What to Wear to a Rehearsal Dinner as the Bride

As your wedding day draws closer, you may feel relieved to have gotten some of those bigger fashion decisions out of the way—like purchasing your wedding dress—but your style journey doesn't just end once you select your bridal gown. The rehearsal dinner, for example, is the opening act of the entire celebration and requires a look that is at once bold, memorable, and unique.

While it can be tricky to decide what to wear to a rehearsal dinner as the bride (since you don't want to upstage your actual day-of attire), choosing an ensemble isn't as hard as you might think. That's because there's no shortage of options when it comes to choosing the perfect getup, whether you're hosting an intimate affair with just the wedding party and close family members or a grand welcome event for your entire guest list.

Ahead, we called in an expert to get the best advice on what to wear to a rehearsal dinner as the bride. Keep reading to find all the style tips you need, from how to incorporate your personal style into your look to suggestions on how to coordinate with your partner for a cohesive aesthetic.

The Importance of a Rehearsal Dinner

“Rehearsal dinners are all about connecting the friends and family of both partners and getting in some quality time before the ceremony,” shares fashion stylist Morgan Bienvenue. “It's a way to show your appreciation for everyone you love and also set the tone for what they can expect from the wedding.

More specially, this event is a wedding debut for the bride and serves as an opportunity to set the tone for what's to come, in terms of the overall theme and vibe of the big day. As for the importance of rehearsal dinner fashion, “The bride's look is all about showing their personality,” says Bienvenue. “It's a way to introduce themselves to people they may have never even met before."

Understanding Rehearsal Dinner Dress Codes

Like the actual wedding ceremony itself, the rehearsal dinner also has a dress code that guests are expected to adhere to, including the bride. Luckily, Bienvenue has a foolproof method for deciphering the style guidelines for this event.

“The easiest way to determine if your outfit is dress code appropriate is based on the fabric,” she says. “Usually cotton and linen are more appropriate for casual events, whereas richer or heavier fabrics, like velvet or satin, are better for a more formal event.”   

 Casual

While a casual rehearsal dinner dress code may seem simple at first glance, as the bride, you still want to look your best and stand out amongst your guests. Bienvenue suggests a cotton maxi dress, which has a casual elegance without being too over the top. You also can’t go wrong with a midi-length sundress made from a lightweight fabric, or even a breezy jumpsuit. Feel free to play around with unique patterns, interesting textures, and eccentric accessories to make your casual look more reflective of your own personal style.

Semi-Formal

Semi-formal is the most common rehearsal dinner dress code and provides brides with a ton of freedom and flexibility. Look for fabrics like silk, chiffon, or lace, all of which allow for easy movement and breathability. Mini and cocktail-length dresses are also popular options for brides who want to show off a little leg and make a statement with their attire. For the non-traditional bride, jumpsuits, rompers, suits, and two-piece sets are other stylish choices to consider. What's more, add a statement necklace, earrings, or a clutch to complete your outfit and elevate it to semi-formal levels.

Formal

If you're throwing a formal or black-tie wedding, Bienvenue suggests opting for formal styles like silky satin gowns, elegant slip dresses, or floor-length silhouettes. For added drama, look for pieces with details like a thigh-high slit or an open back. As for accessories, don’t be afraid to go big with dazzling gemstone necklaces, drop earrings, or a timeless tennis bracelet. 

How to Choose a Rehearsal Dinner Outfit

While aligning with a dress code is one of the most important factors to consider for your rehearsal dinner outfit, there are several other elements to keep in mind as the bride. First and foremost, "The bride should also be comfortable because there's likely a lot of sitting or moving around to do at the actual rehearsal," shares Bienvenue.

Aside from that, brides should pay special attention to the wedding theme, venue, season, and their partner's attire when selecting a look.

Based on the Wedding Theme

As you know, the rehearsal dinner is the wedding pre-party, which is why many brides choose to incorporate their day-of theme into the evening. Whether your theme leans more boho-chic, vintage-inspired, casual beachy, or classic, choosing an outfit that stylistically aligns with your chosen aesthetic is the best way to keep things cohesive.

For example, brides who are hosting a beach wedding may wear a flowy cotton dress to the rehearsal dinner. These brides can also give a nod to their theme by sporting beach-themed accessories or styling their hair in a fishtail braid. “Maybe find a white dress with a subtle leaf pattern inspired by your floral arrangements, or wear certain color accents in your accessories and makeup,” Bienvenue adds.

Based on the Venue

Usually, venues have a certain architectural style associated with them that often serves as inspiration for the wedding theme itself, like Art Deco or Classicism. This makes it easy to land on a rehearsal dinner outfit, as long as you're intentional about using your settings to influence your look.

“It can be really fun to research the kinds of fashions that were in style during the time the venue was built and use your rehearsal dinner look as a sneak peek,” shares Bienvenue. Just be sure to do your homework to understand the venue’s history and design, before borrowing your favorite elements for your attire and/or accessories. 

Based on the Season 

Paying attention to the season is the best way to find a rehearsal dinner look that'll keep you comfortable in any type of weather. For instance, to stay cool in the spring and summer, brides should consider breezy styles in lightweight fabrics like delicate linen, breathable cotton, and airy lace. Fall and winter brides, however, might opt for dresses that have a heavy-weight composition like velvet and knit, as well as lighter fabrics like satin, silk, or tulle. Long sleeves will also provide additional coverage and keep you warm. 

"If the venue is in a colder environment, considering an overcoat is critical to the look, whereas in a warmer environment, the right sandal or heel can complete the outfit,” adds Bienvenue. And if you really want to dress seasonally appropriate, you can also get creative with floral hair accessories by using fresh flowers that are in season locally.

Based on Your Partner's Attire

For the couple that wants to coordinate, Bienvenue suggests adding some interest by wearing different shades of the same color or wearing the same color in different fabrics. “Maybe [the partner] wears a navy velvet suit and the bride wears a silk slip dress with baby blue heels or sapphire jewelry, for example,” she explains.

Additional Style Tips

As the bride and one of the guests of honor, you can wear just about anything to your rehearsal dinner. What’s most important, however, is that you feel comfortable and confident since this event is just the beginning of what is sure to be a long wedding weekend.

Another style tip? Be sure to make the most of your investment by choosing a rehearsal dinner outfit that you can wear to other special occasions. “I would consider wearing an outfit you'll want to wear again and again,” says Bienvenue. “What you wear on your wedding day is often just something meant for the special day, but your rehearsal dinner look can be a way to relive special memories.”