What to Wear to a Rehearsal Dinner as a Bridesmaid

One perk of being a bridesmaid is that you don't have to put much thought into what you should wear to the wedding. Sure, you may not always love the gown or color the bride selects, but on the positive side, it's one less thing you have to think about. Besides, there are plenty of other events that give you the chance to shop for and find a great outfit, and the rehearsal dinner is one occasion that'll allow your sense of style to shine.

Rehearsal dinners, which typically occur the night before the big day, are generally viewed as a kick-off to the wedding. Depending on the kind of event the couple is throwing, it could be small and intimate (with just the wedding party and close family) or large and formal (almost like a mini version of the reception). And while you obviously won't be the center of attention, there will likely be a lot of eyes on you, so dressing to impress is of the utmost importance.

To help you figure out exactly what to wear to a rehearsal dinner as a bridesmaid, we consulted three expert stylists who have experience in dressing clients for events like these. Read on for more.

Understanding Rehearsal Dinner Dress Codes

When shopping for a rehearsal dinner look, the most important thing to keep in mind is the dress code of the event. (If you're unsure of the dress code, be sure to ask the bride or a member of the wedding party.) Once you know what it is, it's crucial to actually understand what each level of formality means, in order to dress appropriately for the event you're attending. In general, a rehearsal dinner is likely going to be either casual, semi-formal, or formal, as highlighted below.

Casual

Let's be clear: casual doesn't equate to wearing your favorite distressed denim or shorts. "When a casual dress code is given, it's important to view it through the lens of an elevated casual aesthetic," says Breyana Wright, stylist and founder of Styled by Breyana.

That said, a casual dress code does dictate that the atmosphere will be more informal, so bridesmaids should look for something a bit more relaxed and comfortable. "The key is to strike a balance between comfort and style, keeping the outfit appropriate for the setting while embracing a more laid-back and easygoing vibe," says Kate Loscalzo, stylist and founder of Something White Styling. She recommends items like a fun printed sundress, a simple maxi dress, or stylish separates like a top and skirt combo. As for footwear, Loscalzo suggests sandals, flats, or kitten heels. "I would recommend avoiding super flashy accessories," she adds. "Keep it simple. Less is more."

For a go-to outfit that is easy to make your own and will fit almost any setting, LA-based stylist Jasie Style recommends a maxi wrap dress with a thick heel mule and a crossbody clutch. "Casual should make you feel comfortable and confident. [This dress code] has an air of effortlessness to it," she explains.

Semi-Formal

Though semi-formal is one of the more confusing dress codes out there, it's a pretty popular choice for an event like a rehearsal dinner. Loscalzo describes it as "a bit more polished than casual," further noting that it's a mix between casual and formal. "Bridesmaids should keep this look classic and put together; something sophisticated, stylish, and modern works," she explains.

According to Jasie, "Semi-formal hints that there may be people or an environment that you may not be totally familiar with, and you want to make your first impression a positive lasting one." That's why she recommends co-ord sets, monochromatic options, and nicer fabric selections. Loscalzo says much of the same, advising bridesmaids to look for options like a stylish silk or crepe midi dress or an elegant jumpsuit. For shoes, she recommends comfortable heels or a dressy flat, like a trendy metallic ballerina flat.

"A dress that highlights your curves and accentuates your best features would work well here," Jasie adds. "Try a high neck, light knit fabric, midi bodycon dress in one of your favorite solid colors or pattern/print. A minimum strappy heel and feathery handbag would finish this look off nicely."

Formal

A formal dress code means you'll want to dress elegantly, Wright says. "This dress code is a fashion code for 'best behavior' when it comes to style," adds Jasie. "To me, it means to opt for style choices that have an elegant-forward design approach." The stylist further recommends leaning into luxe fabrics, like satin, silk, organza, sheer, or lace, and playing around with knee and floor-length hemlines.

What's more, since you're going to be pretty dressed up here, don't be afraid of a nicer-looking dress. "I firmly believe that it's better to be overdressed than underdressed, especially when you are part of the bridal party," Loscalzo says. She even advises bridesmaids to wear floor-length gowns or cocktail dresses that hit right above the ankle. Rich colors like navy blue, slate grey, champagne, or jewel tones for a pop of color are all great options, to boot. "Accessories should be refined, elevated, maybe a little sparkle, but nothing overboard," she adds.

