BRIDAL GURU / Sep 11, 2023

WHAT TO WEAR TO A REHEARSAL DINNER: A STYLE GUIDE FOR GUESTS

Wondering what to wear to a rehearsal dinner as a guest? Look no further. Our style experts are here to rescue your outfit dilemma so shopping becomes a smooth, easy, and fun process!

First things first: what’s the dress code for rehearsal dinners? Usually, the couple will let you know if it’s casual, or if you should dress in cocktail or formal attire. Typically it’s the latter. A wedding is an important event, after all!

Here, we’re showing you our favorite gowns for dressier rehearsal dinners. They’re not too formal, but will definitely ensure you shine while celebrating the soon-to-be newlyweds.

🎀 What to Wear to a Rehearsal Dinner: Five Fab Dress Ideas 💫

If you’ve scored an invite to a rehearsal dinner, you’re a very important person. The pressure is on to dress to the nines! Don’t worry, we got you. Here are our top rehearsal dinner outfits for guests.

1. Black embellished mermaid dress

If you’re ever stumped on what to wear to a wedding rehearsal dinner, a sleek black dress is always a good idea.

Mermaid silhouettes are an easy way to elevate any black gown. They hug your curves in all the right places. If comfort is important to you, choose a fabric with a bit of stretch, like rome jersey. This material also drapes beautifully. It’s totally a win-win.

It’s not every day that we can wear a dress with some dazzling embellishments. Rehearsal dinners, however, can be one of those days! If you want to stand out, rock gold or silver embellishments. (A dark background will make them pop.) Or, if you want just a hint of glam, look out for a dress that has black sequins or beads.

Get the look: style GL3141 | Jewel Lace-up Back Straight Across Rome Jersey Mermaid Dress

2. Navy beaded mermaid dress

When asked what to wear to a rehearsal dinner, we also recommend jewel-tone dresses. They’re luxurious, flattering, and offer tons of options.

Jewel tones are colors like sapphire blue, emerald green, and ruby red. These dark, rich hues pair well with any fabric. So if you want something stretchy and comfy, go for rome jersey. If you want your dress to pop, choose shimmery sequins or shiny satin.

Wedding events, like rehearsal dinners, are the perfect time to rock feminine, romantic details. Sweetheart necklines are one of our favorites. They literally mimic the shape of a heart—how cute is that?!

Get the look: style GL3036 | Sweetheart Neckline Jersey Mermaid Dress w/ Beads Embellished

3. Mauve sequin mermaid dress

What do you wear to a rehearsal dinner that’s held outdoors or in the colder months? A long-sleeve dress like this one! Yes, you can look like a Hollywood vixen even when the temperature drops.

How? As we said before, mermaid silhouettes are a great way to dial up any dress. Some mermaid-style dresses will loosely hug your curves, giving you that hourglass shape without feeling too tight. (This style is giving Greek goddess vibes, don’t you think?) Pro tip: to further accentuate your waist, look for dresses with gathered waistlines.

Mauve is a very popular color for weddings events. It’s romantic, feminine, and looks great on all skin tones. Want to glam up your rehearsal dinner outfit? Try on a dress with head-to-toe sequins! The couple will love that you’re celebrating their wedding events to the fullest.

Get the look: style GL3063 | Gathered Waist Sequin Embellished Mermaid Dress w/ Long Sleeves

4. Sienna satin A-line dress

Let’s say your wedding rehearsal dinner is in summer or fall. Take advantage of your summer tan and rock warm tones, like sienna.

To accentuate your glow even more, try on a satin dress—seriously! Its shiny appearance will highlight the natural dewiness of your skin. Then add some bronzer and highlighter. Voila! Your complexion will look absolutely gorgeous.

If mermaid dresses aren’t your thing, we recommend A-line dresses. They flatter any body type and are oh-so comfortable. They cinch the smallest part of your waistline and fall loosely along your hips and legs. Yes, you get the best of both worlds!

Get the look: style GL1991 | V-Neck Spaghetti Strap A-Line Satin Long Dress

5. Fuchsia asymmetrical short dress

If the dress code for your rehearsal dinner is explicitly cocktail attire, you can totally wear short or mid-length dresses. There’s no need for ball gowns, but some sparkle is definitely welcome. You’re celebrating a special wedding, after all.

This short dress strikes the right balance between playful and glamorous. Fuchsia is bright, bold, and very on trend. Sequins, feathers, and an asymmetrical neckline with one long sleeve create a unique outfit that’s appropriate for dinner—but will seamlessly transition you to a night on the town.

If that’s the plan, complete this showstopping look with a bright lip or eyeshadow.

Get the look: style GS3092 | Asymmetric Sequin Bodycon Short Dress w/ Feather Embellishment

It’s Wedding Season! Find Dress Inspo for All Events Below

From bridal showers to bachelorette parties, we have your needs covered! Don’t hesitate to head straight to our full catalog to explore all your options.