The big day is right around the corner and you’ve scored a coveted invite to the first celebrations — but now you’re left with the question: what do I wear to a rehearsal dinner? While you’ve probably had your wedding outfit picked out for weeks now, the rehearsal dinner is also an important fashion event for guests, with its own dedicated dress code and attire expectations. After all, it’s the start of the weekend festivities, and you want to make a good first impression!
So to help you kick off the weekend in style, we’ve created a complete guide for what to wear to a rehearsal dinner. We’re breaking down everything you need to know, from the best rehearsal dinner attire for every season to cute guest outfits for different dress codes (for both men and women). Get ready to dress to impress!
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Rehearsal Dinner Attire and Dress Code FAQs
Unlike the big day, the rehearsal dinner doesn’t have quite as many dress code guidelines for what to wear. While this freedom makes choosing an outfit extra fun, it can leave you with more questions than answers. How formal should rehearsal dinner attire be? Do you have to dress for a specific theme? Is there anything you can’t wear to a rehearsal dinner?
If you’re struggling to choose an outfit, we’ve got you covered with a few tips and tricks about what to wear — and what not to wear — as a guest at a rehearsal dinner. From dressing for different dress codes to choosing the perfect accessories, keep scrolling for all the must-know details.
Is the dress code for a rehearsal dinner as formal as or less formal than the actual wedding itself?
Typically, the dress code for a rehearsal dinner is one notch less formal than the big day. For example, if a ceremony has a black tie optional dress code, then guests can expect to wear cocktail attire to the rehearsal dinner. Similarly, a semi-formal wedding may have a rehearsal dinner dress code that’s more casual or laid-back.
However, it’s still important to check the invitation or the couple’s website before picking out your rehearsal dinner outfit. Some couples may prefer to customize their rehearsal dinner with a unique dress code based on the location or venue, like garden party attire or a country western theme. (Wearing western boots to a rehearsal dinner? Yes, please!)
Factors to Consider When Deciding What to Wear to a Rehearsal Dinner
To help you earn the “best-dressed guest” award, we’re breaking down a few factors to consider when choosing what outfit to wear to a rehearsal dinner. While the dress code is the most important factor for any guest attire, it’s not the only element of your rehearsal dinner outfit. You also have to consider the season, the venue, the time of day, and more….so read on for our top tips!
1. Follow Any Stated Rehearsal Dinner Attire Dress Code On The Invitation
When deciding what attire to wear to a rehearsal dinner, it’s always best to check the invitation (or the couple’s website) first. This is where the couple will typically state the dress code and give you any other info you need to know (e.g. if there’s a specific color palette or theme for the event).
If the dress code is listed on the invite, you’re pretty much golden! From there, all you need to do is follow the invitation to choose rehearsal dinner attire that fits the occasion (we’ve listed a few outfit ideas for guests below!).
If it’s not listed — or if it’s a bit ambiguous — then these next steps will help you choose an outfit that’s stylish and on theme….
2. Consider The Formality of The Rehearsal Dinner Venue When Choosing What Attire to Wear
If the invitation doesn’t list a dress code for the rehearsal dinner, then the venue will be a key factor in deciding what outfit to wear. As a general rule, the more formal the venue, the more formal your attire should be. For example, guests would typically wear dressier outfits to a rehearsal dinner at a glitzy rooftop restaurant compared to a chill backyard BBQ.
Some venues, such as restaurants or bars, may even have an established dress code that you can use as inspiration for your outfit. When in doubt, research the venue before choosing what outfit to wear to the rehearsal dinner — you can even look at photos of past events to get a better idea of what’s appropriate or expected.
GWS Pro Tip: It’s always better to be overdressed than underdressed for a rehearsal dinner, so don’t be afraid to wear a dressier outfit (such as semi formal attire), even if you don’t know the dress code. After all, this is a special celebration, so you might as well dress like it!
3. When Choosing What Color to Wear to a Rehearsal Dinner, Keep The Season In Mind
The season plays an important role when deciding what to wear for any occasion — and this is especially true for a rehearsal dinner. Not only will it help you choose an outfit that’s weather-appropriate (a mini dress for a winter rehearsal dinner is probably a no-go), but it’s also a great way to narrow down your color palette.
For example, pastel midi dresses and beige suit attire ooze springtime vibes, but they may look out of place for a rehearsal dinner in the autumn months. To stay on theme, stick to colors that reflect the season, such as bright colors for summer, pastel hues for spring, earthy tones for fall, and dark shades and jewel tones for winter.
