19 Best Rehearsal Dinner Dresses of 2021

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Commerce Photo Composite — Brides / Chloe Jeong

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 back tie affair, your rehearsal dinner dress will set the tone for your wedding weekend.

When picking the perfect rehearsal dinner dress, let your personal style and wedding venue guide your decision-making process. A summer or destination wedding calls for light and airy fabrics like linen and crochet lace whereas winter weddings are all about sumptuous velvet styles, embellished fabrics, and floor-length gowns. And if you're more of a minimalist bride, go for sleek and structured dresses to complement a modern venue as well as your pared-back aesthetic.

Read on for the best rehearsal dinner dresses for every style, season, and budget.

For a Garden Wedding: Bronx and Banco Leaf Appliqué 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.

Best Shoulder Details: Lulus Tie-Strap Mini Dress

Short and sweet this tie strap mini dress is a stunning option for a warm-weather rehearsal dinner. Wear your hair up to showcase the eye-catching shoulder

Most Effortless: Reformation Mini Dress

This leg-baring mini is a gorgeous option for summer brides-to-be. It features a smocked back and is crafted from luminous fabric for an elevated yet effortless look.

Most Statement-Making: ASOS EDITION Embellished Cami Dress

Nothing says celebration quite like a dazzling beaded dress. This party-ready style is perfect for New Year's Eve nuptials and can easily be worn to your rehearsal dinner or after-party.

Best High-Low Hemline: Sachin & Babi Ruffle Hem Dress

An alluring neckline, fitted bodice, and high-low hemline make this dress undeniably romantic. This style would easily be at home at a chic city wedding or at a gorgeous garden venue.

For the Boho Bride: For Love and Lemons Floral Embroidered Maxi Dress

This dress is sheer perfection! Ideal for a destination wedding, this style is complete with a crochet waistband and lined with a nude bodysuit. Wear yours with a pair of comfortable yet chic woven wedges.

Best Embellished: Forever That Girl Pearl and Sequins Dress

pearl embellished dress — Courtesy of BHLDN

This fun and flirty mini dress is flocked with luminous beads for allover sparkle and shimmer. If you're not one to shy away from an embellished ensemble, this style is sure to please your glamorous aesthetic.

Most Romantic: Reformation Puff Sleeves Dress

As romantic as it is flattering, this puff sleeves dress is an enchanting choice for a rehearsal dinner held in a garden or a backyard. Style with grass-friendly wedges and loose wavy locks for an effortless look.

Best Strapless: DB Studio Strapless Crepe Feather Trim Mini Dress

Nothing says it's time to celebrate like a feather-trimmed, short sheath dress. Wear yours with shoulder-grazing earrings to highlight your shoulders and the alluring neckline.

Best Slip Dress: BHLDN Satin Charmeuse Midi Dress

What could be more timeless than an elegant slip dress? This style boasts a flattering cowl neckline and side slit and comes in over 10 gorgeous colors to complement any bridal style.

Best Floor-Length: Fame & Partners Strappy Satin Dress

Get your Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy on with this chic and timeless satin slip dress. This dress is made to measure so it's perfect for tall brides and petite brides and every bride in between!

Most Retro: Betsy & Adam Mini Dress

We love this '80's inspired mini dress for a rehearsal dinner look, a courthouse wedding, and every party in between. Complete the look with a bold lip and statement earrings.

Best Back: Bernadette Bow-Back Satin Mini Dress

bow back dress — Courtesy of Matchesfashion

What could be more fun than this satin mini dress featuring an oversized bow? For the bride seeking out a style that doesn't feel overly feminine or overly modern, this dress embodies the best of both worlds.

Best Allover Lace: Self Portrait Grosgrain-Trimmed Guipure Lace Midi Dress

white lace dress — Courtesy of Net-a-Porter

For an allover lace style that doesn't feel overly stuffy or ornate, opt for a dress crafted from graphic and refreshingly modern lace. This style boasts a clean floral pattern that doesn't feel too busy or dated.

Best Jumpsuit: Saylor Feather Trim Jumpsuit

If you’re searching for a rehearsal dinner outfit that isn’t a dress, opt for a modern and stylish jumpsuit. This style from Saylor is sleek, flattering, and comfortable, to boot!

Most Glamorous: Galvan Sequined Metallic Tulle Midi Dress

Don't be afraid to make a statement in head-to-toe sparkle. Whether your wedding is formal or around the holidays, give them glitz and glamour in this dress adorned with allover sequins.

For the Fashion-Forward Bride: Brock Collection Floral-Printed Cotton Cocktail Dress

floral dress — Courtesy of Moda Operandi

This printed dress is as elegant as ever for the bride to be with fashion-forward tastes. Since this gown is crafted from breathable cotton, it’s the perfect option for spring or summer celebrations.

Best Open Detail: LES RÊVERIES Open-Back Corded Lace Mini Dress

open back dress — Courtesy of Net-a-Porter

Stun from all angles in this pretty lace frock featuring a plunging neckline and an alluring open back. Wear yours with tear-drop earrings, strappy sandals, and a swipe of bold red lipstick.

Most Sexy: Retrofete Allover Sequins with Velvet Tie Dress

What says celebration more than a shimmering sequin mini? Flocked with allover sparkle and complete with a velvet ribbon tie, this dress is sure to leave a lasting impression.

What to look for in a rehearsal dinner outift

There are truly so many options out there when it comes to rehearsal dinner outfits. While some brides may opt for something unexpected like a bold print or modern jumpsuit, others may choose an outfit that keeps within their wedding theme. No matter which route you go, your ensemble should reflect your personal style as well as complement the season, venue, and dress code. For summer brides, dresses with shorter hemlines in breezy fabrics like cotton, linen, and lightweight silk always look effortlessly chic. If you're planning a winter wedding, consider long sleeve jumpsuits, crisp tuxedo suits, or beaded dresses. And for more casual weddings? You can never go wrong with simple and comfortable silhouettes like easy-to-wear separates, rompers, or sundresses for laidback celebrations.

FAQ

Do I have to wear a dress to my rehearsal dinner?

Absolutely not! You should wear whatever makes you feel the most stylish and confident. Some great alternatives to rehearsal dinner dresses are jumpsuits, rompers, and suits.
Do I have to wear white to my rehearsal dinner?

Definitely not! While some brides may choose to wear white to their rehearsal dinner, others may opt for dresses in vibrant colors or prints – what you wear is entirely up to you!
Can I wear a formal dress to my rehearsal dinner?

Yes! Formal styles like simple slip dresses, floor-length gowns, and fitted sheath silhouettes are all stunning options for a rehearsal dinner look – especially if you're throwing a formal or black-tie wedding.

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.

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