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You might have your wedding outfit ready, but when it comes to deciding what to wear to a rehearsal dinner, looking for ways to get started could create a bit of pressure.
No matter if it’s your own or someone else’s, a rehearsal dinner followed by a wedding weekend is another opportunity to put together not one, but two wedding fits.
If you look at it this way, what this really is, is just another opportunity to embrace the entire wedding experience from start to finish.
Deciding what to wear to a rehearsal dinner will depend greatly on the venue. Of course, you’ll know the location in advance which will give you time to plan your outfit.
The rehearsal dinner could be in a party room at a restaurant or in a quaint backyard for instance. If there’s a larger guest list, then you’re likely going to be at a big hotel banquet or a resort—hopefully somewhere sunny!
This post will guide you through ways to relieve the pressure of dressing for a rehearsal dinner by providing style options to match the setting of the dinner you’re attending, but we also won’t forget about your own comfort and personal style preferences.
What Is A Rehearsal Dinner?
A loose-structured evening, a rehearsal dinner is almost like a pre-wedding wedding—or a mini wedding before the wedding. A rehearsal dinner is an event leading up to the wedding day!
It matters because it’s not only the final walk-through of the wedding weekend, but it also has another important purpose. Basically, it gives couples a chance to go over their wedding plan before the big day.
A rehearsal dinner allows the couple to prepare for their wedding day in a more intimate setting, too. This preparation includes deciding what to wear to a rehearsal dinner.
A wedding rehearsal dinner usually has an itinerary that could be very detailed or just made as a light guide. For example, there could be a scheduled time for practicing speeches, exchanging gifts, and practicing the first dance.
Getting everyone together to rehearse the ceremony, so that it goes as smoothly as possible, is another way to look at it.
What To Wear To A Rehearsal Dinner
Figuring out what to wear to a rehearsal dinner becomes a much greater quest when you don’t know what the overall wedding theme is.
And maybe there’s no theme, but finding this information out ahead of time is a good idea. Also, knowing where you’re going helps a lot.
If you’re part of the bridal party, then you likely already have some answers to the question,
‘what to wear to a rehearsal dinner’ because you probably helped create the theme! The type of dinner you’re having should set the tone for what you wear and what your guests choose to wear.
The challenge is to find a happy medium between a formal and laid-back look. This level of flexibility can make everyone attending a rehearsal dinner feel like they could show up dressed in a way that allows them to be both comfortable and appropriate.
10 Outfit Ideas For Rehearsal Dinners
We compiled a list of outfit ideas for when you need a little inspo for what to wear to a rehearsal dinner. Let’s go through them together!
#1: Mini blazer dress
This fit is bold but minimalist and it’s great if you want to look a bit dressy at a rehearsal dinner.
This outfit also gives you great flexibility for styling because the shoes you choose to wear could be anything from flats to heels or sneakers.
The blazer dress here is white, but you could also swap it for a black one. Plus, the color of your shoes could match the blazer, but pastels could add some warmth and tonality to this otherwise monochrome look.
#2: Maxi dress
This rehearsal dinner dress is a flowy maxi dress. It’s a perfect idea for ‘what to wear to a rehearsal dinner’ at a very swanky restaurant. It’s a lot less structured than most dresses and it gives you lots of room to move around freely.
This fit is also a look that you could dress up and down. It’s definitely more on the minimalist side, but adding bold jewelry could make it even more extravagant.
Along with your jewelry, which is a strong statement piece, you could carry a statement purse. This would make the maxi dress a bit more formal, but it would also give you more style options.
Gold and silver would make the outfit a bit more dapper, while bolder colors could make it a bit more red carpet-like.
#3: Tailored wide-leg pants
If you decide to go with something more tailored, these high-waisted wide-leg pants might work well for you.
This look would be great for any venue. It leans more towards business casual, but if accessorized differently, it could become completely casual.
A nice clutch would go well with this outfit as well and you can pin your hair up or have it completely down. It will look quite party-ready either way.
#4: Patterned dress
Wearing items with textures and patterns can make your outfit a bit livelier on its own, but still quite elegant. This patterned dress is a great option if you’re heading to a garden or a terrace for a formal rehearsal dinner.
It’s definitely a dressier fit. The dress is also very charming and whimsical, but it still leaves room for style options. For instance, you could wear a cute chocker or you could even wear a pair of nifty loafers.