GWS Pro Tip: The season can also help you choose the best fabrics and materials for your rehearsal dinner attire. Lightweight fabrics like linen and cotton are great for the warmer months, while heavier materials like wool and velvet are better for the colder season.
4. Consider The Rehearsal Dinner Time When Choosing Your Outfit or Attire
As the saying goes, timing is everything! And yes, that includes being a major factor when deciding what to wear to a rehearsal dinner.
As a general rule of thumb, daytime events call for more casual attire, while evening affairs tend to be dressier. The later in the day a rehearsal dinner is, the more formal the guest outfits should be. So while a floral sundress or a linen button-down will look right at home at a rehearsal dinner brunch, you may want to wear dressier attire (such as a black midi dress or a navy blazer) to a sunset dinner.
5. When In Doubt, Ask The Wedding Planner What Type of Outfit They Recommend You Wear To The Rehearsal Dinner
If you’re still struggling to choose an outfit to wear to the rehearsal dinner, you can always reach out to the wedding planner for guidance. While you may be tempted to ask the soon-to-be-weds, they already have enough on their plate as the big day approaches — and the last thing you want is to cause any more stress.
If you can’t reach out to the planner (or if the couple doesn’t have one), you can also ask someone in the wedding party — particularly the best man or the MOH — about what to wear to the rehearsal dinner. They’ll give you the inside scoop, without bothering the couple of the hour!
What Accessories to Wear With Your Rehearsal Dinner Attire
Accessories are the ultimate finishing touch to your outfit, so it’s important to choose them wisely. When deciding what accessories to wear with your rehearsal dinner attire, keep in mind the dress code, the season, and the location of the event. To help narrow it down, here are some must-haves for both men and women:
- For the guys, you can’t go wrong with wearing classic accessories with your rehearsal dinner outfit. Think: a sleek watch, a trendy pocket square or necktie (for more formal dress codes), and a timeless pair of shoes. While a nice pair of sneakers may be acceptable for a casual rehearsal dinner, dressier shoes like oxfords or loafers will look good for every dress code.
- For the ladies, elevate your rehearsal dinner attire by wearing accessories that toe the line between trendy and timeless. This could be a simple zodiac necklace, a pearl claw clip, or a cute pair of kitten heels. While the options are truly endless, you don’t want to rock anything too flashy or distracting. Instead, wear classy accessories that reflect the season and venue of the rehearsal dinner, like seashell earrings for a seaside event or cowgirl boots for a western theme.
A Go-To List of What Not To Wear to a Rehearsal Dinner
Sometimes, the best way to decide what to wear to a rehearsal dinner is to first determine what not to wear. While there are exceptions to every rule (and you should always follow the invitation’s dress code first) here’s a quick breakdown of the most common attire to avoid wearing to a rehearsal dinner.
- White attire: Just like you should never wear white to a ceremony, guests also shouldn’t wear white and off-white outfits to a rehearsal dinner. This color is reserved for the bride (or the couple), so save your white sundress for another weekend instead.
- Loud patterns or flashy outfits: A rehearsal dinner isn’t the time for guests to stand out, so skip any attire that could be distracting or flashy. Dress to impress, without dressing to stand out, by wearing more muted hues and classy outfits to the rehearsal dinner.
- Overly casual attire: Even if the dress code calls for casual outfits, you don’t want to wear anything too laid-back to a rehearsal dinner. Instead of jeans and a graphic tee, keep things classy with casual trousers and a polo shirt or a chic cotton sundress.
- Super formal accessories: On the other end of the spectrum, guests should also avoid wearing super formal outfits or accessories to a rehearsal dinner — unless the dress code explicitly states black tie. Leave the statement pieces at home and instead opt for understated accessories that complement your ensemble (without overpowering it).
Rehearsal Dinner Attire Ideas, Based on Dress Code Formality
Now that you know the ins and outs of what attire to wear to a rehearsal dinner, let’s get into some cute outfit ideas for guests! While the options are truly endless, we wanted to create some basic outfit formulas that you can follow for almost any rehearsal dinner.
We’ve broken these ideas down by dress code, with a formal outfit and a casual outfit for both men and women. Think of these as the jumping-off point for your rehearsal dinner attire — you can easily customize each outfit based on the venue, the season, and your personal style as a guest!
What Outfit to Wear to a Rehearsal Dinner With a More Formal Dress Code
If you’re anything like us, then you love any excuse to dress up. But it can be tricky to find an outfit to wear to a rehearsal dinner that’s ~just~ the right amount of formal.
