What to Wear to a Rehearsal Dinner as a Guest, According to a Bridal Stylist

Our editors independently select all products that appear on Glamour. We may, however, receive compensation from retailers or purchases made through these links.

When you receive an invitation to attend a rehearsal dinner, it can be overwhelming.

The rehearsal dinner is traditionally the pre-ceremony celebration the night before the wedding. It’s when the couple’s closest family and friends gather. The rehearsal dinner has a less strict dress code than the wedding reception and ceremony, which are often governed by a specific style of attire (black-tie or cocktail), for example. It’s sometimes not even a meal! Even though it is a less formal affair than the wedding, there are still some guidelines to follow.

There’s also an unsaid stressor. Anny Choi, bridal stylist and creative consultant at Anny Choi Creative Brand Consultants, says that you may be meeting guests for the very first time. You want to feel and look your best but not be so distracting that you take the focus away from the happy couple. Choi adds that it is also an opportunity for guests to express their personality. “I think it’s an opportunity to make a point, especially if there is a stricter dress code for the wedding.”

The good news The good news is that these pre-wedding functions are usually not as well photographed as the wedding, which should ease some of the stress. If you are invited to the rehearsal, you will likely be at the wedding party. You may have a specific ensemble assigned (e.g. pastel bridesmaid dresses) for the big event. This could be the best time to experiment with your style.

Choi says, “You’re likely to see old friends from high school or college, or other people you may not have seen in a while.” Why not dress up?

Now you can have some fun with your style. What now? You can then consider the location, the season, the vibe, the bride and groom, etc. In general, however, embrace the grey area. Choi offers more tips on how to choose an outfit for a rehearsal dinner.

If you’re not sure, opt for silhouettes from the ’90s.

“I’m seeing a lot of simple, minimal ’90s silhouettes–especially in bold colours–going into this wedding season,” says Choi. It immediately reminds me of Gwyneth’s pink Ralph Lauren Oscars gown. It’s a timeless shape that is comfortable. It makes you feel good and looks great.”

When in doubt, opt for a simple slip dress in a column shape in a vibrant colour or classic neutral. For colder weather (or chilly air conditioning), add a blazer.

Use the location as a theme.

You can do some research based on where the event will be held. Choi says that a floral dress is perfect for a garden event. There are so many ways to dress up for an urban city event or even a seaside beach party.

Online, look at the location and think about what will photograph well. For example, a cocktail dress with a vibrant red colour would work for drinks at a rooftop bar. A relaxed, gauzy maxidress, on the other hand, would be appropriate for a destination wedding.

New accessories can give you a completely new look.

Choi warns against the “one-and-done” dress. Choi warns against buying a dress for the wedding rehearsal dinner, which will only be stuffed in your closet and never seen again. You should consider this, especially if you are attending multiple events in the same season. Choi explains that if you’re wearing the same item again and again, adding different accessories will make it suitable for various occasions. You can add your style to each outfit.

Outfit ideas: Statement earrings or necklaces, whether they are silver Art Deco pieces or coral-coloured, can add pizzazz to an otherwise simple silhouette. Straw accessories are a great way to tone down an outfit at a wedding. You can elevate a favourite work dress by simply switching from flats or loafers to metallic heels.

Consider sharp separates you can wear again.

Chris says, “When I look back on my past choices, I have personally chosen separates over dresses for rehearsals or welcome events.” “I’m not a fan of a dress I bought for a specific event, but I have pictures in it. I don’t wear it.” I tend to prefer separates, which I can wear in different styles for different events.

A skirt set, dress pants with a button down and a blouse can look just as elegant. But they have totally different vibes. A jumpsuit also works! Choi, for instance, purchased a custom-made green and white floral crop top with a matching skirt from One/Of. She wore it with a solid-coloured top at a rehearsal dinner last summer. She wore the skirt with a knitted top to a night with friends.

Plan your footwear

Choi advises: “Always wear appropriate shoes.” There’s nothing worse than having to deal with foot pain even before you start dancing. If you plan to dance on grass, sand or cobblestones, it’s best to avoid stilettos. Instead, choose wedges or block heels.

Start with the shoes and then move on to your attire for your rehearsal dinner. Wedge sandals, espadrilles and block heels are all in fashion right now.

Never print anything with more than 50% of the page in white.

Choi, however, says that there’s room for play. “I personally believe a little bit of white can be okay.” If we are being picky, then a 50-50 print is fine.

What does this mean? Wearing a white dress is not recommended, but floral prints with a base of white are acceptable for a guest ensemble as long as the colour covers at least 50% of the fabric surface. Choi recommends avoiding light or eggshell-yellow, even the butter yellow trending now, as they tend to appear white in bright spaces. If you have any doubts, I’d suggest asking the bride.

As a backup, bring a floral mid-length dress.

Classics are timeless, even if a little cliche. Choi says that many people choose a floral, bright dress to wear to wedding welcome events, especially in the weeks leading up to weddings.

You can pack it in your suitcase in case of a spill or if you want to have options. For a rehearsal meal, anything with a floral or botanical print is likely to work, especially if the dress has a draped collarline, ruffles or other playful details. The best way to show off your new pair of sandals is with a midi-length silhouette.

Your closet.

Choi says that a more casual rehearsal dinner is a great opportunity to reuse something you may have worn at another event or wedding. These evenings are plentiful during the wedding season, so it’s not necessary to buy new clothes for each event. Don’t feel guilty about using something in your closet, even if it’s from the bridal party. Make that dress you wore to the bridal shower or that graduation of a family member that you attended last month feel new with some new accessories. You can change your look by changing your hairstyle and makeup.