And if you’re looking for a rehearsal dinner dress guests will love and that will ‘wow’ your significant other, look no further.
#5: Suit and T-shirt
A suit and T-shirt styled with sneakers could be a good fit for a rehearsal dinner on a fancy rooftop. If you’re wondering ‘what to wear to a rehearsal dinner’ male options, this one’s for you.
This look might seem dressy, but the T-shirt and sneakers make it a bit more relaxed and casual. Plus, you always have the option to keep the blazer on or take it off as the night progresses.
It’s a great fit for anyone who likes to dress up! Keep in mind that if this is your first suit, then you might need to get it tailored after purchasing it.
#6: Unbuttoned short-sleeve T-shirt
This is another what to wear to rehearsal dinner male edition! This suave look is perfect for a summertime rehearsal dinner. The shirt is left unbuttoned and styled with a plain T-shirt, accent belt, and black pants.
It’s very much reminiscent of Leonardo DiCaprio’s outfit in Romeo + Juliet! It’s also quite carefree and works great as very low-key rehearsal dinner attire.
While it is a very casual look, wearing black pants and shoes can make it a bit dressier. Basically, t’s a fresh summer style that could work well for an outdoor rehearsal dinner.
#7: Buttoned short-sleeve T-shirt
This button-up T-shirt is best worn with more structured pants.
This style is an opportunity to play with stripes and other patterns, to make the look pop out more. Or if you’d prefer a more monochrome and subtle outfit, wearing solid colors instead could still keep this fit playful.
Of course, adding a tie would create a more formal fit. Also, you always have the option to add as many accessories as you want—for instance you could wear shades or a statement watch.
#8: Blazer and pant combo
This is definitely a dressier fit for a rehearsal dinner. The matching blazer and pants combo is very timeless and classy, but the T-shirt brings the whole outfit to a more casual level.
Since there are a lot of ways to dress it up, there are also a lot of ways to dress it down. The shoes you choose to wear with this fit will be one of the main deciding factors and they could totally transform the look.
A rehearsal dinner is also a good opportunity to wear a suit if you’ve already opted for a dress for the wedding ceremony. It’s also a great outfit to consider when you’re thinking about what to wear to a rehearsal dinner bridesmaid options.
Dressier shoes could elevate the look even more, making you ready for a more formal rehearsal dinner, while flats or sneakers might make the whole fit a bit more laid back.
#9: Loungewear set
If you’ve been searching online for ‘what to wear to a rehearsal dinner guest options’, here’s an outfit idea for you. The fit is very minimalistic and chic! It’s definitely a more relaxed look, but there’s something very boho glam about it.
Maybe you’ll be attending a destination wedding, in which case a rehearsal dinner could potentially turn into a dinner at the beach on a breezy summer night. And if you’re wearing this outfit, you’ll be fully prepared for such an evening.
The material is flowy and it allows you to move without constraint. The earthy tones and monochrome look work pretty well here. Also, adding matching shoes would make the outfit a bit dressier.
#10: Beige T-shirt sweater
This very suave grandpa fit features a matching T-shirt sweater and pants set. It’s a perfect balance between casual and formal.
You can easily play around with accessories to make it dressier, like adding a watch. But if you’re looking to stay on the comfier side, you could wear cozy footwear.
The fit is snug and smart and this style is favorable for almost any setting and theme. The neutral tones also make it quite elegant.
What Type Of Rehearsal Dinner Outfits Can You Get?
Choosing what to wear to a rehearsal dinner will depend on a number of factors. The good news is that you have plenty of options to choose from and ideas to try out.
When it comes to settling on a rehearsal dinner outfit, another challenge that you might come across will be how to differentiate a regular dinner from a rehearsal dinner.
This is why finding out as much info as you can about the rehearsal dinner beforehand is key, including factors such as the theme and setting.
There are two most common types of rehearsal dinner outfits—dressy or more casual. But a mix of both looks is what the bridal party and guests typically go for.
But, when in doubt, you can never go wrong with a semi-formal look.
How To Choose The Best Rehearsal Dinner Outfit
Since there are so many style options for a rehearsal dinner outfit, you might still be wondering where to begin. So before you start shopping for your new outfit, let’s consider some important factors.
