What to Wear to a Rehearsal Dinner

Whether you’re the bride, a groomsman, a wedding guest, or anyone in between, you may be wondering what to wear to a rehearsal dinner. While you may already have your outfit ready for the big day, the night before may be a bit more tricky to lock down, simply because there aren’t as many traditions and rules for a rehearsal dinner. We’ve compiled a handful of considerations for the fun soiree, along with some ideas and their corresponding shopping links — from top brands ranging from Anthropologie, Revolve, and BHLDN to J Crew, Topman, and H&M — to help you dress to impress for the wedding weekend!

Things to consider before choosing rehearsal dinner attire:

The venue 

The biggest thing to consider when choosing your rehearsal dinner wardrobe is the venue. Is it in a New York City ballroom? On a beach in Mexico? A backyard BBQ? Knowing the venue and researching the location, weather, and vibe will be your guiding light when picking an outfit. If it’s a summertime outdoor event, you can opt for something more casual, lightweight, and flowy. If it’s a winter evening at a fine dining restaurant, you’ll want to elevate your look to a more cocktail or semi-formal suit or dress. The dress code should be noted in the invitation. However, if for some reason it’s not, don’t worry. Just do a little bit of research on the venue and you’ll be all set. 

Wearability 

Wearability might not be the first thing that comes to mind when picking what to wear to a rehearsal dinner, but we think it’s a great thing to consider when it comes to budget and the costs associated with going to, or being in, a wedding. If you choose something that you love and can wear to events in the future, that payoff will be much sweeter than if you buy something you can’t wear again. If you need something a little more upscale, rental websites like Rent the Runway and The Black Tux are wonderful resources with plenty of options. That way you don’t have to splurge on something fancy if that isn’t in line with your normal wardrobe.

Your wedding day look

Use the rehearsal dinner as a way to express your unique style. If your wedding dress is super romantic, maybe go with something funky and fun like a sequin-embellished jumpsuit or super chic sheath dress. If your bridesmaid dress is a neutral color, try a bold pop of color in your rehearsal dinner outfit. If your suit leans on the more formal side for the wedding day, try a more casual trouser with a fun patterned button-up shirt. Another great way to shop for your rehearsal dinner look is to utilize vintage shops. You’ll not only find something incredible and one-of-a-kind, but you’ll be helping the environment by eliminating the waste that comes from fast fashion. 

What to wear to a rehearsal dinner: Ideas for the bride

1. Elliatt Rosay Pearl Mini Dress

For a fun short dress option, go for this vintage-style mini embellished with flowers and pearls.

2. Self-Portrait lace and satin-trimmed crepe playsuit

This elegant lace and crepe playsuit is the perfect combination of relaxed but dressed up. With satin lapels and an optional belt, this rehearsal dinner outfit is lovely for the contemporary bride.

3. Cali Satin Midi Dress

We love the length of this satin midi dress complete with a draped cowl neckline. It comes in a multitude of colors, so if you want a rehearsal dinner dress that isn’t white, this is a great option to bring in a pop of color.

4. Likely Alia Dress

The flounced skirt and puff sleeves make this mini super fun. It comes in both white and black.

5. Stormy Jumpsuit

We love the idea of incorporating a chic jumpsuit into your wedding weekend. This one is 100% silk with a fitted bodice and wide leg.

6. Caton Mini Dress

A sweetheart neckline and flowy sleeves make this the perfect rehearsal dinner mini dress.

7. Lavish Alice Plus boucle blazer dress 

For the fashion-forward bride, you will love with blazer dress complete with an embellished belted waist and puff sleeves.

8. Retrofete Indigo Dress

The floral sequin and bead embellishments combined with the dramatic neckline give this dress an elevated boho style.

9. Ray Dress

If you’re looking for a unique rehearsal wedding dress, this metallic dress with bow tie shoulder accent is a winner.

10. Acacia Dress

Channel your inner goddess with this silk one-shoulder relaxed fit mini dress.

What to wear to a rehearsal dinner: Ideas for the groom

11. Jetsetter Stretch Knit Suit

Not only do we love the plaid sophistication of this knit suit, but it is also incredibly comfortable due to the stretch fit. Best of both worlds!

12. Slim ludlow stretch dress shirt

For the hassle-free groom, these cotton button-downs are perfect because they’re made of a combination of cotton and elastane making them easy to clean and to keep less wrinkled.

13. Vintage floral tie

We love the idea of a bold printed tie for the groom at the rehearsal dinner. Especially if your wedding attire is more classic.

