You’ve found the perfect dress, suit, or tux for the wedding. You may have also purchased a stunning yet comfortable outfit to switch into for the reception. As you give your chosen wardrobe another glance before the big day, you can’t help but notice that you have nothing to put on for the rehearsal dinner. Whether you’re the bride, groom, bridal party, or parents of the happy couple, your attendance at this dinner is not only desired but vital. 

Though not as over-the-top as the reception or critical as the ceremony, the rehearsal dinner serves as an intimate gathering with the soon-to-be-married couple, their closest friends, and family. As the host or a guest, this is a pre-wedding event you don’t want to miss. The only question is, what in the world do you wear to a rehearsal dinner? 

Check the Invitation 

The first clues of what to wear to a rehearsal dinner are printed on the invitation. Pay attention to details like the overall style of the invitation (fancy vs. casual), the chosen venue, and the time of day the gathering will be held. A rehearsal dinner held in a neighborhood restaurant around 4 or 5 pm on a Saturday, is likely to be a casual setting. On the other hand, if the dinner is hosted by a five-star restaurant or wedding hall after hours, attendees should dress up.

Some invitations may have a dress code displayed that you’re expected to follow (which makes things a bit easier). 

Never Wear White

Unless you’re the bride or groom-to-be, you should never wear white to a rehearsal dinner. To be quite honest, white should be off-limits the entire time you’re engaged in wedding activities. There are times when it is requested, but otherwise, try to eliminate white, off-white, beige, and similar colors from your wardrobe. If you are going to wear white, make sure that your entire outfit isn’t white. A white button-up, blouse, or skirt paired with another color or bold pattern shouldn’t get you in trouble. 

Dress for Rehearsal

If you happen to be apart of the bridal party, then dressing for rehearsal is your best bet. While you’re not supposed to put on your gowns and suits for the wedding, wearing something similar may be advised. For instance, a bridesmaid who doesn’t have much experience walking in heels may want to wear a lovely sundress and heels to rehearsal. That way, she can practice walking and still be dressed appropriately for dinner. 

Casual and Trendy

If you’re not in the bridal party and there aren’t any strict rules on what to wear for rehearsal dinner, the skies are the limit. The best way to avoid looking out of place when you don’t have much to go on would be to keep it casual yet trendy. Ladies can wear free-flowing sundresses, A-line skirts with designer blouses, and strappy heels or sandals. Guys would look great in a pair of crisp jeans or slacks, a patterned button-up shirt, and some loafers or leather sandals. You can then add accessories to give your outfit a bit more spunk. 

Nothing Wrong With Standing Out (Bride and Groom-to-Be)

From the rehearsal dinner to the celebration at the reception, these next few days are all about the bride and groom. There’s nothing wrong with wanting to stand out and be seen even if it is just a simple get together. If you’re a bride that loves Gucci clothes, you can certainly rock a cute cady jumpsuit with stylish pumps or a silk midi skirt with a matching sheer tulle bodysuit and show off that wedding-day figure you worked so hard to sculpt. 

As significant and intimate as rehearsal dinners are for couples and their families, you’d be surprised how frequently they get overlooked. Though you may not have any idea what to wear, the fashion clues and advice listed above will make showing up for the ones you love and looking great in the process a lot easier to manage.