want it to feel like.

Whichever direction you choose, we recommend reaching out to restaurants early, particularly if you need a private space or are planning a Friday evening event.

And remember that restaurant hours, private dining options, menus, minimums and availability can change. Contact each restaurant directly for their current event information before making your plans.

Most importantly, choose something that feels enjoyable for you and the people closest to you. The rehearsal gathering doesn’t have to be another elaborate event to plan. Sometimes a great meal, the people you love, and a little extra time together before the wedding are exactly what you need.