Wedding Rehearsal

What To Wear For A Wedding Rehearsal Dinner?

You need to think about more than just your clothes while putting together your rehearsal dinner ensemble.

To paraphrase what Bergthold once advised, "for accessories, attempt to figure out one piece of your outfit to be a focal point." "Stack your bracelets or wear a choker with a chain necklace; don't be scared to mix and match!"

If you aren't sure what to wear to a wedding rehearsal dinner but know there will be a formal event, it's probably safe to go with a business casual outfit that makes you feel comfortable. Do your best to dress appropriately without stressing too much about following the dress code to the letter because this is someone else's party and the spotlight isn't on you.

As your wedding weekend approaches, there is one more gown to consider besides your wedding dress: the one you will wear to the rehearsal dinner. Choosing an outfit for the rehearsal dinner is an essential step that shouldn't be neglected. The wedding reception is the first official gathering of friends and family to honour the happy couple on their big day, so it's important to look your best.

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Because of the abundance of choices, finding your ideal style may take some time. What to Wear to the Rehearsal Dinner is a Multi-Step Process, and We've Broken it Down for You! Your rehearsal dinner outfit should be a representation of your personal style, whether that's classic and understated or current and daring. Check out these tips before you pick out an outfit.

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Fashion during a Rehearsal Dinner

How Formal Should We Be?

The rehearsal meal may appear to be an extremely formal occasion at first appearance, with guests required to dress to the nines and maintain a serious expression while trying to figure out which fork is for salad and which is for dinner. The event is actually a small gathering of the wedding couple's closest friends and family.

The rehearsal dinner is a great place for the bride and groom's closest friends and family members to finally meet one other. The practice dinner is a chance for everyone in the wedding party, including those who have met each other just briefly, to sit down to a meal together in the company of the bride and groom before the wedding.

There will be some jitters before the rehearsal dinner, so it helps to know what to expect.

Who Is Responsible For The Wedding Rehearsal Dinner?

It is customary for the groom's parents to organise and foot the bill for the rehearsal dinner, according to more traditional wedding etiquette guides. Your man's parents will be responsible for all costs and responsibilities, so you won't have to!

Of course, there are instances in which neither party offers to foot the bill nor accepts the offer since the couple would rather plan the event themselves. In both cases, the couple would organise and fund the celebration on their own. In addition, some couples choose to approach both sets of parents for financial support.

Even if a different party winds up footing the bill, the custom still appears to hold sway. If discussion boards are any indication, charging guests for a rehearsal supper is generally frowned upon.

Talk to the people footing the bill if you have your heart set on a specific location for the rehearsal dinner and are unable to budge.

For a rehearsal dinner, for example, it's crucial to communicate with the hosts that you'd like to have the meal at a fancy beach restaurant. If the cost per person is higher than your wedding supper, they might not be able to afford it.

Need a caterer for your special day? Check out Vogue Ballroom’s Top List of Wedding Caterers in Melbourne.

Is it acceptable to skip the rehearsal dinner?

Having a rehearsal supper is optional, and can be skipped if the costs seem to outweigh the benefits.

Instead of spending money on a rehearsal dinner, some couples prefer to use that money on a more elaborate setting, more elaborate flowers, or some other form of extravagance.

When Do Rehearsal Dinners Take Place?

A rehearsal dinner is a formal meal shared by the bride, groom, and bridal party before the wedding.

Laughter is in Place

In some ways, the rehearsal dinner is more personal than the actual wedding. It's possible that the bride and groom won't get to spend as much quality time with their loved ones before the big day as they had hoped.

We figured out the numbers for the wedding of Love and Lavender. However, it turned out that we only had 4.5 minutes total to talk to each visitor. There isn't much time left if you want to send out a lot of invitations. When compared to the frantic schedule of the actual wedding day, the time spent together at a rehearsal dinner might feel like a little bit of a treasure.

Cry Time Has Come

At the rehearsal dinner, what exactly takes place? During the rehearsal dinner, the bride may decide to read a poem to her maid of honour. There will be less noise and she'll have more free time.