14. Knit Button-Down

This 100% cotton button-down is super customizable coming in tailored, slim, and standard fits as well as regular, short, and long length. It also comes in a variety of colors and patterns making it a great option for future wearability as well.

15. Ludlow slim-fit patch-pocket suit jacket

The beauty of this wool jacket is that it’s unstructured, unlined, and unpadded, making it incredibly versatile. In addition, the color gives a modern, yet classic, look perfect for any event, but especially your rehearsal dinner. 

16. Burgundy Single Breasted Skinny Fit Suit Blazer

A blazer with a pop of color, like this burgundy skinny fit, is a fun way to elevate your rehearsal dinner look. Whether you pair it with trousers or black denim, with a button-down or a classic tee, it’s a super cool look.

17. Riviera Short Sleeve Shirt

For a more casual rehearsal dinner setting, a short-sleeve button-down in a vibrant print is a wonderful choice. This particular shirt comes in standard as well as extended sizes, so you will definitely find the perfect fit.

18. Cotton-silk bandana pocket square

If you’re looking for a way to have some fun with your rehearsal dinner outfit, try adding a pocket square. You can keep it more classic with a solid color or add some flair with a print.

19. Ludlow slim-fit suit jacket in Italian wool

For a more timeless look, try this Italian wool slim fit suit in black, grey, or blue. Add some pizazz with a printed button-down underneath or keep it classic with a solid shirt.

20. 3 Piece Blue Check Skinny Fit Suit With Peak Lapels

This is one of our absolute favorite suits for a rehearsal dinner because of the upscale nature of it being 3 piece, the boldness of the print and color, and the sophistication of the cut.

What to wear to a rehearsal dinner: Ideas for the guests

21. Fame and Partners Thais Jumpsuit 

We love the look of a jumpsuit at a rehearsal dinner because you can dress it up or make it more casual. It’s also super versatile and you’ll be able to wear it again and again to future events. 

22. Slim Untucked American Pima cotton striped oxford shirt

This striped oxford shirt is designed to be untucked, giving you the perfect casual look.

23. Adena Dress

The square neckline and form-fitting bodice complete with a stunning slit make this dress a show stopper.

24. Ganni Crispy Jacquard Dress

Leopard print is always in. Add a puff sleeve and you have perfection. Also, can we borrow it?

25. Stretch Secret Wash shirt in organic cotton print

Not only is this shirt organic and eco-friendly, but we are in love with the vintage feel of the brown floral print.

26. Rugged merino wool crewneck sweater

This merino wool sweater pulled over the top of a striped button-down is a fabulous option for a rehearsal dinner. Dress it up with slacks or down with dark denim jeans.

27. Laurie Sequin Dress

Channel your 1970s queen with this rainbow sequin mini dress. If you’re looking for a party dress, you found it.

28. Asos Design Curve mini dress

Puff sleeves? Check. Pencil skirt? Check. Color block? Check. We’re obsessed with this stunning mini dress as a rehearsal dinner outfit.

29. Skinny Fit Blazer

If you’re looking for a blazer with a slim fit and a skinny lapel, you’ve hit the jackpot with this one. Choose from black, blue, burgundy, checkered, or plaid. 

30. Black Halo Juma 2 Piece Dress

The skirt is a midi length and the top is sleeveless with a high neckline. What more can you ask for? Bonus: You can wear these as a set or separate them and pair them with other wardrobe staples.

31. Printed Bias Slip Dress

Speaking of wardrobe staples, a slip dress is a piece everyone should have in their closet. It’s another one of those timeless outfits that you can easily throw on and dress up or dress down. This particular slip dress comes in a variety of prints, which is a fun twist on the classic.

32. Sabrina Dress House of Harlow 1960

This dress is the definition of bohemian chic. The vibrant emerald green accented pin embellishment reminds us of a glamorous Hollywood starlet.

33. Premium Stone Hawaiian Slim Shirt

For a more casual rehearsal dinner look, especially one that is pool or ocean side, consider this modern take on the classic Hawaiian print.

Put these rehearsal dinner attire ideas to good use!

Whether you’re getting married or one of the guests of the evening, there is a rehearsal dinner outfit for everyone on this list. Just remember to keep in mind the venue, dress code, wearability, and wedding day attire when you’re choosing your rehearsal dinner look and you’ll be all set! Once you have your ensemble decided, take a look at this guide on how to create memorable wedding Instagram captions and you’re one step closer to the best celebration ever.