The planning is done and now it's time to tie the knot! But first, you'll welcome your loved ones with a wedding rehearsal dinner. Your rehearsal dinner is the first official party to kick off your wedding celebrations, and your rehearsal dinner dress will likely be the last outfit you wear before saying "I do" (unless you count your getting-ready robe). Whether you're having a casual backyard wedding or a formal black-tie affair, your rehearsal dinner dress will set the tone for your wedding weekend and get your closest friends and family excited for the occasion.
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When picking out your dream rehearsal dinner dress, let your personal style and wedding venue guide your decision-making process. You also want to choose the right material and style for the season and dress code. For example, if you're having dinner outside in June, consider midi dresses in lightweight fabrics like cotton, linen, or chiffon.
To help you find the perfect dress for your wedding welcome celebration, we've researched the best options available online. We made our final selection based on design elements, size range, cost, materials, and overall quality.
Read on for the best rehearsal dinner dresses.
Best Corset
V. Chapman Jeanine Strapless Corset Wrap Gown
Make a grand entrance in this show-stopping gown by V. Chapman, which is so beautiful you could even wear it as the wedding dress. The bustier bodice with delicate lace detailing adds femininity and sexiness to the design, while the wrap-style skirt and side sash bring bridal elegance.
Size Range: 0-20W | Materials: Polyester, elastane | Length: Floor-length | Colors: White
Best With Train
Katie May Eden Rock Mini Dress
Playful and fun with a touch of traditional bridal style, this mini by Katie May can do no wrong. We adore the dynamic details throughout this piece, from the sharp V-neckline to the oversized bow and dramatic train. This design is the perfect way to welcome the start of your wedding weekend and say, "The bride has arrived."
Size Range: XS-XL | Materials: Swiss Dot | Length: Mini | Colors: White
Best for a Destination Wedding
Bronx and Banco Tiffany Blanc Dress
Feminine and lacy, we love this dress for a destination wedding. The ruffled hem, lace straps, and transparent skirt lend a whimsical look that goes with the flow. Elevate the look even more by wearing a colorful block heel or a statement earring. A bold-colored clutch wouldn't hurt either.
Size Range: XS-XL | Materials: Polyester, elastane | Length: Midi | Colors: White
Best Boho
LoveShackFancy Norma Midi Dress
Ideal for a spring or summer wedding, this boho-style dress is complete with all-over dot and floral embroidery. While we love the white detailing, you can also choose blue, lilac, pink, and black options as well. Flutter sleeves and a flounce skirt make it extra dreamy. Plus, the 100 percent cotton construction makes it breathable.
Size Range: 00-14 | Materials: Cotton | Length: Ankle | Colors: White
Best Blazer
Tadashi Shoji Twist-Front Long-Sleeve Mini Dress
If you live for a good blazer, you'll love this blazer-inspired mini dress. The slightly puffed shoulders and plunging neckline create a sharp silhouette while the ruching flatters your waistline. It's an excellent choice for any petite bride who wants to elongate their figure.
Size Range: XS-4X | Materials: Polyester, spandex | Length: Mini | Colors: Ivory
Best Long Sleeve
Reformation Maves Dress
Elegant and silky, this Reformation dress is undeniably eye-catching. Boasting a structured yet fluid silhouette, the Maves dress features a daring off-the-shoulder neckline, long sleeves, and a flirty mini hemline. We love this look for a chic city wedding.
Size Range: XS-XL | Materials: Satin | Length: Mini | Colors: Almond, black
Best Lace
Lulus Off-the-Shoulder Midi Dress
If you're going for a more casual look, you can never go wrong with a floral lace dress. This breezy number would be right at home at a summer, backyard, or beach wedding. The unique off-the-shoulder neckline is eye-catching and flattering, while the loose-flowing skirt offers maximum comfort.
Size Range: XS-XL | Materials: Cotton, nylon, polyester | Length: Midi | Colors: White, black
Best Floral
V. Chapman Jolie Gown
Effortlessly ethereal, this V. Chapman gown will steal the hearts of your rehearsal dinner guests. The corset bodice and tiered skirt are lined with delicate lace trim and adorned with rose details in a pink hue for an utterly romantic silhouette and design.
Size Range: 0-14 | Materials: Polyester, lace | Length: Maxi | Colors: White, rose
Best Jumpsuit
Ramy Brook Mira Strapless Jumpsuit
Looking for something a bit more unique? Look effortlessly cool in this chic jumpsuit from designer Ramy Brook. We love how the strapless bustier-style bodice adds structure while the high-waist, bootcut pants elongate the legs. Pair this with statement jewelry for a sleek and trendy look.
Size Range: 00-16 | Materials: Satin | Length: Floor-length | Colors: Ivory
Best Square Neckline
Reformation Belgium Linen Dress
As romantic as it is flattering, this puff-sleeved dress is an enchanting choice for a rehearsal dinner held in a garden or backyard. The flowing skirt gives the silhouette a relaxed look, while the high slit will adds an element of sexiness to your ensemble. While we're partial to the stunning crisp white, this linen style also comes in navy and Barbiecore pink for the bold bride. Style with grass-friendly wedges and loose wavy locks for an effortless look.
Size Range: 0-12 | Materials: Linen | Length: Midi | Colors: White, blue
Best Feathered
ELLIATT White Dress
Nothing says it's time to celebrate like a feather-trimmed dress! As fun as it is versatile, this Elliat dress works well for all seasons and can easily be worn for a number of occasions. Wear yours with shoulder-dusting earrings to highlight your shoulders and the delicate straps.
