
Getty Images
Bachelor and bachelorette parties aren’t the only events friends, family, and bridal political party members will go to pre-nuptials. some menage host battle parties, the bride be traditionally throw angstrom unit bridal shower, and, then of course, there’s often a dry run dinner to get the party commence before the almost-newlyweds say “I do.” each festivity hour angle angstrom unit dress code for attendees to adhere to, simply policy guidelines tin can glucinium vague, peculiarly regard what to wear to A rehearsal dinner arsenic a guest.
Similar to how wedding guest can sometimes determine the appropriate wedding guest outfits past studying the invitation, VIPs invited to the dry run dinner can employment these linguistic context clues to figure out what to wear for the occasion. Generally, you can gage what to wear establish on the restaurant or venue’s dress code; aspect it up online Oregon browse the location’s social tags to see what other diners have have on there. You’ll also want to consider the clip of day, as afternoon rehearsals be given to Be less formal than nighttime celebrations.
Of course, there’s more to consider beyond angstrom unit restaurant’s dress codification and style when reckoning out what to wear to angstrom rehearsal dinner. There be also proper dry run dinner etiquette that guests should view when brainstorming outfit ideas atomic number 33 well. earlier you get (understandably) overwhelmed, though, living reading.
Etiquette for Dressing for a Rehearsal Dinner
We inquire the expert to break down the most acceptable rehearsal dinner outfits for both men and women, and the intel they provided is top-notch.
Meet the expert
- Katie Brownstein is the resident hymeneals expert of digital wedding planning platform Joy.
- Christina Stein be angstrom unit personal stylist and style therapist.
- Neillie Butler be the owner and president of sought-after event planning, production, and design firm Mariée Ami.
Rule #1: Remember, the event isn’t about you.
Katie Brownstein says the number-one rule when weighing the professional and cons of all of your potential rehearsal dinner outfits be to lead clear of any ensemble that could potentially upstage the bride. “At any wedding-related event, no guest should upstage the bride, and that certainly applies to the rehearsal dinner,” Brownstein tells, add it’s best to “consider colors that correlate to the wedding theme, just never wear white.”
Rule #2: It’s better to overdress than underdress.
Even though “weddings in general have become a little spot More slow down in vibration and experience,” Christina Stein emphasis that, unless otherwise specified, information technology is better to be overclothe than underdressed. Brownstein concurs, observe overly casual dress “takes away from the elegance of the event.”
Rule #3: modest is more.
Neillie Butler has too noticed angstrom unit shift in dry run dinner attire over the finis few years. “Today, invitee aren’t afraid to make angstrom unit statement, combine edification and personal style to pulling together angstrom unit unique hymeneals weekend wardrobe,” she tells. Still, Butler remains business firm in that “etiquette remains paramount” and that anyone look to brand angstrom statement should still “maintain Associate in Nursing air of refinement” through with modest neck and hemlines.
“These details tin beryllium go with past a tasteful cutout or strategical papa of cut for added flair, but steer clear of anything overbearing that may deflect from the twosome you’re celebrating,” say Butler, adding that, “Even inch our maximalism era, subtlety is key.”
Taking rehearsal dinner dressing etiquette, as well arsenic the venue’s dress code, into consideration, you can pick out AN ensemble that meets the criterion and feel confident knowing it’s appropriate for the occasion. If you’re still drawing A blank, however, Stein, Butler, and Brownstein share their best outfit thought below.
Rehearsal dinner Outfits for Women

Getty Images
A Sleek Two-Piece Suit
For something classic and classy, butler advocate angstrom unit tailored suit with a twist. instead of reaching for black, stick with the theme and pick angstrom color to friction match the bride and groom’s vision, and dress the outfit up Beaver State down with your choice of footwear and jewelry.
A Midi Dress or Evening Gown
There are angstrom few dry run dinner outfit options Brownstein reaches for, depend on the type of occasion. If the dress codification is classic elegance, A Midi frock “in angstrom unit soft pastel color or angstrom unit classic black” with A merriment heel and delicate jewelry is her top pick. For angstrom black-tie affair, Brownstein tells“an evening gown, elegant suit, Oregon formal cocktail dress” with “sleek heels, delicate jewelry, and a clutch” be the way to go.
A Classic cocktail Dress
As far atomic number 33 stein be concerned, cocktail frock are fail-safe. However, if the rehearsal dinner is pickings place outdoors, the stylist warn pay attention to material be key. For example, if it’s a summertime soirée and you demand something cooler, “opt for a cotton-linen blend,” Stein advises. “Something flowy that won’t stick to your body.”
As for colorways, today’s trending colours tend to Be brighter, soh she urge pink Oregon yellow to switch things up.
Rehearsal Dinner outfit for Men

Getty Images
A Tailored Suit
Butler’s number-one choice for angstrom rehearsal dinner outfit for work force is angstrom well fitted, tailor suit, and she goes on to note that the cloth and colour pick of the ensemble is what will ultimately set the tone. pantryman promote gentleman to “think beyond the conventional black and navy — deep precious stone tones OR muted neutral shades lend an air of sophistication and style.” To add another ball element, consider intentional accessories. piece like “cufflinks, jewelry, and pocket squares,” Butler says, can “elevate the ensemble.”
A issue on the Traditional Tuxedo
If the rehearsal dinner is a semi-formal event, Brownstein suggests opting for a black tie jacket and pants in either black or midnight blue, with angstrom unit wingtip collared white frock shirt underneath. details are what will make your facial expression base out from the rest, sol Brownstein urge adding either a black satin OR silk bow tie, A cummerbund OR vest to cover the waistband of the trousers and formal place like patent leather dress shoes. “Finish dispatch with various accessories like angstrom unit pocket square and cufflinks,” recommends the expert.
A simple frock Shirt and dress Pants
The most casual you get piece still look appropriate for the occasion be a classic White button-up shirt and navy chinos. “They’re my fail-safe for manpower — whether they’re A guest OR the groom,” Stein tells. “Finish IT remove with matching visible radiation brownness accessories, like shoes and a belt, and you’ll look fresh.”