If floor-length evening gowns aren't your thing, Jasie says she loves the look of an expertly tailored pantsuit or jumpsuit. "Make room for a little fun with a strong shoulder, asymmetric movement, or both," she adds.

How to Choose a Rehearsal Dinner Outfit

Finding a rehearsal dinner outfit is more than just finding something that looks great on you. "Choose something that is comfortable and allows movement for mingling, eating, drinking, and enjoying the party," Loscalzo explains.

It's also nice to select attire that is different from what you'll be wearing to the wedding. "The rehearsal dinner provides an opportunity to showcase your personal style," Loscalzo notes. You should also think about how you plan on doing your hair and makeup, and, of course, your budget. "Find a stylish outfit that doesn't break the bank, especially if you already splurged on the actual bridesmaid dress," the stylist shares.

Aside from those considerations, it's important to pay attention to the wedding theme, venue, and season, as noted below.

Based on the Wedding Theme

If the wedding has a theme, you should keep that in mind when looking for a rehearsal dinner outfit. "Preset wedding themes usually work in the bridesmaids' favor because they take some of the guesswork out of your outfit," Wright notes. And as Loscalzo points out, while the wedding theme won't always transition over to the rehearsal dinner, if it does, then you should absolutely dress the part.

"Details like fringe and elevated denim are perfect for those Western vibes," she shares. "Floral appliqué and lace are always a good choice for an event hosted in a garden. If you're headed to Italy during the summer, we recommend a silky slip dress with a fun, flirty print in a romantic silhouette and a high slit."

Based on the Venue

The venue will also play a pretty big role in your outfit selection. For example, an upscale restaurant may call for something more put-together and elevated, while a backyard rehearsal dinner will be more casual. Wright recommends looking up photos of the venue beforehand so you have a better idea of what your attire should be.

"Consider the atmosphere and possible weather conditions, and grounds/flooring, in advance to help you decide the best shoes, as well as if you need to bring a layering piece that complements your look if it gets a bit windy," Jasie adds.

Based on the Season

Be sure to keep the season in mind when shopping, especially when it comes to fabric, hem, sleeve length, and any necessary accessories.

• Spring: Opt for airy fabrics that feel lightweight and comfortable. "Wear a midi or knee-length dress, or skirt and top, subtle floral prints or pastels, or whimsical fabrics," says Loscalzo. She also notes that a light jacket or sweater may be needed during transitional weather.
• Summer: Light and airy fabrics are again a go-to for summer looks. "Nothing too fitted; something sleeveless; bold colors or large print; and unique cut-outs are encouraged," Loscalzo says. As for shoes, she recommends open-toed pieces.
• Fall: For the transitional weather of autumn, you'll want fabrics that are a little heavier but not too bulky. Loscalzo recommends darker, warm color tones, subtle prints, and sleeves or a light layer on hand. This is also a versatile time when you could do closed or open-toed shoes.
• Winter: Since it's likely going to be chillier outside (or even downright freezing) wear something that will keep you warm. Loscalzo advises wearing a full-length dress (like a midi or maxi) with some type of sleeve, a thicker and more structured fabric, and deeper tones or even metallic shades.

Based on the Bride

While you always want to dress to impress, keep in mind that the bride is the star of the show. "Unless there's a theme, allow [the bride] to stand out," Jasie says. Find out what the bride is wearing, but also communicate with other members in the bridal party. Since everyone will probably be together most of the night, it's nice to try and coordinate a bit if possible.

What Not to Wear to a Rehearsal Dinner

Though there are no hard and fast "rules" to follow when dressing for a rehearsal dinner, try to remember the below when attending this affair.

• Avoid wearing anything white. If it's a bridal event and you're not the bride, it's safe to say you shouldn't wear white (unless that's the theme, of course).
• Do not wear items that are too casual. Even if the dress code is "casual," Jasie advises against wearing denim, sneakers, or Birkenstocks. "I'm personally not a fan of denim or sneakers for life milestone moments or events where a lot of money, time, and resources have been invested—of course, unless it's requested by the bride and groom," she says.
• Stay away from anything too flashy. Again, this is not the night for all attention to be on you. "This isn't the time to lean into dressing overtly sexy or any oversized trends," Jasie notes.
• Don't break in your new heels. "It’s not a good time to break in your new Manolo’s the night before the main event," Loscalzo says. The last thing you want to deal with is sore and aching feet the morning of the big day.

Another style tip? When in doubt, check with the bride.