How early is TOO early to book rehearsal dinner? Ideas near Chatham (Cape Cod)??

I think its too early to book a RD. Mine was booked in May 2015 and my wedding is this August.

Yes. It's too early. I'd make a couple of calls and ask when you have to get to planning.

I do think a year in advance is a bit early. Even though the Cape is primarily vacationed during the summer months, that whole portion of the state does not close down for winter. The establishments that are seasonal are often the seafood shacks, ice cream houses, and the like. Established restaurants will still be open in the winter.

Honestly, if you are not familiar with the area (as neither am I), I would either use the same place your cousin used, or start calling around to establishments asking them if they have a private function room that can accommodate your party size. If they do, and you live in the area, you can make a date night with your FH to taste test their menu to make sure you like it!

I would say that its early, but that being said the private rooms on the cape will probably book quickly on the cape for august of next year.

i know that Twenty - Eight Atlantic @ wequassett is super nice! beautiful location. Chatham Bars Inn probably has a private function room as well. i am not sure what you were looking at for budget. The Red Nun is good but i don't know if they have a private function room. There are tons of restaurants in the area that could accommodate you i am sure. Ocean House in Dennis Port has really good food but it maybe farther than you want to go depending on where your wedding is.

I wouldn't worry about copying someone though with RD.

eta: The Wild Goose Tavern is supposed to be good too

(i worked in chatham for a summer and on the outer cape for a year- some of these places i haven't been to but i have heard good things about)

My cousin lives down on the Cape. I could ask him for ideas if you'd like - PM me if you do.

I don't think it would hurt to ask around at this point. You don't have to book anything. But if you have a place that you decide you love, e-mail them and see what they want. The Cape does get crazy in the summer, so if you e-mail them and they suggest you book now, then book a reservation. If they say they're pretty open, then you can wait. But since you are looking at a busy, touristy place during their busy season, I say start looking now.

ETA: Where I got married, there are very few good locations to host a big dinner (unless I wanted something like Margaritas or the local Bar, which are yummy, but not really "rehearsal dinner" places). I e-mailed the restaurant I wanted probably 7 or 8 months ahead of time to check on prices and availability. They didn't require me to book then, but at least I got the information I needed and knew that I would be able to book it in a few months.

I recommend doing something similar. Again, you don't have to book anything, but since it's a busy location, it's not going to hurt you to send out a few e-mails/make a few calls.

I think it's way too early, and you may have a hard time finding somewhere that would book a rehearsal this far out. Our wedding is in November and we're in the process of finalizing our rehearsal dinner now.

I booked mine a year in advance. The venue was popular and I didn't want to lose it. I needed space for 75 since we opened it up as an open bar meet and greet after RD. So I think it's all situational. If you're going to need a specific amount of larger space or you're particular on your venue, go for it. If not, no reason not to wait.