What to Wear to a Rehearsal Dinner as a Bridesmaid

Introduction

As a bridesmaid your main concern will always be to please your bride. The choice of bridesmaid dresses may already have been made, but what do you wear for the rehearsal dinner? Here are a few foolproof tips for choosing an elegant dress that’s appropriate for the occasion and won’t cause any added stress.

In this article we’ll delve deeper into the best dress choices depending on the rehearsal dinner venue and bridal party’s style. A good place to start is the bridesmaid dress color scheme. So, for instance, if you and your fellow girls are wearing rose gold bridesmaid gowns to the wedding, opting for a rose gold party dress for the dinner is a lovely idea.

Understanding Rehearsal Dinner Dress Codes

While you may now have an idea on what color to go for, the next step is understanding the rehearsal dinner dress code. This is the one thing you should be absolutely clear on, and if the invitation doesn’t cover the details you’d better double-check with the bride and groom.

Color and dress code established, you’ll want to find the best retailer for your outfit. Websites such as Chicsew are excellent, as there are plenty of styles to choose from and you’ll be able to match just about any color scheme.

Casual

Casual dress codes refer to informal, comfortable clothing that’s still professional looking. Think bar or simple restaurant venue for this type of rehearsal meal. Avoid anything baggy or clothes you might just wear around your home, particularly as a member of the bridal party.

We like cute midi dresses or beachy high-low bridesmaid pieces. Chiffon or soft jerseys are nice materials that’ll be elegant without making you feel overdressed. If the vibe of the dinner is even more casual, a pair of nice trousers with a pretty top in the wedding party colors would also work well.

Semi-Formal

The best way to describe a semi-formal dress code is as less formal than the wedding itself might be, but more formal than what you’d wear to your office. Some helpful advice we’ve found is to stay on the more formal side of things if the rehearsal dinner is later on in the evening. Little black dresses are a popular, classic choice, as are long, flowy skirts and pretty dress separates.

We like two-pieces featuring a simple, elegant white top and flowy long skirt in the wedding colors. Try pearl pink or rose gold for bridal parties who are already attired in these shades for the big day.

Formal

If you’ve been invited to attend the rehearsal dinner in formal attire, you’ll want to dress similarly to how you would as a wedding guest. Long gowns and dresses similar to your bridesmaid outfit will be appropriate. If the bride has requested a specific color scheme for the rehearsal dinner, do your best to adhere to it. If not, again, sticking to similar colors as you’re wearing for the wedding is a good idea. It may be a nice touch to coordinate your outfit with any other bridesmaids.

Avoid dresses with a train, as this could be a little too much even for a formal dinner. Do play with more sumptuous fabrics such as satin, velvet, or lace.

How to Choose a Rehearsal Dinner Outfit

The key to picking a great rehearsal dinner outfit is to establish the level of formality first. Once you’ve done this, adhering to the overall ‘vibe’ of the wedding is a great idea, and one the bride will likely appreciate. Below are a few more tips on choosing the perfect outfit for the rehearsal dinner if you are a bridesmaid.

Based on the Wedding Theme

Popular wedding themes are rustic, vintage, bohemian, beach, fairytale, modern, and even art deco. Some weddings will even have a more specific theme. For instance, we’ve seen bookish themed weddings, Lord of the Rings themes, festive Christmas celebrations, and even Harry Potter weddings. If you’re a bridesmaid at a themed wedding, sticking to the theme when choosing your rehearsal dinner outfit may be welcomed by the bride and groom.

Based on the Venue

Another good indicator for the type of dress you might wear to the rehearsal dinner is the venue. If the rehearsal takes place at a beach, for example, you won’t want to wear a long ball gown. Popular venues for rehearsal dinners include restaurants, country clubs, and family homes. Some couples choose to have their rehearsal dinner at their actual wedding venue, too. Depending on the place where it is held, you’ll want to dress more or less formally.

Based on the Season

Another thing that will certainly play a part in choosing your rehearsal dinner dress is the season. Winter weddings are great for luxurious velvet dresses and gowns. Spring weddings may have softer hues and a bigger focus on seasonal flowers and flowy fabrics. A rehearsal dinner in the summer or fall may mean a more outdoorsy venue. Choose your outfit accordingly, so you’re not too hot or cold.

Based on the Bride

We’ve all heard of the term ‘bridezilla’, though it is frequently thrown around a little too freely. Some brides just like to be involved in every part of their wedding, including their bridal parties’ outfits at the rehearsal dinner. So long as your bride is friendly and communicative, take advantage of her requests. If she’s telling you the vibe she’d like to go for at the rehearsal dinner, at least you won’t need to overthink your outfit too much yourself.

Accessories For A Wedding Rehearsal Dinner

Keeping things simple is an old adage that’s perfectly suited to rehearsal dinners, too. Simple stud earrings or little diamond hoops look great with just about any dress or outfit. Similarly, a basic necklace that adds a little bit of sparkle, a chic shawl that complements the wedding colors, and a little bag that fits all of your necessities is all you need.

Top tips: keep a bit of space for extra items the bride might need at the rehearsal dinner, such as deodorant, a little hairspray, and lip balm. Also, if you’re accessorizing yourself, you may as well accessorize any prospective partner by getting him a tie in a color that complements your outfit. Chicsew offers dresses and ties in matching colors.

What Not to Wear to a Rehearsal Dinner

As a rule of thumb, don’t wear anything to a rehearsal dinner that your grandmother might not approve of. Make sure you keep your outfit classy and not too revealing, use shapewear if needed to make sure your dress fits nice and sleek, and don’t purposely wear anything the bride might not like. Steer clear of white or ivory dresses and outfits that look like wedding gowns, and you’ll be good to go.