A rehearsal dinner can be casual or dressy. It is always helpful if dinner hosts provide you with an explicit dress code, but if one is not provided, it could leave you grasping at straws.
If you are unsure of how to dress, do a little research before shopping for an outfit. Scope out the venue’s website for its dress code and vibe and chat with other guests about how they plan to dress. If all else fails, text your host to find out their expectations. Once you have an idea of the dinner’s level of dressiness, there are a few other decisions to make.
Source: G-Stock Studio/ShutterstockConsiderations To Keep in Mind
Some important things to keep in mind when choosing what to wear to a rehearsal dinner are the venue’s dress code, the weather and the time of year. While some rehearsal dinners require men to wear full wedding suits, others may be casual and necessitate a more dressed-down look. First and foremost, be sure to choose an ensemble commensurate with the hosts’ expectations, then take it from there.
What Should Guests Wear to a Rehearsal Dinner
Once you know the hosts’ expectations and the venue’s dress code, it’s time to narrow down some top rehearsal dinner looks. Check out this guide for outfits that include formal to casual dress.
Option 1: Suit and Nice Dress
If the rehearsal dinner has a formal dress code, a black suit is always a viable choice, but navy and gray look timeless, too. The rehearsal dinner is a good place to experiment with colors in terms of dress shirts, especially if you will be wearing a white shirt in the coming days for the wedding. A sharp tie, fun socks, and a date donning a beautiful dress will complete your look for a formal rehearsal dinner. Coordinate your shirt and tie with your date’s dress for a touch of sophistication.
Source: LightField Studios/ShutterstockOption 2: Button-Down Shirt, Tie, Pants and Cocktail Dress
You can ditch the suit and tie for a sleek, less formal outfit for a semiformal rehearsal dinner. You are looking for something a step down from the formality of a suit but elevated beyond casual attire. Think about what you might wear to a dressed-up dinner party and aim for an outfit along those lines.
A button-down shirt, a tie, and dress pants are the key components for a semi-formal look. You can ditch the jacket and cuff links, but you should still wear men’s dress shoes. A tucked-in shirt is preferable to an untucked look, so you should wear a nice leather belt that matches your shoes. For women, a cocktail dress is a safe bet for a semi-formal dinner. Something flirty and colorful with cute high heels and fun jewelry is the way to go.
Option 3: Linen Suit and Maxi Dress
If you need a look for a summer affair, a linen suit is always in style. The lightweight material and the light colors of most linen suits create a timeless appeal that is perfect for the warm summer months. Linen suits typically lend themselves to neutral tones, so add an earth-tone shirt with a coordinating tie. White, cream, beige, and olive are great neutrals that perfectly complement your linen suit.
For women’s attire, a breezy maxi dress will feel as comfortable as it looks beautiful. Light shades and floral patterns are perfect for a summertime rehearsal dinner. The whimsy of a flowy maxi dress in light shades will look gorgeous next to a man wearing a linen suit.
Option 4: Sport Coat, Casual Trousers and Flowy Jumpsuit
Not all rehearsal dinners are created equal. While some events will be strictly formal, others will have a more dressed-down feel. A sports coat will give you exactly what you need for such events. Toss on a sports coat with casual trousers such as tapered chinos or straight-fit khakis. The sleek collar, sophisticated lapel, and breast pocket of a sports coat give an elevated appeal without being too dressy. Sport coats and trousers are classic for informal social events like a rehearsal dinner.
For the ladies, an outfit that is a step down from a cocktail dress is appropriate for an informal dinner. Think funky jumpsuits, tailored slacks, or a casual dress. If you have something a little more formal, you can dress it down with simple elements such as a leather jacket, a funky belt, or even boots. Chunky jewelry, cute hair accessories, and a leather handbag can be worn to an informal rehearsal dinner.
Source: Svitlana Sokolova/ShutterstockOption 5: Button-Down Shirt, Fitted Jeans and a Casual Dress
A casual rehearsal dinner is more common than you think. While you will not have to put as much effort into a casual look as you will for a formal rehearsal dinner, you still should look polished. Your most broken-in jeans and a T-shirt are inappropriate for a rehearsal dinner. Instead, pick up a new pair of well-fitting jeans with a more tailored appeal; think straight-fit, slim-fit and classic-fit styles, and avoid distressed jeans that look unrefined. A short-sleeved button-down or polo shirt will give you a casual yet cultivated look that is right for this kind of rehearsal dinner.
Women looking for the right aesthetic for a casual rehearsal dinner have a few options. While jeans with a pretty blouse or a sexy bodysuit and heels would work, a better idea is a casual dress. A short rather than a long dress will give a casual vibe, as will boots, sandals, and denim or leather accents. A slicked-back ponytail or your everyday hairstyle will give an effortless look a casual dinner calls for. When considering outfit options for a casual rehearsal dinner, think of what you might wear for a date night.
The Perfect Rehearsal Dinner Outfit
Deciding what to wear depends on a few factors, the most important of which are the dress code and venue. Once you have figured out these two factors, you can easily assemble the best-looking, most event-appropriate outfit. No matter the dress code, a polished, fitted look is always in style.