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.

18 Best Rehearsal Dinner Dresses of 2022

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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.

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

Best Embellished: Ronny Kobo Astrid Sequined Dress

This party-ready dress is adorned with sparkly sequins for a seriously statement-making look. If you're not one to shy away from an embellished ensemble, this style is sure to speak to your glamorous side.

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.

Most Sparkly: 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.

For a Spring Wedding: Zimmermann Floral Dress

Florals are the perfect complement to a spring or summer wedding and are a deeply romantic choice for a rehearsal dinner outfit. Wear yours with minimal accessories for a refreshingly effortless look.

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 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 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.

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 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. Style this silky ML Monique Lhuillier jumpsuit with shoulder-grazing earrings and classic sandals for a sleek yet glamorous look.

Best Back: Bernadette Bow-Back Mini Dress

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 Crystal-Embellished Guipure Lace Midi Dress

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.

Most Playful: Rebecca Vallance Sylvie Mini

Nothing says it's time to celebrate like a feather-trimmed, sparkly, short dress. Wear yours with shoulder-dusting earrings to highlight your shoulders and the delicate straps.

For a Destination Wedding: LoveShackFancy

Feminine and lacey, we love this cotton dress for a summer or beach party. Elevate the look even more by wearing a colorful block heel or a statement earring.

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.

Most Dramatic: Sachin & Babi Dorien Dress

This dramatic mini dress is begging to be worn to a formal rehearsal dinner. Its asymmetric hem gives way to a cascading sash for an utterly unforgettable look.

Best Floral Print: V. Chapman x REVOLVE June Dress

This printed dress is as sweet as ever for the bride-to-be with a romantic aesthetic. We're picturing this pretty floral number at a formal garden celebration with a matching pink clutch and sandals.

Best Tropical Print: Farm Rio Tropical Tiered Maxi Dress

tropical dress — Courtesy of Anthropolgie

If you're jet setting to some tropical locale for your wedding, this brightly colored dress is perfect for your wedding wardrobe. Whether you wear it for your rehearsal dinner, post-wedding brunch, or honeymoon, this fun frock will land you tons of compliments.

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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