Rehearsal dinners may be one of the most underrated parts of wedding season. They’re equal parts celebratory and intimate, giving the couple a chance to relax with their closest circle before the big day. And if you scored an invite, consider yourself part of the inner circle—it means you’re basically family.
But here’s the big question: what to wear to a rehearsal dinner? Unlike the wedding itself, the dress code can vary wildly. One couple might host a laid-back backyard barbecue, while another opts for a chic, semi-formal dinner at the hottest restaurant in town. Translation: your look should strike the perfect balance between polished and effortless, with just enough personality to stand out without overshadowing the couple.
Ahead, we’re breaking down everything you need to know about what to wear to a rehearsal dinner as a guest.
Figuring Out What To Wear For Rehearsal Dinner Guests
When it comes to figuring out what to wear to a rehearsal dinner, a little planning goes a long way. The key is choosing a look that feels both event-appropriate and true to your personal style. Sure, it’s smart to keep the couple’s chosen vibe in mind—whether that’s garden-party casual or cocktail attire—but the most important factor is how you feel in the outfit.
Translation: Don’t force yourself into a rehearsal dinner dress just because it matches the aesthetic. Instead, reach for something you genuinely love and feel comfortable in. After all, weddings are all about celebrating love—and guests deserve to feel just as comfortable and chic as the couple of the hour.
Who Are You To The Couple?
One of the biggest things to keep in mind when styling your rehearsal dinner guest outfit is your relationship to the couple. If you’re immediate family, you can lean into a look that feels a little more elevated or statement-making—it’s a special role, and your outfit can reflect that.
On the other hand, if you’re attending as a general guest, understated and polished is usually the way to go. Think chic but not show-stealing—you want the spotlight firmly on the couple and their families.
And if you’re part of the wedding party? Consider the rehearsal dinner your moment to shine in a look you chose for yourself (since the wedding-day outfit is basically already decided for you). Like family members, you can take the opportunity to dress up a bit more—it’s the perfect way to celebrate the couple while still staying true to your own style.
Dress For The Location
Another easy way to figure out what to wear to a rehearsal dinner is by looking at the venue. Since many rehearsal dinners are hosted at restaurants, the location can be your best style clue. Spend a few minutes on Google to look up the restaurant where the event is being held, and familiarize yourself with the general vibe and atmosphere of the establishment.
If it seems to be a low-key place, perhaps a place that serves stone fire pizza or pub fare, you can safely dress slightly more casually. However, it’s a good idea to remember what users call the beach rule: “If anything you have on your body is something you’d wear to the beach, it’s not good enough for a dinner out.” If it is obviously a fine dining establishment, or somewhere with a more sophisticated menu, you’ll want to dress up a little more.
Double Check The Invitation
Often, the couple will include information about what to wear on their invitation. Even if they don’t tell you specifically how to dress for the rehearsal dinner, seeing what they’re recommending for the wedding itself can give you an idea of how you should dress for the evening before.
For instance, if the wedding itself is black-tie, it’s safe to assume the rehearsal dinner will lean formal—though not quite as dressy as the main event. If the wedding calls for cocktail attire, you can usually plan on something more semi-casual the night before. A solid rule of thumb: the rehearsal dinner is typically a step or two less formal than the wedding.
That said, users are quick to point out that the wedding and rehearsal dinner don’t have to match. Which means the smartest move is to weigh both the wedding dress code and the vibe of the actual dinner location when pulling your outfit together.
