USE OUR CRITIC’S PICKS FOR YOUR REHEARSAL DINNER

Just like the wedding itself, the rehearsal dinner can be casual or polished. Four Ann Christenson-approved places to hold this important event:

● BRAISE’S second-floor event space is rustic but elegant, a fitting companion for the farm-to-table cuisine. Menu options are varied – appetizers and desserts, individually plated dishes or a meal served family-style – and utilize local, seasonal ingredients. Seated dinners can serve up to 40 at tables or up to 90 for cocktails on the rooftop deck. (1101 S. Second St., 414-212-8843)

Put a meatless spin on the dinner with a falafeland-salad spectacular catered by Bay View’s HELLO FALAFEL, whose falafel sandwich platters, salads and sides (roasted Moroccan carrots, watermelon salad, lentil soup) target not only the vegetarian/vegan crowd; the bold flavors score with carnivores, too. (2301 S. Howell Ave.; 414-509-5924 or info@hellofalafelmke.com)

The warm, diverse cultures of Oaxaca are the inspiration for JALAPEÑO LOCO, which can serve dishes like mole verde and pork- and plantain-stuffed poblanos buffet-style in its banquet room. The private space accommodates 30-80 people and has its own bar. (5067 S. Howell Ave., 414-483-8300)

● KEGEL’S INN can handle parties up to 100 people in its gorgeously Teutonic muraled-and-wood-beamed dining room. Pick a Wisconsin fish fry theme or a German affair featuring Sauerbraten and Wiener Schnitzel (5901 W. National Ave., 414-257-9999).