Some of the couple's favourite songs are ones that remind them of each other and their love, but they may not be a perfect fit for the ceremony's theme.

Likewise, wedding rehearsals are a fantastic time to play a video montage of the couple's life together thus far, or to highlight their individual accomplishments and passions outside of marriage. Everyone can admire their adorable childhood photos and their blossoming romance.

You can also give everyone in attendance a small token of your appreciation, particularly if it's something the happy couple would like all of their guests to use throughout the wedding.

Rehearsal dinner speeches

Toasting is a common practise at rehearsal dinners. Best man usually speaks after the host, who is typically the groom's father. After then, everyone who wishes to do so is welcome to give a toast.

There are no restrictions on length; feel free to be as funny or serious as you like. After the toasts have concluded, it is customary to stand and express gratitude to those who have spoken in your honour and the hosts.

To get more wedding menu tips, check out our post on What is a good wedding menu?

How Should One Dress for the Rehearsal Dinner?

As far as we're concerned, any reason to dress up is a good reason. To that end, we recommend letting loose a bit with your rehearsal dinner attire. It's probably the night before your wedding, and everyone is getting psyched. Since this is still a special event, you should dress to impress. A brand new clothing is the best way to feel confident and put together.

Remember, and there will most likely be a lot of activity and interaction all through the night. You should pick out an outfit that provides both ease and style.

Shopping for the rehearsal dinner is similar to shopping for the wedding gown, but with less stress.

Consider embellishments like as sequins and beads (it is a celebration, after all), experiment with shapes, lenght, and fabric, and even wear something you wouldn't typically, like a chic jumpsuit. Whatever makes you feel beautiful and at ease is appropriate for the rehearsal dinner. You're not required to wear all white to the rehearsal dinner, but we think it's adorable and have included some of our favourite cute white ensembles in the gallery below.

Wedding Rehearsal

Choose a Location That Will Inspire You for the Rehearsal Dinner

It's only natural to think about the theme of the rehearsal dinner as the first consideration while making your outfit choice. You should take into account the setting of the rehearsal dinner just as you would the ceremony location when choosing your wedding attire.

Is your party going to be a low-key cookout in the garden or a formal affair at the country club? What would you prefer, a steakhouse supper or a dinner at someone's house? Is it a small, close-knit affair, or will all of your out-of-town friends and family be there? In order to answer these questions, you must first decide what you will wear to the rehearsal dinner. Consider the event's setting and atmosphere when deciding what to wear, such as a cocktail dress for a formal rooftop dinner or a breezy sundress for a more relaxed outdoor get-together.

Try on Dresses That Aren't Your Wedding Gown

Going all out with your outfit for the rehearsal dinner is highly encouraged. One option is to change into an outfit for the rehearsal dinner that better reflects your personality than your wedding dress. Wearing something more modern (like a sleek jumpsuit) to the rehearsal dinner will help you show off a different element of your personal style if your wedding dress is more conventional (think lace and long sleeves).

This is also a fantastic time to show off your favourite fashion trend. While you may want to keep your wedding look traditional, the rehearsal dinner is the perfect time to break out the statement heels or bold hair item you've been saving for the big day. Alternately, if you're going for a more daring look, try a fitted midi dress or silk sheath gown.

Add a Splash of Color, Be Daring

You can't go wrong with white for the rehearsal dinner; after all, you want to feel and look like a bride. However, not every bride should wear a white dress to the rehearsal dinner. If you'd like to have some fun with your rehearsal dinner clothing without totally straying from convention, don't be afraid to add some colour.

Dress however you choose on the night before the wedding. Sure, rock that daring red pantsuit or chic little black dress if that's more your style. Or, you may just stick to pastel shades of pink, green, and lavender. (You may also want to take this opportunity to don "something blue.") Remember that this is a chance to express yourself through your choice of colour scheme.

Have Fun with Patterns

Rehearsal dinner clothes can be livened up with the addition of colourful designs or bright accent colours. Try something bold and different, like a floral dress or a sequinned jumpsuit, if you're having trouble deciding what to wear to the rehearsal dinner. If you want to wear something other than white to your wedding and yet turn heads as the bride, you can. Why not take advantage of the opportunity to wear whatever you want to wear to the rehearsal dinner when you're a bride?

