Occasion outfits
What to wear to a rehearsal dinner as a guest
Short answer
Dress one notch below the wedding. A midi dress or dressy separates suit most restaurant dinners, and a simpler dress with block heels or flat sandals suits a backyard or barbecue. Skip white and anything that matches the wedding party colors. Bring a light layer for the evening. Check the invitation, and ask the hosts if it does not name a dress code. PeachSunday collections can be filtered by price.
Steps
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Read the invitation
Look for a dress code and the venue. A restaurant points toward a midi dress, a backyard toward a simpler dress.
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Pick the dress
A midi dress or dressy separates, a notch below what you will wear to the wedding.
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Choose shoes for the ground
Block heels or flat sandals if the party is on grass. Heels with a thin spike sink in.
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Bring a layer
A cardigan, blazer or wrap for the evening, and a coat in late fall and winter.
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Check the color
No white, and nothing that matches the wedding party colors.
What the dress code usually is
Wedding guides from WeddingWire and Adrianna Papell describe the rehearsal dinner as a notch below the wedding. Most of the time it is a restaurant dinner or a backyard gathering the night before, and the invitation seldom names a code.
A useful rule: dress for the setting, then aim a little under your wedding outfit. Emily Post describes semi-formal as more formal than office wear and slightly less than formal, which is a good target for a restaurant dinner. See the dress code guide if the invitation uses a term you do not know.
Three settings, three looks
Restaurant dinner: a midi dress in crepe or satin, or dressy separates such as a blouse with a midi skirt, plus block heels. Backyard or barbecue: a simpler dress in a printed or textured fabric, with block heels or flat sandals. Brewery or casual venue: dressy casual, like a knit dress or a nice top with trousers.
If you wear a black dress, add color or texture with earrings or a bag, so it reads as a dinner and not a funeral.
What to skip
White and cream stay with the bride. Skip anything that matches the wedding party colors if you know them, since the party may be wearing them at dinner. Skip very formal gowns and sequins unless the invitation asks, because you will want those for the wedding.
You can wear the same dress to both events if you change the accessories and shoes, but most guests prefer two looks.
Late fall and winter notes
Evenings are cold. Bring a coat, and consider a sweater dress or velvet dress for an indoor dinner. Tights and ankle boots work at a restaurant. For the wedding itself, the winter wedding guest guide covers coats and fabrics.
Keeping the cost down
Buy one dress for the rehearsal dinner and plan it so the shoes and bag also work at the wedding. A neutral base lets one accessory change the look. Check the estimated delivery date on each product page before you order, and see the shipping time guide if the event is soon.
Shop the look
Start with dresses and midi dresses, then add a cardigan and shoes. New styles are added daily, and free US shipping starts at $65.
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FAQ
What should a guest wear to a rehearsal dinner?
A midi dress or dressy separates, one notch below the wedding outfit. Add block heels or flat sandals if the party is outdoors.
Can I wear the same dress to the wedding and the rehearsal?
You can, if you change the shoes, bag and jewelry. Most guests choose a simpler dress for the rehearsal dinner.
Is a jumpsuit okay for a rehearsal dinner?
Yes. A dressy jumpsuit works for a restaurant dinner. Pick a fluid fabric.
Can I wear black?
Yes. Add color or texture with accessories so it reads as a dinner outfit.
Is a rehearsal dinner more or less formal than the wedding?
Less formal in most cases. Wedding guides describe it as a notch below the wedding.
Can I wear jeans?
Only if the invitation says casual. Dark denim with a dressy top can work at a brewery or backyard, but ask the hosts first.
What shoes work on grass?
Block heels, wedges or flat sandals. Thin heels sink into the lawn.
What if the hosts say white is fine?
Follow the hosts. If they have not said so, choose another color.