Size Range: XS-L | Materials: Polyester | Length: Midi | Colors: Ivory
Best Sparkle
Retrofete Gabrielle Sequin Robe
What says sexy more than this shimmering sequin mini dress? The wrap silhouette lends a flattering, plunging v-neckline and an adjustable fit thanks to the velvet waist tie. Although the fabric is weighted and thicker than other options on this list, its short length still makes it ideal for warmer venues. Pair it with a bold clutch and colorful heels for an even more dramatic look.
Size Range: XS-XL | Materials: Viscose | Length: Mini | Colors: White, gold
Best One-Shoulder
Sachin & Babi Dova Puffed One-Shoulder Bow Train Wrap Mini Dress
You’ll make a dramatic entrance in this one-shoulder mini-dress from Sachin & Babi. The dress is fitted with ruching at the side, an elegant side bow and train, and a single puffed sleeve. Pair the dress with drop earrings and strappy sandals for a spring or summer rehearsal dinner.
Size Range: 0-16 | Materials: Polyester | Length: Mini | Colors: Ivory
Best Slip
Fleur Du Mal Cowl Neck Slip Dress
What could be more timeless than this elegant slip dress? This style boasts a cowl neckline and body-skimming bias-cut silk charmeuse. You can dress it up and down for both formal and casual affairs, making it a versatile choice that you could use far beyond your rehearsal dinner. Made from 100% silk, it's lightweight yet durable. Pair it with statement jewelry for a bolder look.
Size Range: 0-22 | Materials: Satin | Length: Midi | Colors: 14
Best for a Garden Wedding
Bronx and Banco Saba Blanc Midi Dress
We love the combination of graphic leaf appliqués and soft tulle on this midi dress that feels at once modern and romantic. Whether you're having a backyard celebration or a garden wedding, this stunning dress would complement a venue full of natural greenery. It's made of polyester and elastane, so you should have a stretchy fit that still molds to your body. The godet skirt gives the silhouette a flattering look, and it pairs well with block heels.
Size Range: XS-XL | Materials: Polyester, elastane | Length: Midi | Colors: White
Most Modern
Delfi Collective Giselle Pleated Halter Midi Dress
Trendy brides will love the modern details of this dress. The intricate neckline adorned with a flower attachment emphasizes your shoulders, and we love the pleated detail along the flowing body of the gown. Plus, the low scoop back adds an eye-catching touch.
Size Range: 0-16 | Materials: Polyester | Length: Mini | Colors: Ivory
Best Plus-Size
Eloquii Kimono Sleeve Maxi Dress
This timeless design would look stunning at just about any rehearsal dinner, but we especially love the idea of this for a vintage-inspired location or a chic city venue. The flowy satin fabric falls effortlessly into a trumpet silhouette, and we also adore the flutter sleeves and ruched V-neckline.
Size Range: 14-32 | Materials: Satin | Length: Midi | Colors: 4
Best Back
The Bar Pierre Gown
Sexy yet incredibly elegant, this 100% silk gown is an outfit to remember. The wide open back is made even more eye-catching thanks to the chains of sparkling rhinestones draped across the back. Pair it with diamond accessories to complete the look.
Size Range: 00-12 | Materials: Silk | Length: Maxi | Colors: 4
Best Mini
TOTEME Off Shoulder Evening Top
We love this party-ready ultra-mini dress for its off-the-shoulder neckline, structured silhouette, and high-quality materials. Made in Portugal with durable crepe fabric, you can trust that this chic number will hold up at the rehearsal dinner and beyond.
Size Range: 32-40 | Materials: Crepe | Length: Mini | Colors: Macadamia
Best for Winter Weddings
Abercrombie Sheer Maxi Dress
Winter weddings call for long sleeves and long silhouettes, and this turtleneck dress from Abercrombie offers the perfect mix of seasonal and modern styles. The intricate sheer lace fabric over a mini slip dress creates an eye-catching yet winter-appropriate design.
Size Range: XXS-XL | Materials: Merino Wool | Length: Maxi | Colors: White
What to Look for in a Rehearsal Dinner Outfit
- Personal Style: Your rehearsal dinner dress is an opportunity to showcase your personal style. Choose something that makes you feel your absolute best. Remember, you’re not limited to dresses or traditional colors for your rehearsal dinner outfit. Think of this as a celebration dress which can be formal or casual, long or short, whatever suits you best.
- Dress Code: Just like your guests, you may want to consider your dress code when picking a rehearsal dinner dress. If you are hosting a black-tie dinner at a formal venue, stick to floor-length gowns and luxurious fabrics like satin and silk. For cocktail or less formal dress codes, you can experiment with mini hemlines and casual fabrics like cotton or linen.
- Season: For summer brides, dresses with shorter hemlines in breezy fabrics like lightweight silk always look effortlessly chic. If you're planning a winter wedding, consider long-sleeved jumpsuits, crisp tuxedo suits, or beaded dresses.
Why Trust Brides
Contributing writer Sophie Moore is a former fashion editor at Brides and is an expert in all things bridal attire, from couture wedding gowns to the perfect "something blue" accessory. She researches and sources the best fashion items for brides, grooms, wedding guests, bridal parties, and more.