What Should Guests Wear to a Rehearsal Dinner?

Co-authored by Elle Monus and Aly Rusciano

Last Updated: January 3, 2023 References

Someone you know is getting married, and their rehearsal dinner is just around the corner, but you have no idea what to wear! Is this a casual event you can wear jeans to? What colors can and can’t you wear? Luckily, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve got everything you need to know about what to wear to a rehearsal dinner, from the dress code to the proper etiquette. Keep reading to learn what you should and shouldn’t wear to this special event.

Things You Should Know

Look at the wedding rehearsal dinner invitation carefully to learn about the dress code and venue.
Stay away from white and opt for muted colors or black to keep attention on the bride(s).
Stick to formal attire that’s elegant and dressy unless told otherwise by the soon-to-be-married couple.

1

Follow the dress code.

Read the invitation to know how the couple wants you to dress. Wedding rehearsal dinners are generally formal events, but additional details about the dress code could be listed in the invite. Here’s what to look for:^{[1]
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- White tie: Extravagant ball gowns and tuxedos
- Black tie: Floor-length gowns and suits and ties
- Black tie optional: Mid-length dresses and suits
- Outdoor formal: Mini or wrap dresses and suits
- Cocktail: A cocktail dress is usually a must. You can also wear midi dresses and suits. Usually, a silk or cotton, dark or nude color dress is the best option
- Semi-formal: Flowy dresses or skirt and dress pants with a button-down shirt
- If you didn’t receive a formal invitation for the dinner but were invited via text or word of mouth, ask who invited you what the dress code is if they didn’t specify.

2

Check out the venue.

Research the dinner’s location to see how fancy it’ll be. Notice where the rehearsal dinner is taking place on the invitation, and then do a quick online search. Scour the web for pictures of similar events to get an idea of what everyone’s wearing. This can help you tailor your outfit to match the ambiance and style of the event space.^{[2]
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- Pay attention to the overall design of the venue. Is it in a hotel with marble walls or at a local Italian restaurant?
- Consider the location. Will you be on a beach in Mexico or in your friend’s backyard for a barbecue?
- Look the venue up on social media. How do they advertise themselves? Are there staff members in suits and ties?

3

Consider the weather and time.

If the dinner is outside, wear something you’ll be comfortable in. The time of day and weather conditions can play a big part in what you wear, especially if you’ll be spending time outside. Check the radar before you leave, and note if you’ll need to add one of these items to your look:^{[3]
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- A blazer or sport coat adds a layer of warmth over a blouse, a-line dress, or button-down shirt.
- A sweater or cardigan pairs well with a collared shirt and dress pants or a dress when temperatures drop at night.
- Tights help your legs stay warm under a dress or skirt in the fall and winter.
- Long sleeve dress shirts and velvet dresses keep you comfortable in the cold without sacrificing style.

4

Stick with muted and neutral tones.

Save the bold colors and patterns for after the wedding. The last thing you want to do is upstage the bride(s), especially during the wedding festivities. Instead of a bright and fun patterned dress or shirt, opt for something with earthy and solid tones. This way, you’ll be formal, elegant, and respectable.
- If the wedding has a color palette, wear those colors to the wedding only, not to the rehearsal dinner, to match the theme on the day of the big event.

5

Stay away from white.

White is usually reserved for the bride(s)-to-be. When it comes to any wedding festivity, white is generally off-limits to everyone but the bride(s). This doesn’t necessarily include all weddings, but to be safe, stick to wearing anything but white to the rehearsal dinner.^{[4]
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- Ladies, avoid cream and off-whites and try a dress or blouse that matches your eyes instead.
- Guys, wearing a white button-down is okay, but make sure to pair it with a black or gray blazer or sport coat.

6

Opt for something simple and black.

When in doubt, wear black! You can’t go wrong with a classic black cocktail dress, suit, or blazer and pants set. Not only does black complement every skin tone, but it also helps you look put together and formal without outshining the happy couple.^{[5]
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7

Avoid wearing jeans.

Jeans are a bit too casual for a wedding rehearsal dinner. Although you can dress up a pair of jeans, it’s better to leave them at home when it comes to more formal events. Wear a pair of dark slacks, dress pants, skirt, or dress to keep things elegant.
- Generally, rehearsal dinners have a “no jeans allowed” rule, but there are always exceptions! If the dinner is going to be more casual, consider wearing a pair of dark jeans with a collared shirt or blouse.^{[6]
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8

Dress to the theme (if there is one).

Wear florals to a luau or a cowboy hat to a western party. Some rehearsal dinners will have a special theme you can dress up to. If your invitation notes one, through all wedding etiquette to the wind! The couple most likely wants everyone to let loose and have a little fun before the big day, so get into character and have fun picking out an outfit centered around the theme.
- Reach out to the couple or a bridal party member to see if Halloween-like costumes are expected at the dinner or more subtle-themed formal attire.
- For instance, you could dress up in an astronaut suit for a space-themed dinner or go with a dress or tie covered in stars.

9

Make sure to accessorize.

Necklaces and pocket squares can add the final touch to your look. Since wedding rehearsal dinners are usually formal events, don’t be afraid to glam up! Try pairing a black low-cut dress with a pearl or diamond necklace, or adorn your jacket with a pocket square that matches the color of your eyes or date’s dress.
- Clutches, belts, bracelets, and cufflinks are other great accessories—who says you can’t wear more than one?

Expert Q&A

Question

What is appropriate women's attire for a rehearsal dinner?

Elle Monus
Image Consultant
Elle Monus is an Image Consultant and the Co-Founder of True Image Group. With over 11 years of fashion industry experience, she specializes in holistic approaches to branding, size-inclusive image consulting, and personal styling. Additionally, Elle has had the opportunity to work on several New York Fashion Week shows and has been featured in multiple media outlets, such as Racked.

Elle Monus

Image Consultant

Expert Answer

Dressy slacks with an off-the-shoulder blouse is a good outfit choice! If you want to go a little more casual, a mid-length denim skirt with a silk or button-down shirt is a nice option.