The rehearsal dinner is a prelude to the wedding day. It sets the tone for the festivities, and what happens here has the power to enhance or detract from the overall wedding experience. As obvious, it is an important event.

The attire for the rehearsal dinner typically does not get as much attention as the attire for the wedding day. However, this is the day when you will be meeting and casting your first impression on some of the attendees, so you must look your best.

The rehearsal dinner is also a type of symbolic transition from the pre-wedding preparations to the actual wedding day. A rehearsal dinner signals the readiness to embark on your new journey as a couple. It is going to form a significant part of your shared memories, so why not start right with an elegant ensemble worthy of the occasion?

This guide will explore and lay out various options and trends for rehearsal dinner attire so that you don’t have to spend much time looking for these when you are already loaded with wedding planning and preparation tasks. With the tips in this guide, picking your rehearsal attire should be a breeze.

Rehearsal Dinner Attire for Grooms

Think of the rehearsal dinner as the wedding debut. Some of the attendees might be people that you will meet for the first time. Your outfit should speak for you even before you do, and it should elicit a positive response from all those who lay eyes on you. That being said, you don’t have to fit into a mold.

Showcase your personal style and let your authenticity shine through and mesmerize the watching eyes. Here are tips that you can use as inspiration:

Classic Choices

Previously, the options for men would be the standard black suit, but considering this is a special occasion, you can change things up a bit by using a suit that fits into the something blue wedding narrative. You can opt for a subtle navy blue suit or a bright blue that plays into your fun nature.

Color combinations do not stop there, you can have a little fun with your color choices by selecting a light grey three-piece suit or be an enigma in full black.

Contemporary Styles

Nothing beats a standard black tuxedo, but you can switch things up by including statement accessories like a colorful lapel pin or pocket square.

Coordinating Couples’ Attire

If you choose to match with your partner for the rehearsal dinner, you can coordinate by matching your shirt color, lapel pin, or pocket square to their dress. You can tie up your look by including cufflinks and a tie pin to finish off.

Rehearsal Dinner Attire for Brides

Brides do not want to upstage their own wedding day attire, so the ensemble for the rehearsal dinner is usually a dilemma. Fortunately, there’s hardly a shortage of options for brides (and grooms) regardless of whether the event is an intimate affair or an elaborate event.

Formal and Traditional Options

Floor-length gowns, classic sheath dresses, or refined skirt and blouse combinations make up the more traditional options for a rehearsal dinner. Jewelry choices often feature dazzling gemstones. For a semi-formal event, popular choices include mini and cocktail-length dresses.

The bride could opt for a romantic and versatile ensemble with a delicate blouse and a voluminous skirt.

Modern Trends

Jumpsuits and pantsuits: For a stylish and fashion-forward look, the bride can choose a chic jumpsuit or pantsuit. With a pantsuit in a luxe fabric, she can exude sophistication and elegance. Lace detailing could add a feminine touch. Alternatively, the bride can pick a jumpsuit with unique cutouts or wide-leg pants to showcase her personal style.

Mix-and-match separates: The bride can opt for a romantic yet contemporary look with a delicate lace or embellished crop top and a high-waisted flowing skirt. Or, she could make a statement with an elegantly structured blouse in a luxurious fabric like silk or satin top and high-waisted wide-leg pants.

Practical Considerations

Dress Code, Theme, and Venue

Like the wedding day, the rehearsal dinner may have a specified dress code, and you can print this on the invitation. If you do not set a specific dress code for the rehearsal dinner, you and the guests need to dress in a way that’s appropriate for the formality and theme of the event. At a formal venue, such as a banquet hall, you would do well by donning a suit, and the bride could wear an evening gown or a cocktail dress. If the rehearsal dinner is at a casual venue, such as a backyard or a beachside restaurant, then you can dress in a relaxed and casual outfit such as a cotton shirt in white or any light hue paired with khaki or light-colored trousers. The bride would look gorgeous in a bohemian maxi dress or a sundress.

Season and Weather

The season in which you are getting married also plays an influential role in the selection of your wedding and rehearsal day attire. If the temperatures are likely to be on the warmer side, you should select breathable and lightweight fabrics. For unpredictable weather conditions, your best bet would be to opt for an outfit that can be layered easily. As rehearsal dinners take place the night before the wedding, they will most likely take place at a smaller location at the same destination. For example, if you’re having a winter-to-spring wedding in Northern California, you need to expect unannounced bouts of rain. This means that your ensemble needs to be water-resistant, especially if your rehearsal dinner is happening in an open venue.

If you’re having your wedding in summer or early autumn, it’s likely to be sunny and reasonably warm. Depending on how you feel about bright sunlight, you will need an outfit with long breathable sleeves to prevent sunburn and accessories such as hats and sunglasses. Lightweight fabrics such as chiffon and silk would not be a good choice for the bride’s rehearsal dinner outfit if the conditions are likely to be windy, as such fabrics are prone to billowing and will likely affect movement.

Comfort and Mobility

Rehearsal dinners are about spending quality time with friends and family before the formal ceremony. Your outfit choice should allow you to enjoy the evening (or afternoon) without feeling restricted or uncomfortable. The clothing you choose needs to fit perfectly, and not be overly tight or loose. A stretchy fit might allow more freedom of movement. Most importantly, your preferences matter; you do not have to go out of your way to present a specific look. Choose an outfit that makes you feel confident and relaxed.

Wrapping Up

Your rehearsal dinner is one of the more important days leading up to your actual wedding. As the name suggests, it is a run-through of the wedding ceremony. While the day is not as important as your wedding day, you still need to put your best foot forward when it comes to what you decide to wear. Take the time to glamor up, while still being able to emphasize your personal style. This is one of many days of your wedding celebration, so take the time to enjoy it and revel in the moment.