Favor the Cozy

Some of your visitors and out-of-town relatives will be meeting you for the first time at this event. Dressing comfortably is the way to go when picking out an outfit for a rehearsal dinner. Wear something that won't restrict your motion; you don't want to waste time fussing with an irritating hemline or a skirt that keeps riding up. Spending time with your fiancé and loved ones is what the rehearsal dinner is all about, so don't waste energy worrying about your outfit. It's best to wear something comfortable and casual, rather than something overly ornamental and distracting. Make sure you have time to put on the dress before the big day so that you may make any necessary modifications.

Go Out and Get Some Clothes You're Excited to Wear

Do not purchase a gown for the rehearsal dinner just because you feel that it is expected of you or because you think it will look good in photos. You should feel your best at the beginning of your wedding weekend during the rehearsal dinner. The greatest approach to kick off your wedding weekend is with a healthy dose of self-assurance, which will reflect beautifully on you and your guests.

Don't go bankrupt trying

You probably already spent a lot of money on your bridal attire, so there's no point in spending a fortune on a new dress for the rehearsal dinner. To save money for other aspects of the event, search for an outfit that costs less than $200. It's not required, but if you have the cash, feel free to splurge on something fancier.

Keep to the point

No, this isn't required, but it is great to wear anything related to your wedding theme during the rehearsal dinner. Consider stores like Free People and Anthropologie for your wedding rehearsal attire if your theme is boho. You may find plenty of appropriate (and reasonably priced) options, such as airy maxi dresses and peasant blouses.

Be a fashion repeat offender

Getting something brand new to wear to the wedding rehearsal dinner is not required. Try rummaging through your existing wardrobe to see if there are any outfits that may be reworked. You might wear the same dress as your engagement celebration if you like. Or maybe you've been saving that killer cocktail dress for this event for the past two years.

Take it easy

Pick out an outfit that won't restrict your movements too much. Wear something less constrictive the night before donning a corset and/or a lot of tulle and taffeta the next day.

The use of a dress is not required.

It's expected (though not required) that you'll wear a wedding dress on the big day, but you don't have to go all out for the rehearsal dinner. A shirt and skirt or a stylish jumpsuit could be the appropriate outfit for a formal function. Or are you planning something more casual, like a pizza party or a barbeque? If you want to look fancy, save it for the next day and just wear jeans and a t-shirt today.

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Dinner Dress Rehearsal

If you and your soon-to-be spouse have impeccable taste, you might want to have a formal rehearsal dinner and other events over the wedding weekend. There are some places where casual attire is inappropriate, and the level of formality of the event is usually determined by the setting. Estates, castles, and rooftop restaurants with a city view are some examples of more formal locations.

To Him:

For the rehearsal dinner, the groom can select an appropriate formality from a number of possible possibilities. Suits and tuxedos in deep tones like blue, black, or night are perfect. In making your selection, you might wish to avoid matching the level of ostentation of your wedding clothes. The bride and her wedding clothes are supposed to be the show stoppers. If you have decided to wear a blue suit with a black peak lapel to the marriage but would like to alter things up for the fancy rehearsal dinner, the classic black shawl lapel tuxedo is an excellent choice.

If you're feeling particularly daring, pair it with a low-cut black shaped t-shirt and glossy or velvet loafers without socks. If you don't want to wear a tuxedo to the rehearsal dinner, a dark suit in navy or black with a plain necktie and pocket square is also appropriate. To complete the look, go out and acquire a pair of black suede dress shoes to match with the suit and a black or blue dress shirt and tie. In other words, if you want to wear loafers to the wedding but oxfords or double priests to the rehearsal supper, switch shoes before the big day.

To Her:

There is no need for the bride to repeat her wedding day ensemble after the big day. If you're wearing a traditional white or ivory bridal gown, a fitted women's suit with a shawl lapel could be the most flattering option. The groom could look sharp in a tuxedo or suit in a shade of black, navy, or midnight. If you'd prefer preserve your white dress for the wedding, a black traditional male tuxedo is a fantastic option. Layer it over a silk tank or lacy bodysuit for an unconventional evening look.