So to help you avoid overdressing OR underdressing for a formal dress code, we’ve put together two classy outfit ideas (one for men and one for women) for guests to wear to a rehearsal dinner. Keep scrolling for the complete ensembles — down to the best shoes to tie the looks together!
Women’s Formal Outfit Idea Example
silky midi dress | strappy silver heels | trendy rhinestone bag | cute bow earrings
If you’re looking for a fool-proof outfit to wear to a formal rehearsal dinner, a midi slip dress is a closet staple. To add a bit of personality to your look, opt for a trendy silhouette or a color that matches the season — like this lilac one. Bright and elegant, it’s the perfect attire to wear to a rehearsal dinner in the springtime!
When it comes to the best accessories to wear with your rehearsal dinner outfit, don’t be afraid to go a little glam (it is a formal dress code, after all!). Metallic heels and a rhinestone bag will add a trendy touch to your look, while still being classy enough to wear to a formal rehearsal dinner.
And don’t forget some statement earrings — these bow ones are our current obsession!
Men’s Formal Outfit Idea Example
burgundy suit | black leather boots | floral pocket square | sterling silver wristwatch
For men, a two-piece suit is essential attire for a rehearsal dinner with a formal dress code. To choose the best color, think about the season of the event. This burgundy suit is perfect to wear to a rehearsal dinner in the fall or winter — just add a white button-down shirt, and you’re golden.
Since a rehearsal dinner is typically less dressy than the ceremony (even if the dress code says formal), you can wear accessories that show off your personal style. These black leather boots and this floral pocket square are unique and unexpected, while still looking super dapper.
Last but not least, no outfit is complete without a sleek wristwatch, and a minimalist design (like this Ted Baker one) is the ultimate finishing touch to wear with your rehearsal dinner attire.
What Outfit to Wear to a Rehearsal Dinner With a More Casual Dress Code
While a casual dress code gives guests more freedom with their rehearsal dinner outfits, it isn’t a pass to wear just anything. The best attire for a casual rehearsal dinner is laid-back but still elegant, with pieces that you can wear again and again after the big night.
Here are a couple of cute outfit ideas that both men and women can wear for a casual rehearsal dinner dress code — while still looking ready for a night of wining, dining, and major celebrations!
Women’s Casual Outfit Idea Example
floral midi dress | gold pendant necklace | crossbody bag | white western boots | silver ballet flats
Even if a rehearsal dinner has a casual dress code, it’s still best to wear something a little dressier than your everyday attire. Our go-to look? A cute and casual midi dress, like this floral one! The silhouette is stylish and versatile so that you can wear it to any rehearsal dinner, no matter the season or venue.
Now for the fun part: accessories. While a casual dress code calls for a more understated look, that doesn’t mean guests can’t wear trendy accessories with their rehearsal dinner outfit! Showcase your style — without going overboard — with a gold pendant necklace and a cute crossbody bag.
For shoes, what you wear will depend on the season of the rehearsal dinner. Cute boots (like these western ones) are great for winter, while ballet flats (like these metallic ones) are a no-brainer for the summer. Plus, you can wear both pairs again and again after the rehearsal dinner is over!
Men’s Casual Outfit Idea Example
linen shirt | modern trousers | trendy sneakers | leather belt
For attire that’s just the right amount of casual, look no further than a lightweight linen shirt. It toes the line between a formal button-down and a laid-back polo, and you can easily wear it layered over a white tee for a rehearsal dinner with a casual dress code.
Complete your look with a pair of versatile trousers, like these dark green ones, and some trendy sneakers. Equal parts elevated and laid-back, they’re the perfect middle ground to wear with your casual rehearsal dinner attire — and every outfit after!
Pull everything together with a sleek leather belt, and you’re pretty much golden.
Stun During The Entire Weekend With Our “Best Dressed Guest” Attire Guides
Now that you’ve found the best outfit ideas to wear to the rehearsal dinner, don’t miss the rest of our guest attire guides for the entire festive weekend!
If you’re still looking for a cute outfit for the big day, we’ve got you covered with guest dress guides for every season, from summer to spring to winter to fall. We’ve also created a round-up of comfortable heels for a chic (and dance-ready) finishing touch!
Headed to a post-ceremony brunch? These cute brunch outfits will help you round out the festive weekend in style.
And no matter the event, make sure your beauty is on-point with these cute half-up half-down hairstyles and these trendy nail ideas. Because a chic rehearsal dinner look is more than just what you wear!
What attire are you planning to wear to the rehearsal dinner (and the rest of the celebrations)? Let us know in the comments below!