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What to Wear to a Rehearsal Dinner

04/03/2024 · In: Over 50 Fashion, Special Occasion


It’s wedding season, and if you or someone you love is getting married, there are many things to consider, not the least of which is what to wear on the big day.  We tend to forget to think about some of the other events, such as the rehearsal dinner.  In many instances, the rehearsal dinner is a small private affair, but it can be quite elegant, or very casual, depending on the wishes of the bride and groom and their families.  Traditionally, the rehearsal dinner is held after the wedding rehearsal, and typically includes the following individuals:

Who Is Typically Invited To A Wedding Rehearsal Dinner?

  • Close family members of the bride and groom: This includes parents, siblings, and grandparents.
  • Wedding party members: This includes bridesmaids, groomsmen, maid of honor, best man, flower girl, and ring bearer.
  • Officiant: The person who will be conducting the wedding ceremony is usually invited to the rehearsal dinner to go over the logistics and flow of the ceremony.
  • The family’s closest friends: Depending on the size and preferences of the couple, close friends may also be invited to the rehearsal dinner.
  • Out-of-town guests: If guests are traveling from out of town to attend the wedding, they may be invited to the rehearsal dinner as a gesture of hospitality and to spend additional time with them before the wedding day.

You should expect a rehearsal dinner invitation to let you know whether you are to be included in the special occasion if you aren’t a close family member or a member of the wedding party.  General wedding guests are not automatically invited to the rehearsal dinner.  Overall, the rehearsal dinner guest list tends to be more intimate and includes those who are directly involved in the wedding ceremony ie the bridal party or are close to the couple.  So what to wear, what to wear?  A good rehearsal dinner outfit goes with one’s personal style but also is in keeping with the invitation.   The invitation for the wedding rehearsal dinner should indicate whether it will be a black tie or casual, which will govern the outfit you choose.  The location of the event may also play a role in what to wear, so be sure to know the venue’s dress code.  The bride may also want the wedding party to wear variations of her wedding colors, or have another color palette for her attendants.  

Men often have it slightly easier, black pants paired with a white dress shirt, or a dark suit work.  If the event is a black-tie affair, it is very straightforward.  For women, it is a little more complicated, as there are few specific guidelines and no protocol for rehearsal dinner dresses.  The best advice is to take note of the bride’s overall wishes and wedding theme and follow the invitation.  Avoid overly casual attire, and remember this is a special event and a part of the overall wedding weekend event.  When in doubt, a little black dress is a great option, and cocktail dresses are also a good idea.

Floral Midi Dress https://rstyle.me/+5-EwfOlJiYLMSq00Ls1EEA

Stewart Weitzman pink shoes https://rstyle.me/+FyrActpT1QLgVvfY8xUH4Q

Green leather of bag https://rstyle.me/+zprO0ioGKanfIkWd7jOtUw

Perfume https://rstyle.me/+jwVX5iOaXDyxcBodNxxQTA

What Should I Wear To A Casual Rehearsal Dinner?

A casual rehearsal dinner may be hosted anywhere from an evening alfresco to a bowling alley.  Dressing slightly more formally is a good rule of thumb, especially if you are a part of the wedding party.   If the event is at a bowling alley, or another sports-related venue you would want to wear a very casual look or something business-casual to be on the safe side.  In most cases, however, rehearsal dinners are held at a country club, restaurant, private club, or other intimate venue.  If the dinner is a casual event, you may want to consider the location of the rehearsal dinner for clues.  

A casual gathering is a great opportunity to wear a floral midi dress or a chic jumpsuit.  

​What Should I Wear to A Formal Rehearsal Dinner?

Chiffon Halter dress https://rstyle.me/+391FH4NdFO_c5G48MQBR9Q

Knot Bag https://rstyle.me/+Amh47c4omDA8EhW8QVjx_Q

Loudibirl gold shoes https://rstyle.me/+ueYGCmMimxRkswQxmOO78Q

Dior Lip https://rstyle.me/+QROoeIRQfeH8fhN2G4nSEw

An elegant evening calls for a more formal dress code, and semi-formal to formal attire.  Think of long gowns, and darker colors, such as an elegant cocktail dress.

What Should I Wear to A Black Tie Rehearsal Dinner?

Amethyst Earrings https://rstyle.me/+Xz1FXrAhlAm2GdoNK8t38w

Floral Gown https://rstyle.me/+so2g3S_9NFpedlcaXow2zw

Gina Sandals https://rstyle.me/+so2g3S_9NFpedlcaXow2zw

Leather Rose Clutch https://rstyle.me/+4U7G9QxAbcR1imXl4rTJUg

Cle De Peau Eye Color Quad https://rstyle.me/+YDSBVJBFzH4n9vuAErYPRQ

White and Black Tie events call for a formal gown, and a tuxedo and tails for men. This type of event is very rare, but here is an example of something to wear to such an event.

In essence, the rehearsal dinner is a special gathering where cherished loved ones come together to share in the excitement and anticipation leading up to the big day. It’s a time for heartfelt conversations, laughter, and making lasting memories before the wedding festivities commence. By surrounding themselves with those nearest and dearest, couples can bask in the warmth of their support and affection, setting the stage for a joyous celebration ahead.

By: Nina · In: Over 50 Fashion, Special Occasion · Tagged: fashion over 50, rehearsal dinner outfit, wedding, wedding guest

About Nina

Sharing A Journey is an award winning blog for women "of a certain age" who love life and style with a little inspiration mixed in. The blog and it's author Nina Anders has been featured in notable publications including Forbes, Next Avenue, Thrive Global and Parade. Photos by RSEsteyphotography Let's do midlife together!

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