The 29 Best Rehearsal Dinner Dresses of 2021

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Tara and Tyler Wedding — Photography by Allan Zepeda

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, keep in mind your budget, the vibe of your venue, and the time of year. A summer or destination wedding calls for light and airy fabrics like linen and crochet lace. If you're having a black-tie winter wedding, experiment with velvet, deep jewel tones, and floor-length dresses. A minimalist bride should go for sleek and structured dresses, suited to complement a modern venue.

From traditional white lace dresses to bold colors to plus size and petite, here are the best rehearsal dinner dresses for all brides, seasons, and venues.

Self Portrait Floral Lace 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.

Bronx and Banco Leaf Appliqué Dress

We love the combination of graphic leaf appliqués and soft tulle on this midi dress that is 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.

Bardot Strapless Feather Sheath Dress

Nothing says it's time to celebrate like a feather-trimmed, short sheath dress. Wear yours with shoulder-grazing earrings and white accessories for an utterly chic and monochromatic look.

Monique LHuillier Draped Satin Mini Dress

This draped mini dress crafted from sumptuous satin is begging to be worn to a formal rehearsal dinner. An asymmetric hem gives way to a cascading sash for an utterly unforgettable look.

Self Portrait Bow-Embellished Taffeta Mini Dress

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

Elliatt Allover Pearl Mini Dress

If you're a pearl kinda girl, we've got you covered, literally. This dress is embroidered with dozens of pearls and is perfect for after-dinner dancing. Keep accessories simple and let the dress do all the talking.

Maria Lucia Hohan Embroidered Polka-Dots Dress

Soft tulle flutter sleeves, a bustier bodice and a tiered skirt make this dress undeniably romantic. This style would easily be at home at a chic city wedding or at a gorgeous garden venue.

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 begging to be worn to a winter wedding.

ASOS Design Ruffle Back Dress

A sculptural shoulder ruffle will always add an element of sophistication and whimsy. If you're more of a minimalist bride but are looking for fun details, this dress has got you covered.

For Love and Lemons Floral Embroidered Maxi Dress

This dress is sheer beauty! Perfect 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 but chic woven wedges.

Bardot Strapless Taffeta Mini Dress with Ruffles

For summertime nuptials, this flirty taffeta mini dress feels laidback but elevated. Crafted from body-hugging taffeta and featuring sculptural ruffles, you'll be sure to stun from every angle.

Fame and Partners Stretch Charmeuse Mini Dress

Elegant and silky, this mini dress has an air of old Hollywood glam to it. Featuring a wrap bodice and deep-v neckline, this mini dress is supremely sophisticated and flattering.

Self Portrait Tiered 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 pared-back, effortless look.

Alex Perry Elyse Strapless Silk-Faille Mini Dress

For brides throwing an impossibly chic city wedding, this strapless mini dress is a no-brainer. Crafted from silk-faille, this dress holds its shape and is for the minimalist bride who appreciates structured and unfussy silhouettes.

Alexia Maria Silk Faille Bow-Back Mini Dress

For a spring or summer wedding, soft pastel tones are a must. This light blue mini dress from Alexia Maria would be right at home at a formal rehearsal dinner by the beach.

Galvan Sequined Metallic Tulle Midi Dress

Don't be afraid to make a statement in head to toe sparkle. Whether your wedding is around the holidays or a black-tie affair, give them serious glitz and glam in a dress adorned with allover shimmering sequins.

LoveShackFancy High-Low Dress

Puff sleeves and eyelet embroidery are the dreamiest of combinations. Lace paneling at the waist and a high low hemline make this ethereal style by LoveShackFancy perfect for a boho-inspired wedding.

Artclub Velvet-Trimmed Cotton-Lace Midi Dress

Crated from gorgeous cotton-lace and embellished with eye-catching black ribbon details, this dress is at once romantic and dramatic. Wear yours with easy block sandals and black accessories for a flawless rehearsal dinner look.

Betsy & Adam Mini Dress

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

Saylor Feather Trim Jumpsuit

Bridal jumpsuits are an impossibly chic and striking alternative to a rehearsal dinner dress. Not only are jumpsuits sleek and modern they're also incredibly comfortable.

Miu Miu Pearl and Crystal Embellished Crepe Mini Dress

We are obsessing over this divine Miu Miu mini dress that features a stunning partially open back and embellishments of crystals and pearls. If this style feels too daring for the rehearsal dinner, it could easily be worn as a reception or after-party dress.

Anthropologie Bias-Cut Slip Dress

What could be more timeless than an elegant slip dress? This dress boasts soft draping at the neckline, a side slit, and comes in four gorgeous colors to complement any bridal style.

Rat & Boa Plunge Neck Mini Dress

Sexy meets sophisticated, this mini dress boasts a daring neckline and waist-cinching bodice. Pair yours with delicate personal jewelry and a statement-making clutch.

Self Portrait One Shoulder Dress

This one shoulder, puff sleeves, graphic lace look has all of our favorite trends tied together in one dress. At once casual but elevated, this versatile dress could easily be worn to a destination wedding or to backyard nuptials.

ASTR the Label Lace A-Line Midi Dress

If you're going for a more casual look, you can never go wrong with a strappy floral lace dress. A classic neckline like this one calls for delicate personal jewelry to round out the look.

Rebecca Taylor Ruffled Smocked Dress

rehearsal dinner dress — Courtesy of Bloomingdale's

A smocked style dress coupled with an easy silhouette will always be a flattering choice. This figure-celebrating style features metallic thread details for added sparkle and dimension.

Victoria Beckham Halter Chain Asymmetric Midi Dress

halter dress — Courtesy of Saks Fifth Avenue

The impossibly chic Victoria Beckham knows her way around an impeccably tailored silhouette and this asymmetric midi dress is no exception. This sophisticated design features a flattering halter neckline and a delicate gold chain that wraps effortlessly around the bodice.

Eloquii Plus Size Long Sleeve Lace Dress

We love the juxtaposition of graphic lace and soft pleats on this unique style from Eloquii. If you rather not wear white to your rehearsal dinner, this style comes in 5 gorgeous colorways suited for every bridal style.

Cinq à Sept Off-The-Shoulder Puff-Sleeve Dress

Sort and sweet this puff sleeve mini dress is a stunning option for a rehearsal dinner dress. Sweep your hair up to showcase your shoulders and decolletage.

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