Modern women's tuxedos are often unexpected and have an edge of danger to them. If you wear this attire, people will recognize you as a risk-taking, innovative thinker who is not afraid to experiment with fashion. Do not wear slacks to the rehearsal dinner; rather, choose a dark-colored dress with a flattering neckline, such as black, navy, or a deep jewel tone. If you're planning on wearing white or ivory for the wedding, this should stand in stark contrast.

Rehearsal Dinner, Cocktail Dress

Cocktail dress, often known as semi-formal apparel, is ideal because it combines the sophistication of formalwear with the ease of a more relaxed outfit. If the rehearsal dinner is being hosted in a more upscale venue, such as a country club, beach club, or music nightclub, the groomsmen may be requested to dress formally. Considering the surroundings, there is a feeling of order and uniformity.

To Him:

The future husband can dress semi-formally in a navy jacket. A man's wardrobe isn't complete without a navy blazer. A blue blazer's adaptability is unparalleled because it can be worn with so many different outfits. Put together with a blue blazer, a pair of good chino pants in sand or white may make quite a fashion statement. Other suitable options for a more formal look include white button and blue and white Tiger striped shirts.

To Her:

For the bride's rehearsal dinner, perhaps she should wear a gorgeous tea-length dress featuring illusion lace or eyelet details. The versatility and classic style of lace make it a good choice for many different people. Get a dress that conveys the spirit of your wedding day, even if it's just for the rehearsal dinner. Make sure the design some how relates to the theme or color scheme of your wedding. Semi-formal rehearsal dinners typically call for dresses with an A-line, fit-and-flare, or bodycon design.

Pre-Wedding Dinner

The casual rehearsal dinner is probably the most common type of rehearsal dinner today. It may be a boat ride, picnic, or a New England clambake in the great outdoors, or it could be a bowling alley, vineyard, or distillery indoors. It's perfectly fine to tailor your outfit to fit the event's theme if you can tell what it is from the venue or the type of event.

To Him:

You should still dress to impress as the man of the hour even at the rehearsal dinner. If a jacket is not being worn, a collar dress shirt or tank top is suggested as an alternative. You should probably forgo wearing your favorite antique t-shirt to the wedding if the rehearsal dinner isn't happening right after a game of beach volleyball. In addition to the above, you may also want to consider matching your attire to the theme or location of the dinner party.

Dress for the bowling, rehearsal dinner in a printed short-sleeved button-down shirt, common projects or similar basic shoes and selvedge denim pants, and. Wear a seersucker button-down shirt with a clean pair of chino trousers or shorts and a pair of tan or white suede bucks to your next New England clambake.

To Her:

The prospective bride can choose a colorful pattern jumpsuit or a chambray boiler style to the bowling rehearsal dinner. Consider a gorgeous, flowing, floral tea-length dress for an outside gathering like an England clambake.

For many couples, the rehearsal dinner serves as a dress rehearsal for the big day. Typically, it's a much more compact gathering of close friends and family, almost like a private party. The bride and groom, being preoccupied with their own and their bridal party's attire for the wedding itself, may overlook the rehearsal dinner's theme and decor.

If you don't count your getting ready robe, the dress you wear to your rehearsal dinner will be the very last thing you put on before you say "I do" at your wedding. What you wear to the rehearsal dinner will set the tone for the entire wedding weekend, whether it's a casual summer wedding or a formal winter wedding.

Wedding Rehearsal Ideas

Conclusion

What to wear for the Rehearsal Dinner is a multi-step process, and we've broken it down for you! Your outfit should be a representation of your personal style, whether that's classic and understated or current and daring.  A rehearsal dinner is a formal meal shared by the bride, groom, and bridal party before the wedding.

