Mini us destination wedding (welcome dinner?)

Hello everyone! It’s been a while since I posted since our wedding got postponed due to COVID19.
To recap, me and my fiancée, are from NJ. We are planning a microwedding for closest family and friends to attend in Western North Carolina.
Most of our family and friends will be traveling down the night before. (Roughly 25 people)
Our ceremony will be a 20 minute drive from our reception. A lookout at Jump Off Rock. We have a venue for our reception which has lodging on site.
Me and my fiancée have tossed the idea of having a small “Welcome Dinner”.Not sure what is involved in a rehearsal dinner. (In a way I’m grateful for postponing because I feel like I wasn’t ready with the planning)
But what’s everyone’s thoughts/ideas on this?There’s a actually house on the property that is separated from the hotel rooms that has a “recreational” room big enough to have drinks/appetizers. I just don’t want to have something as “elegant” as our wedding reception meal.