There’s a lot more to being a bridesmaid than just supporting the bride on her big day! Your calendar fills up with super fun events that are all perfect excuses to dress up. But in between the excitement of choosing what to wear to the bachelorette party, the bridal shower, and the wedding itself, one huge event often goes overlooked; the rehearsal dinner.
The rehearsal dinner, especially for you, as a bridesmaid, is a fun, low-stakes event that allows you to get to know some of the bride’s close friends and family better. Plus, eating delicious food isn’t so bad either.
But how do you choose what to wear to the rehearsal dinner as a bridesmaid? Is there a dress code that you need to abide by?
Luckily, this is an event that does not need to cause anxiety. Unless your bride has some specific plans, like coordinating outfits, the venue, the weather, and the event’s formality should be your guide. Most rehearsal dinners aren’t nearly as formal as the wedding itself.
Before you buy a new dress, find out a little bit about the venue. You can always ask the bride–or you can always ask Google about the venue’s formality. The invitation should also have all of the important details for the evening, which typically includes some information about the proper attire.
The season can also help you choose an outfit. In the summer months, go with light, bright colors. For fall and winter, jewel tones are perfect. Wedding style expert Sharon Warten recommends that if you choose a print, you should opt for a soft, subdued print, which can “show off your personality without stealing the bride’s thunder.”
Oh, and one more rule: no white! Unless it’s your own wedding, this is universal. Below are some ideas of different routes you can take that’ll leave you looking fresh and ready for the pre-wedding festivities.
Cocktail Attire
Unless it’s the dead of winter or the rehearsal dinner is super informal (like a backyard barbecue), cocktail attire is almost always a safe bet for a wedding rehearsal dinner. It’s formal enough to look nice, versatile enough to show off your personality, and not so formal that you’ll look out of place.
Make sure your cocktail dress is family-friendly. It might be tempting to show off a little leg to grab the attention of that hot groomsman or cousin, and while it’s fine to rock a short(er) dress, make sure it’s not over the top. A good rule of thumb: If you think the bride or groom’s grandmother would give a side-eye to your outfit, consider skipping it, if only for the sole reason of keeping the attention on the guests of honor. Save your micro minis for later!
Feel free to use this opportunity to show off your personal style by wearing a rehearsal dinner dress or jumpsuit with romantic details like puff sleeves, ruching, or bow accents. And when in doubt, you can never go wrong with an LBD.
If you want to wear cocktail attire during winter, swap the heels for booties and a luxuriously warm pair of tights. A shawl or tailored blazer can keep you cozy, and you can always shrug it off if the restaurant is warm.
Semi-Formal Attire
If the wedding rehearsal venue is extra-fancy, you might feel most comfortable in semi-formal attire. There are tons of ways that you can dress up your rehearsal dinner outfit while still showing off your personal style.
Wide-leg pants and a statement top, or even a two-piece set also make for great rehearsal dinner outfits that are both elegant and comfortable–as does a timeless wrap dress.
Finishing off with simple accessories like gold hoop earrings and sleek heels brings your look together in a formal, stylish way. When the occasion calls for semi-formal attire, putting together a complete, polished outfit helps you match the glamorous spirit of the evening. (Plus, it’s a ton of fun!)
Other options for semi-formal attire could include maxi dresses, wrap skirts, and tailored blazers. Just make sure to keep the “flash” to a minimum. Stay away from overly embellished dresses like sequin styles. You don’t want to steal the attention away from the bride!
Comfy and Chic
There might be a lot of standing, mingling, or walking around involved, so a comfortable option is a great way to go. But going comfy does not mean rolling up to the rehearsal dinner in sweatpants and a tee–or even jeans (unless the venue is super casual, like that backyard barbecue we mentioned earlier). You are a bridesmaid, after all. You’re part of the wedding party– so celebrate!
High-low hemlines create an elegant and feminine look, which is perfect for a wedding event. A dress in this style in a lightweight fabric creates a look that’s stylish, but not too formal. Strappy heels can add a sophisticated vibe, while espadrilles can bring it back down to Earth.
If the bride has a more casual vibe, you can dress in a laid-back way for the rehearsal dinner. Going for options like cute rompers or breezy boho dresses with flats will have you feeling amazing–and looking it, too.
Jump(suits) for Joy
Jumpsuits and rompers are the perfect answer to the wedding rehearsal dinner dress code conundrum. They are incredibly versatile, coming in a wide range of styles that let you pick one that suits your taste and the dress code. You can opt for a flowy, bohemian-style romper for a more relaxed vibe, or choose a sleek, tailored jumpsuit for a more sophisticated look.
Another great thing about jumpsuits and rompers is that they are comfortable and practical. They are perfect for a rehearsal dinner because you’ll likely be spending a lot of time mingling, eating, and walking around. A jumpsuit or romper allows you to move freely and comfortably, without worrying about any wardrobe malfunctions.
Your accessories can also impact the effect of your jumpsuit. You can dress up a jumpsuit with statement jewelry and heels, or keep things simple with a pair of sandals. The possibilities are endless!
Accessories For A Wedding Rehearsal Dinner
Accessories can change the vibe of your outfit, making it seem dressier or more relaxed. Take the type of bag you carry, for example. A chic clutch can make an ensemble feel more formal, while a crossbody bag looks more relaxed and free-spirited.
Jewelry can also impact the look of an outfit, and is a great way to show off your personality. The rehearsal dinner is a great place to show off your favorite statement pieces and fun jewelry!
Are you in the bridal party this season? Show us your bridesmaid rehearsal dinner dress on TikTok and Instagram @lulus,! For more bridesmaid and guest looks, head to our Wedding Guest Shop!
This post was originally published in 2022 and has been updated with new content.
Join The Conversation (0)