What to wear to a rehearsal dinner

The rehearsal dinner is a smaller gathering the night before the wedding, usually one step less formal than the wedding itself. The couple often wears white or a light color, so guests keep to other colors here too.

The usual dress code

Dressy casual

When the invitation names no dress code, read it as dressy casual. Dressy casual is a step above everyday clothes: a polished dress, or a skirt or dressy trousers with a nice top, for women, and a blazer with tailored trousers, no tie needed, for men.

What dressy casual means, in full

Other codes you may see

Invitations to this event also often name one of these:

Color

Most colors work; leave white and ivory to the couple.

For men

A blazer with tailored trousers, or a suit without a tie; match the restaurant's tone.

Related guides

For a rehearsal dinner, start from dressy casual. Women can wear a printed silk wrap dress with block heels. Men can wear a navy blazer over a white button-down with gray wool trousers and brown loafers, and skip the tie. The goal is polished but relaxed, a notch below what you will wear to the wedding. At a restaurant in the evening, add depth to your colors and wear one piece that feels a little special.

The rehearsal dinner dress code in practice

The dressy casual guide sets the range for a rehearsal dinner outfit. Hems can fall anywhere from just above the knee to the ankle. The easy shapes are a shift, an A-line, a slip, a two-piece set or a wrap. Crepe, silk, georgette, jersey, linen and cotton sateen all fit the code. Three things fall outside it: ripped denim, athletic wear and flip-flops.

If the card says nothing about dress, treat it as dressy casual. If it names a code, adjust from there:

Semi-formal: move up to a cocktail dress or an elegant midi in chiffon, lace or satin. Men wear a suit and a tie.
Cocktail: the dinner becomes a party. Satin, velvet, jacquard, metallics and bold colors are all welcome. The cocktail attire guide covers hems and shoes, and a tie is expected here too.
Smart casual: move down to tailored trousers or a skirt with a neat top in ponte or jersey. Men can wear chinos with a collared shirt and treat the blazer as optional.

What to wear to a rehearsal dinner, by time and place

An evening dinner calls for darker shades than you would wear by day, plus one dressier element, such as a silk top or a blazer. A restaurant lit by candles makes warm, deep colors glow. Burgundy works especially well in that light.

Season changes the fabric and the palette:

Spring: light layers and soft prints. Dusty rose, sapphire, fern green or navy all suit the evening.
Summer: breathable linen and cotton in cobalt, emerald, teal or marigold.
Fall: knit dresses, boots and warm colors such as plum, bronze or forest green.
Winter: sweater dresses, tailored trousers and a smart coat, in deep plum, emerald or a touch of gold.

Three outfits that fit the code at night:

A burgundy wrap dress in jersey, knee to midi length, with block heels. The tie lets you adjust the fit at the waist. A snap at the neckline keeps the V in place through a long dinner.
Wide-leg crepe trousers in navy with a satin camisole and loafers. These separates read dressy without being formal, and the satin adds the evening sheen.
An emerald satin slip dress, midi length, with a light wrap. Bias-cut satin creases easily, so steam it that afternoon. Bring the wrap in case the restaurant runs cool.

Suiting up for a rehearsal dinner

A blazer or sport coat over tailored trousers is the core of the code. The tie is optional because the evening is meant to feel looser than the wedding. Choose a navy blazer for a cleaner line, or a textured sport coat if the restaurant feels relaxed.

A knit polo works for daytime events, so at night choose a button-down shirt. Wear wool trousers in cooler months and chinos in warm ones. Loafers, derbies or clean leather boots all work, with a belt in the same leather color. A pocket square is optional, and it is an easy way to bring in a deeper shade such as burgundy. Leave sneakers, shorts and T-shirts at home.

If the card says semi-formal or cocktail, switch to a full suit and a tie.

Planning ahead for a rehearsal dinner

Lead times are rules of thumb, so confirm the schedule with the shop or rental service. If you are buying off the rack, begin about twelve weeks ahead and settle on a dress by eight weeks out. Book any alterations four to six weeks before the dinner. If you rent, book three to six weeks out and hold a second size as insurance. Ask for delivery several days before the dinner, so a poor fit still leaves room to swap. Most rentals cannot be altered, but hemming tape or strap adjustments may be allowed. The Outfit Timeline Planner works these dates back from the dinner.

Carry a light jacket and a crossbody or small bag. Keep jewelry simple.

The couple’s colors apply tonight, as they will tomorrow:

Skip white, ivory, cream and champagne unless the couple invites guests to wear them.
Choose a shade the wedding party is not wearing.
If you choose a print, pick one on a colored background rather than a pale one.

Black and bright red carry specific meanings at some Hindu, Sikh and Chinese weddings. Check yours in the Wedding Guest Color Checker, and ask the couple or host if you are unsure.

FAQ

Can I wear jeans to a rehearsal dinner?

Ripped denim falls outside dressy casual, so leave it for another night. Crepe or wool trousers do the same job and still read as dinner clothes. If you want a pair of trousers, add a silk top or a blazer to finish the outfit.

Does a man need a tie at a rehearsal dinner?

Not under dressy casual. A blazer, a button-down and good shoes are enough. Wear a tie only when the invitation says semi-formal or cocktail.

Are sequins too much for a rehearsal dinner?

Sequins belong to cocktail attire more than dressy casual. If the card names cocktail, a sequin dress is fine. Otherwise, let a beaded bag, metallic shoes or a pair of earrings bring the sparkle.

Is a slip dress dressy enough?

Yes. A slip dress fits dressy casual well, especially in satin or silk at midi length. Its thin straps show the shoulders, so bring a layer if the room is cool, and steam the fabric before you leave.