It is customary for the groom's parents to organise and foot the bill for the rehearsal dinner. Rehearsal dinners are optional and can be skipped if the costs seem to outweigh the benefits. When compared to the frantic schedule of the actual wedding day, a rehearsal dinner might feel like a treasure. During the rehearsal dinner, the bride may decide to read a poem to her maid of honour. Wedding rehearsals are a fantastic time to play a video montage of the couple's life together.

Shopping for the rehearsal dinner is similar to shopping for the wedding gown, but with less stress. Consider the event's setting and atmosphere when deciding what to wear, such as a cocktail dress for a formal rooftop dinner or a breezy sundress for an outdoor get-together. If you're going for a more daring look, try a fitted midi dress or silk sheath gown. Rehearsal dinner clothes can be livened up with the addition of colourful designs or bright accent colours. Dressing comfortably is the way to go when picking out an outfit for a rehearsal dinner.

Why not take advantage of the opportunity to wear whatever you want to wear to the rehearsal dinner when you're a bride? You don't have to go all out for the rehearsal dinner, but there are a few things you can do if you're looking for a budget-friendly outfit. Try rummaging through your existing wardrobe to see if there are any outfits that may be reworked. If you want to look fancy, save it for the next day and just wear jeans and a t-shirt today. There are some places where casual attire is inappropriate, and the level of formality of the event is usually determined by the setting.

Suits and tuxedos in deep tones like blue, black, or night are perfect. If you want to wear loafers to the wedding but oxfords or double priests to the rehearsal supper, switch shoes before the big day.

Content Summary: 

