rehearsal dinner outfits for guests

The rehearsal dinner is a special prelude to the big day itself, offering an opportunity for the couple, family, and loved ones to come together in a more relaxed way before the wedding. It blends the excitement of what’s to come with a chance for bonding. But, when it comes to dressing for this occasion, what should you wear? This article has lots of stylish rehearsal dinner outfits for guests to make choosing a look easy.

What to consider when dressing for a rehearsal dinner

First, let’s look at what to think about, and then we’ll dive into some outfit suggestions.

1. Understand the dress code

Before starting to look for an outfit, it’s important to consider the dress code. The couple will set this, and it can be casual or formal.

• Casual: You can wear a floaty dress, trousers with a blouse, or a jumpsuit. You might even be able to wear dark jeans and a smart top.
• Semi-formal: The dress code for a rehearsal dinner is usually semi-formal. So, a cocktail or midi dress, a suit, or a jumpsuit will work.
• Formal: This is the chance to up the glamour stakes. So you can go for a long evening dress or a tuxedo.

Psyche @economyofstyle above opts for a blouse and split hem pants outfit that would work well for a casual evening dinner.

Get her look with this similar blouse, pants, pumps (another option here), handbag and belt.

2. Consider the venue

The location of the rehearsal dinner will play a big role in your outfit choice. For instance, a beachside dinner will call for breezy, light fabrics, while a city rooftop restaurant could mean something more structured.

3. Play with colors and patterns

While you may want to be more reserved for the wedding itself, the rehearsal dinner is the perfect chance to be more playful with your outfit. Choose anything from jewel tones to bold patterns. You may want to choose something totally different from what you are wearing for the wedding itself.

4. Be comfortable

If you’re going to a rehearsal event involving dancing, you want to make sure you can move. Plus, you don’t want your outfit to dig in after you’ve eaten.

Rehearsal dinner outfit examples for you

Let’s look at some example outfits you could put together, depending on what the dress code says on your invitation.

Cocktail attire

You can’t go wrong with a cocktail dress for a cocktail event. While you will want to avoid white and bold colors that take the attention away from the bride during the ceremony, you can be more playful during the rehearsal dinner. Take a look at our article on what to wear to a cocktail party for more inspiration.

Nordstrom Metallic Lightweight Wrap – Cinq à Sept Dianne Ruched Midi-Dress – Pelle Moda Keala Pumps – kate spade new york Jolie Pebbled Leather Crossbody Bag – Petit Moments Cascais Drop Earrings

For a formal or black-tie rehearsal dinner

If you’ve been invited to a more formal dinner, a long evening dress or a tuxedo suit will work well. Wear a wrap to cover your shoulders, and add a pop of color with your accessories.

Nordstrom Metallic Lightweight Wrap – Karen Millen Guipure Lace Pleated Sleeveless Woven Maxi Dress – Circus NY by Sam Edelman Tara Slingback Heels – Nina Allison Clutch – Kendra Scott Nydia Linear Earrings

Sylvia @sylviacolella above (read her style interview here) opts for a dress that would work for black-tie or cocktail attire.

Steal her look with this similar dress (other options here and here), pumps and handbag.

Jumpsuit

Of course, you don’t have to choose a dress. A jumpsuit will work well for a cocktail dress code as well as for a more casual evening dinner event.

Karen Millen Structured Crepe Drop Shoulder Pleated Panel Jumpsuit – Pelle Moda Keala Pumps – kate spade new york Jolie Pebbled Leather Crossbody Bag – Petit Moments Cascais Drop Earrings

Garden party vibes

Depending on the time of year, you may have been invited to an outdoor rehearsal dinner. In that case, a floaty tea dress style will work. Choosing a subtly metallic material will add glamour to an otherwise casual shape. Wear with flats so your heels don’t get stuck in the grass.

Tahari ASL Tie Waist Puff Sleeve Satin Midi Dress – Steve Madden Peony Slingback Pump – Vince Camuto Maecy Leather Wallet on a Chain – Jenny Bird Nouveaux Puff Earrings

Casual dinner

If the happy couple has invited you to a more casual event to celebrate their upcoming nuptials, you can wear pants or dark-colored jeans. To elevate your look, team with a silk top or a camisole and add a blazer and clutch bag.

Kobi Halperin Hope Metallic Jacket – Treasure & Bond Lace Trim Camisole – PAIGE Anessa Wide-Leg Crop Jeans – Naturalizer Vera Ankle Strap Sandals – Nina Allison Clutch – Kendra Scott Nydia Linear Earrings

Smart suit

Co-ordinates are very on trend right now and work well if you’ve been invited to a less casual evening dinner, or an outdoor rehearsal dinner. If it’s warm, choose a jacket without sleeves and wear a camisole underneath.

Elie Tahari Jolene Tie-Waist Vest – Elie Tahari The Jolene Pleated Wide-Leg Pants – Naturalizer Vera Ankle Strap Sandals – Tory Burch Fleming Soft Metallic Quilt Mini Chain Tote – Jenny Bird Nouveaux Puff Earrings – Panacea Large Multiband Wrist Cuff

Emms @beautifuleveryday_uk above opts for a classic cream suit. This is such a versatile look as you can change your outfit with your shoes and accessories as well as wearing as separates.

Recreate her outfit with this similar top, blazer, trousers (set here), pumps, clutch and earrings.

Skirt and blouse combo

Talking of separates, you could also choose a skirt and blouse. The gold buttons on the shirt (below) elevate the look. For a black-tie event, you can tuck a white shirt into a full-ball skirt. Or, you can opt for a shorter option for cocktail and evening dinner events.

L’AGENCE Ellery Button-Front Blouse – Misook Asymmetric Crepe Maxi Skirt – Steve Madden Peony Slingback Pump – Vince Camuto Maecy Leather Wallet on a Chain – Jenny Bird Nouveaux Puff Earrings

Print dress

Depending on the feel of the event, you could choose an edgier look with a modern print. This works particularly well if you’ve been invited to a semi-casual dinner.

Nordstrom x Harlem’s Fashion Row Megan Renee Off the Shoulder Long Sleeve Dress – Circus NY by Sam Edelman Tara Slingback Heels – JW PEI Jana Hollow Out Faux Leather Shoulder Bag – Jenny Bird Nouveaux Puff Earrings

Beach party

Moving outside again, if the rehearsal dinner you are heading to is being held on the beach, then a floaty dress will work really well. You can elevate the look with metallic accessories. Make sure you wear flat shoes so you aren’t struggling to walk on the sand.

Loveappella Tiered Halter Maxi Dress – Sam Edelman Tianna Gladiator Sandals – Tory Burch Fleming Soft Metallic Quilt Mini Chain Tote – Petit Moments Cascais Drop Earrings

Your rehearsal dinner outfits together in one capsule

Below, you can see the outfits from above together in one capsule. Do you have a favorite?

Do you have a rehearsal dinner to attend this year, or have you attended one recently? What are your favorite rehearsal dinner outfits?

shop our suggested rehearsal dinner outfits below:

Continue reading:

1. What to wear to a cocktail party
2. How to dress when you are the mother of the bride (or groom)
3. What to wear to a gala no matter what the dress code

Like this article on rehearsal dinner outfits? Share it on Pinterest

Feature image by Sylvia @sylviacolella

Want to get more articles from 40+style in your inbox, subscribe here.

You can also connect with 40+style on Facebook, Instagram or Pinterest.

Support 40+style by using the links in our articles to shop. As an associate for Amazon and many other brands, we receive a small commission (at no cost to you) on qualifying purchases which enables us to keep creating amazing free content for you. Thanks!