Yes. A hibachi chef can cook your wedding rehearsal dinner at a rental home, keeping the wedding party and both families together the night before the wedding. Each guest picks two proteins for $49.95 or three for $59.95, and vegetarian, gluten-free and seafood-allergy meals cost the same. Groups of 30 or more can also choose a buffet-style option at $35 per person, and additional chefs can be scheduled for larger groups. Rehearsal dinners usually fall on a Friday, when the party minimum is $600. If the house lacks seating, table and chair rental is $15 per person, including table cloths, setup and cleanup.
How Does a Hibachi Rehearsal Dinner Work?
| When | What happens |
|---|---|
| 2–4 weeks before | Book your date (a deposit secures it) and give us your expected guest count and address. |
| The week before | Confirm the final guest count, each guest’s proteins, kids meals and dietary needs. |
| Day of, before guests arrive | Tables and chairs are in place. If you rent them, setup is included. |
| 10–15 minutes before start | The chef arrives and sets up the grill. |
| Dinner | The chef cooks at the table for about 90 minutes. |
Hibachi Show or Buffet: Which Fits Your Group?
| Hibachi dinner | Buffet style | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $49.95 (2 proteins) or $59.95 (3 proteins) per adult; kids $29.95 | $35 per person |
| Group size | Any size above the party minimum; additional chefs for larger groups | 30 guests or more |
| Menu | Salad, fried rice, vegetables and each guest’s chosen proteins | Chicken, shrimp, steak, mixed vegetables and fried rice |
| Best for | An interactive dinner where guests watch the chef cook | Larger groups on a tighter budget |
What Does a 30-Guest Rehearsal Dinner Cost?
Calculated from the published prices: 30 adults with two proteins each ($1,498.50) plus table and chair rental for 30 ($450) comes to $1,948.50. Adding 7% sales tax ($136.40) and a suggested 20%–25% tip on the meals ($299.70–$374.63) brings the total to about $2,385–$2,460, before any travel fee. The buffet option for the same 30 guests is $1,050 before rental, tax, tip and travel.
What Should You Plan For at a 30A or Destin Rental?
- Space: room for 30 seats plus a flat outdoor spot for the grill, such as a patio, pool deck or driveway.
- Rules: confirm with the rental company or HOA that open-flame cooking is allowed.
- Parking: guests and the chef both need parking. Send gate codes or guest pass instructions in advance.
- Weather: a garage is the best backup. Indoors is possible only on tile floors, with smaller flames.
We cook at rental homes across Santa Rosa Beach, the rest of 30A and Destin, as well as Panama City Beach, Cape San Blas and St. George Island.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many guests can one chef cook for?
It depends on your menu and timing. For larger groups we can send additional chefs, so tell us your guest count when you book and we will plan the right setup.
Can we include kids in the rehearsal dinner?
Yes. Kids under 12 can order a kids meal with one protein for $29.95.
Do you provide table cloths?
Yes. The $15 per person rental includes tables, chairs, utensils, plates and table cloths, plus setup and cleanup.
Can we choose the buffet for 25 guests?
The buffet-style option is for groups of 30 or more. For smaller groups, the hibachi dinner is the standard option.
Is a deposit required?
Yes. A deposit secures your date. The deposit amount and cancellation terms are confirmed in your booking confirmation.
Sources
- Hibachi at Home Price Calculator (menu prices, minimums and table rental)
- Yummy Hibachi At Home menu (buffet-style option for 30+ guests)
- Hibachi at Home FAQ (booking, deposits, weather and dietary meals)
About This Guide
Written by the Yummy Hibachi At Home team, a mobile hibachi catering service based in Panama City, Florida. Prices and policies in this guide come from our published price list and FAQ as of October 8, 2026. If anything changes, the price calculator and your booking quote are the final word.
Planning a rehearsal dinner? Request a custom quote with your guest count and date, or check open dates.