  • You need to think about more than just your clothes while putting together your rehearsal dinner ensemble.
  • If you aren't sure what to wear to a wedding rehearsal dinner but know there will be a formal event, it's probably safe to go with a business casual outfit that makes you feel comfortable.
  • Choosing an outfit for the rehearsal dinner is an essential step that shouldn't be neglected.
  • Your rehearsal dinner outfit should be a representation of your personal style, whether that's classic and understated or current and daring.
  • Check out these tips before you pick out an outfit.
  • The rehearsal dinner is a great place for the bride and groom's closest friends and family members to finally meet one other.
  • The practice dinner is a chance for everyone in the wedding party, including those who have met each other just briefly, to sit down to a meal together in the company of the bride and groom before the wedding.
  • There will be some jitters before the rehearsal dinner, so it helps to know what to expect.
  • It is customary for the groom's parents to organise and foot the bill for the rehearsal dinner, according to more traditional wedding etiquette guides.
  • Talk to the people footing the bill if you have your heart set on a specific location for the rehearsal dinner and are unable to budge.
  • Need a caterer for your special day?
  • Is it acceptable to skip the rehearsal dinner?
  • A rehearsal dinner is a formal meal shared by the bride, groom, and bridal party before the wedding.
  • There isn't much time left if you want to send out a lot of invitations.
  • When compared to the frantic schedule of the actual wedding day, the time spent together at a rehearsal dinner might feel like a little bit of a treasure.
  • During the rehearsal dinner, the bride may decide to read a poem to her maid of honour.
  • Some of the couple's favourite songs are ones that remind them of each other and their love, but they may not be a perfect fit for the ceremony's theme.
  • Rehearsal dinner speeches Toasting is a common practise at rehearsal dinners.
  • To get more wedding menu tips, check out our post on What is a good wedding menu?
  • To that end, we recommend letting loose a bit with your rehearsal dinner attire.
  • It's probably the night before your wedding, and everyone is getting psyched.
  • Since this is still a special event, you should dress to impress.
  • Shopping for the rehearsal dinner is similar to shopping for the wedding gown, but with less stress.
  • Whatever makes you feel beautiful and at ease is appropriate for the rehearsal dinner.
  • It's only natural to think about the theme of the rehearsal dinner as the first consideration while making your outfit choice.
  • You should take into account the setting of the rehearsal dinner just as you would the ceremony location when choosing your wedding attire.
  • In order to answer these questions, you must first decide what you will wear to the rehearsal dinner.
  • Consider the event's setting and atmosphere when deciding what to wear, such as a cocktail dress for a formal rooftop dinner or a breezy sundress for a more relaxed outdoor get-together.
  • Going all out with your outfit for the rehearsal dinner is highly encouraged.
  • One option is to change into an outfit for the rehearsal dinner that better reflects your personality than your wedding dress.
  • This is also a fantastic time to show off your favourite fashion trend.
  • You can't go wrong with white for the rehearsal dinner; after all, you want to feel and look like a bride.
  • However, not every bride should wear a white dress to the rehearsal dinner.
  • If you'd like to have some fun with your rehearsal dinner clothing without totally straying from convention, don't be afraid to add some colour.
  • Dress however you choose on the night before the wedding.
  • Remember that this is a chance to express yourself through your choice of colour scheme.
  • Try something bold and different, like a floral dress or a sequinned jumpsuit, if you're having trouble deciding what to wear to the rehearsal dinner.
  • If you want to wear something other than white to your wedding and yet turn heads as the bride, you can.
  • Why not take advantage of the opportunity to wear whatever you want to wear to the rehearsal dinner when you're a bride?
  • Dressing comfortably is the way to go when picking out an outfit for a rehearsal dinner.
  • Make sure you have time to put on the dress before the big day so that you may make any necessary modifications.
  • Do not purchase a gown for the rehearsal dinner just because you feel that it is expected of you or because you think it will look good in photos.
  • Don't go bankrupt trying You probably already spent a lot of money on your bridal attire, so there's no point in spending a fortune on a new dress for the rehearsal dinner.
  • To save money for other aspects of the event, search for an outfit that costs less than $200.
  • Keep to the point No, this isn't required, but it is great to wear anything related to your wedding theme during the rehearsal dinner.
  • Consider stores like Free People and Anthropologie for your wedding rehearsal attire if your theme is boho.
  • Be a fashion repeat offender Getting something brand new to wear to the wedding rehearsal dinner is not required.
  • You might wear the same dress as your engagement celebration if you like.
  • Take it easy Pick out an outfit that won't restrict your movements too much.
  • The use of a dress is not required.
  • It's expected (though not required) that you'll wear a wedding dress on the big day, but you don't have to go all out for the rehearsal dinner.
  • A shirt and skirt or a stylish jumpsuit could be the appropriate outfit for a formal function.
  • If you want to look fancy, save it for the next day and just wear jeans and a t-shirt today.
  • If you and your soon-to-be spouse have impeccable taste, you might want to have a formal rehearsal dinner and other events over the wedding weekend.
  • To Him: For the rehearsal dinner, the groom can select an appropriate formality from a number of possible possibilities.
  • In making your selection, you might wish to avoid matching the level of ostentation of your wedding clothes.
  • The bride and her wedding clothes are supposed to be the show stoppers.
  • If you don't want to wear a tuxedo to the rehearsal dinner, a dark suit in navy or black with a plain necktie and pocket square is also appropriate.
  • If you'd prefer to preserve your white dress for the wedding, a black traditional male tuxedo is a fantastic option.
  • Layer it over a silk tank or lacy bodysuit for an unconventional evening look.

Frequently Asked Questions About Wedding Rehearsal

During the wedding rehearsal, you'll do a complete practice run (or maybe a few) of your wedding ceremony from start to finish at the actual location of your wedding. This ensures everyone involved in your ceremony knows the order, pacing, when to walk, and where.

The Guest List. Only those who will actually take part in the rehearsal—the bride and groom, their parents, the officiant, the wedding party (including any child attendants), and readers—plus their spouses or dates, need to be invited to the rehearsal itself and the festivities that follow.

Consider timing. The rehearsal dinner schedule is traditionally held the night before the wedding, most often on a Friday. Usually, the ceremony rehearsal begins around 5:30 p.m. and typically lasts about 30 to 45 minutes.

Usually, the hosts of the event will kick things off, followed by the groom toasting his bride and her family. You could also stand up together and offer a more personal toast to your family and wedding party at this time.

Appropriate rehearsal dinner attire is typically formal. Not black tie formal, but pretty close: dark suits and ties for men; cocktail dresses and gowns for women. For the mother of the bride, the same holds true—think a formal cocktail dress or a long gown, heels and nice jewelry.

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