18 Best Rehearsal Dinner Dresses of 2021

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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 Mini Dress: 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.

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 Off-the-Shoulder: Solace London Off-the-Shoulder Ruffled Twill and Crepe Midi Dress

This off-the-shoulder number is as elegant as can be for a rehearsal dinner with a formal dress code. Its fitted silhouette hugs you in all the right places and features internal boning for support.

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.

For the Fashion-Forward Bride: Brock Collection Terrie Printed Linen-Cotton Maxi Dress

floral dress — Courtesy of Moda Operandi

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

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.

For the Classic Bride: Markarian Cecelie Tie-Detailed Silk Midi Dress

Markarian is known for its exquisite silhouettes and eye-catching details and this silk midi dress is no exception. We love this style in particular for the classic bride-to-be.

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.

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.

For a Summer Wedding: Zimmermann Cutout Ruffled Broderie Anglaise Cotton Mini Dress

open back dress — Courtesy of Net-a-Porter

This gorgeous mini dress features a stunning open back and flouncy ruffled trim. Since it's crafted from breathable cotton, this style is perfect for weddings taking place during the spring and summer months.

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!

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!

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

Final Verdict

If you're a bride-to-be who loves a glamorous look, opt for Elliatt's mini dress flocked with luminous pearls. For Love and Lemons's ethereal maxi dress is a stunning choice for laidback brides with a bohemian aesthetic. And for a rehearsal dinner outfit that's equal parts fun and stylish, we love DB Stuido's feather-trimmed frock.

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, bridesmaids, and more.

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