Deciding what to wear to a rehearsal dinner will largely depend on variables such as price, quality, and material.
- Price
It’s ultimately up to each individual to decide what price range is acceptable, but if you’ve already invested quite a bit of money in a wedding day outfit, then the cost of a rehearsal outfit might require closer consideration.
Of course, prices will definitely vary! If you’re looking to venture outside of your current wardrobe while sticking to a budget, you always have the option to thrift or save on accessories by keeping them to a minimum.
- Quality
The quality of your clothing will make a difference depending on how much you’re looking to spend. Naturally, if you invest more money in your outfit, the quality will likely go up, but not necessarily so.
Additionally, the quality will depend on the material’s durability. For instance, a thrifted suit might have lived for a number of years, but the quality is still there, which gives it longevity. A vintage suit or a dress could also make you look quite chic.
- Material
Of course, choosing high-quality material is always a good idea. Poor quality fabrics might be more prone to ripping or not fitting how they’re meant to fit.
Paying attention to the material you choose will also help you decide what look you want to go for. For example, satin and silk fits could add a lot of glam to your look, while cotton and canvas might be a bit more structured and practical choice.
How To Style Your Rehearsal Dinner Outfit
Accessories are your best friend when styling your rehearsal dinner outfit. The focus can be on either jewelry or shoes and there are no set rules when it comes to how many different add-ons you incorporate in your look.
One of the best ways to style your look is to start with your outfit. If you choose to start with an accessory, it would be a much greater challenge to build an outfit that way. You might be a total accessory fiend, in which case, you’re already ahead of the game.
Keep in mind that finding what works best might take a bit of time. You might get a suit that you like, but you’ll need to tailor it first before you start styling it. If that’s the case, it’s best to wait until it’s tailored before you start considering style options.
Fashion Tips To Avoid At A Rehearsal Dinner
Even though there usually isn’t a ‘rehearsal dinner dress code’ there are some fashion guidelines you can follow.
For instance, are you wondering what to wear to a rehearsal dinner as a guest? A rule of thumb is to forgo white outfits at both rehearsal dinners and weddings.
But even as a bride-to-be, your rehearsal dinner outfit does not have to be white by any means! If you want to break away from tradition and have a little fun with your rehearsal dinner attire, feel free to incorporate some color into your outfit and ditch white.
Incorporating too many layers into a rehearsal dinner outfit could potentially create too much hassle.
If you opt for a layered look, you’ll most likely need to make sure it’s something you can take off easily—especially if the rehearsal dinner turns into more than just dinner, which can happen.
Wearing anything that makes you super uncomfortable is something you should try your best to avoid.
A rehearsal dinner is all about spending time with a close group of friends or loved ones, so you don’t want to spend the night preoccupied with preventing a wardrobe malfunction. So this is the time to wear something that’s familiar, comfortable, and totally you.
To further avoid an outfit mishap, make sure you can try on your outfit ahead of time so you can make any necessary adjustments.
Best Places To Buy Rehearsal Dinner Outfits
Rehearsal dinner outfits are so versatile that there are endless ways you could put an outfit together. You could pair items from different brands, but if that creates even more mayhem and confusion, you could always just stick to one.
For dressier fits, Ralph Lauren offers a great selection. The men’s section at Ralph Lauren also has many semi-casual looks. You can find everything from pants and chinos, casual shirts to suits or even tuxedos.
Zara is another fabulous place to shop for a rehearsal outfit. If you’re undecided on whether you should wear a dress or a pantsuit, trying out a couple of different options at Zara could help you make a sound decision.
Zara also has lots of accessories! You could find cute shoes and jewelry at accessible prices at this store.
For more sustainable materials, Evarae is a good choice. They sell sustainable silk and linens and if you’re headed to a destination wedding, you can buy all your evening attire as well as your vacation looks.
Final Thoughts
After reading this guide, you might be left wondering how these dressy rehearsal outfits are different from the outfits worn on the wedding day (with the exception of the bride, groom, and the bridal party).
Well, for one, casualwear is more appropriate for the rehearsal dinner. It’s a very elegant and low-key look and there’s no pressure to make it into anything other than what it is. And whichever fit you choose, there’s no reason you can’t have fun with it!
Looking to up your fashion game? We’ve got you covered:
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