Last Updated on December 17, 2023 by Eve Dawes
From sexy to chic, classic to trending white rehearsal dinner dresses to celebrate in style
Wedding rehearsal dinner dresses and outfits are another excuse to dress up and shop for a fabulous dress before your big day. I love white rehearsal dinner dresses but if you’re wondering what to wear to a rehearsal dinner, it doesn’t have to be just white, a dress or cocktail attire (depending on your dress code). I’ve also added the most stylish rehearsal dinner outfits like jumpsuits, coord sets as well as glam gold cocktail dresses. There are so many stunning styles around this year that would also make beautiful bachelorette dresses or bridal shower dresses to create your perfect look. Here’s the best rehearsal dinner dresses for the bride to be whether you’re having a casual rehearsal dinner or black tie affair. Keep reading or jump to shop the looks from designer to best for budget styles under $40. If you’re looking for a white engagement dress, I’ve curated a separate edit just for those.
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What should I wear to my wedding rehearsal dinner?
If you’re unsure what to wear for your rehearsal dinner looks, one of the best ways to narrow it down is to start with your dress code. If you decided on more formal dress then a cocktail dress is a good place to start. Whereas, if you’re hosting a more casual event, look for more casual attire.
An important part of rehearsal dinner dress code etiquette is to follow the attire you sent to your guests so everyone feels in place so be clear what that is when you send out the invites. My best advice is to go with a dress code that you feel comfortable with, not one that you think you should do.
If you get stuck, don’t go it alone, ask your best friend for her input too. Planning for a wedding should be fun, so make the most of this opportunity to shop and have fun with your friends.
This white bodycon dress (above) is the perfect combination of elegant but sexy for a white rehearsal dinner dress for the bride to be. It’s a good choice if you want something simple but still with a wow factor. You might want to size up a size as it runs slightly small. Definitely order nipple petals or silicone coverups for full coverage as it is very figure hugging. The V at the bottom of the back is wired so it holds it’s shape.
Best rehearsal dinner dresses & outfits for the bride to be
There are so many styles of wedding rehearsal dinner outfits and dresses for brides that there’s something however you’re celebrating and whatever your style and budget. Whether you’re looking for something sophisticated and classic or sexy and fashionable.
If you’re having your rehearsal dinner during the colder months you might want to consider long sleeves, a long gown, a modern dress pants set or an elegant faux fur shrug. For warmer months a little white dress or cute coord set both work well.
This fit and flare white cocktail dress has the cutest strappy back and is thick enough to not have to worry about it being see through. This little white dress runs slightly big so you may wish to size down. It would be a great option for a country club venue.
Glam rehearsal dinner dresses
If you’re looking for a dress with a wow factor, feather dresses are still in style and this white feather and pearl dress is a perfect rehearsal dress for the bride if you’re looking for a more glam look. Although I’m already married, I’d wear it for summer all white parties or even for Christmas parties. It’s a great choice for a winter wedding rehearsal dinner.
If you want something different than white, this gold dress is a fun and glam option for a semi-formal rehearsal dinner that you could wear again for Christmas and New Years parties, etc. I find this style runs runs true to size.
The Elliatt white feather dress I’m wearing below runs big so you may wish to size down or belt it to create more of a waistline.
I’m also a fan of cap sleeves as you don’t have to think about what your arms look like in photos. The material also photographs beautifully and it’s such a timeless and elegant style. You’ll be able to look back a your photos in 10 years and not cringe!
Shop the 50 best wedding rehearsal dinner outfits and dresses
I’ve searched out the perfect wedding rehearsal dinner dresses for brides whatever your personal style to give you lots of rehearsal dinner outfit ideas. You can also use this rehearsal dinner attire edit to find your bachelorette and bridal shower dresses to save time searching around again.
I ordered a few of these to try on, review and share photos of. It’s always a good idea to order a few if the return policies good. So that you can try them on and see what works best for you.
I’ve also added a few rehearsal dinner outfits that aren’t dresses like white chic jumpsuits and stunning coord sets if you’re looking for something different. It’s also ok to wear dark suits or bright colors if that’s more your style.
You can pick any color outfit to wear to your rehearsal dinner. While some brides may still wear white, vibrant colors or prints are also appropriate for this occasion.
Brides.com
Gold dresses also look stunning and metallics and all things sparkly are in style this year, in case you want something more sparkly. If you’re wanting to tie your outfit into you wedding colors look for accessories in your wedding colors. As most colors go with white.
Shop the wedding rehearsal dress and outfit edit
Gold and white wedding rehearsal dinner outfits and dresses for the bride to be from designer to more affordable styles. From more formal rehearsal dinner outfits to glam sequin maxi dresses and casual looks.
Most of these stores have great return policies. So your best bet is to order a couple of sizes so that your size doesn’t sell out. Some of the styles show out of stock but also show the back in stock date so you can see if it’ll arrive in time or not.
What to look for in your rehearsal dinner dress
When buying your dress think about:
- The season to make sure you’re not too hot or cold.
- Material: will it photograph well, crease, be sheer, etc.
- Length: Can you sit in it comfortably.
- Fit: Can you move easily, is it too sexy?
- Will it photograph well.
Once you have your dress, try it on and check:
- Can you sit in it without showing your underwear.
- Is it sheer anywhere.
- Take a photo in it, even a mirror selfie and see how it looks. Some materials and cuts look great off but don’t photograph well or go see-through with a flash.
- What underwear will you need with it.
- Practice poses in it to see what will look best in your photographs.
Wedding rehearsal dinner photos
Don’t forget to take lots of photos with your partner, bridesmaids and any other members of the wedding party at the dinner. It’s the perfect opportunity to practice your poses for your actual wedding day. Especially if you want both candid and posed photos. It’s already a dress rehearsal so you might as well take advantage of all aspects of it to minimize any stress on the actual day.
To make things go faster, scout out poses and group poses ahead of time so that you can get the exact shot that you want.
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