Bridesmaids' Rehearsal Dinner: Choosing The Perfect Attire

Bridesmaids often wonder what to wear to the rehearsal dinner, and while there are no hard and fast rules, it's important to dress appropriately for the occasion. The key is to strike a balance between comfort and style, keeping in mind the venue, weather, and level of formality. Rehearsal dinners are usually more casual than the wedding itself, so a fun, laid-back outfit is often a good choice. However, it's still an important pre-wedding event, so dressing to impress is essential.

What not to wear: Avoid white, casual attire like denim, sneakers, and Birkenstocks

When deciding what to wear as a bridesmaid to a rehearsal dinner, it's important to keep in mind the things that you should avoid wearing. Here are some key points to remember:

Avoid White

It is generally advised to avoid wearing white to a rehearsal dinner. This is because the bride often wears white to pre-wedding events, including the rehearsal dinner, and you don't want to take attention away from her. While there are no hard and fast rules, it is best to steer clear of anything white, cream, or ivory to avoid any potential overlap with the bride's outfit.

Avoid Casual Attire

While rehearsal dinners are usually more casual than the actual wedding, you should still aim to dress appropriately for the occasion. Avoid overly casual attire such as denim jeans, sneakers, or Birkenstocks. These can come across as too informal and may not be suitable for the venue or event. Instead, opt for outfits that are semi-formal or dressy casual.

Avoid Being Too Flashy

While it's important to showcase your personal style, avoid outfits that are too flashy or distracting. Loud prints, sequins, or overly revealing clothing can take attention away from the bride, which is something you want to avoid. Remember, the focus of the event should be on the bride and celebrating her upcoming nuptials.

Avoid Inappropriate Footwear

As a bridesmaid, you will likely be standing and walking around during the rehearsal and dinner. Therefore, it is crucial to choose comfortable and appropriate footwear. Avoid shoes that are too dressy or uncomfortable, as you want to be able to move around with ease. Opt for shoes that you feel confident and stable in, such as wedges, strappy sandals, or booties.

Avoid Wearing Your Bridesmaid Dress

Unless specifically requested by the bride, avoid wearing your bridesmaid dress to the rehearsal dinner. The rehearsal dinner is an opportunity to showcase your personal style and wear something different from the wedding day. However, ensure that your outfit still aligns with the level of formality and theme of the event.

Remember, the key is to strike a balance between showcasing your style and respecting the occasion. As a bridesmaid, you play an important role in the wedding festivities, so dress accordingly!

Dress code: Semi-formal attire is a popular choice for a rehearsal dinner

Semi-formal attire is a popular choice for a rehearsal dinner, and for good reason! It strikes the perfect balance between polished and relaxed, allowing you and your fellow bridesmaids to look sophisticated and stylish while still enjoying the celebration.

When selecting your semi-formal ensemble, consider choosing a stylish silk or crepe midi dress, or perhaps an elegant jumpsuit. Opt for a look that is classic and put-together, with a modern twist. Co-ord sets and monochromatic options are also a great way to go, allowing you to showcase your unique sense of style.

When it comes to footwear, comfort is key. You'll likely be on your feet a lot, so choose a pair of comfortable heels or dressy flats, like trendy metallic ballerina flats. As for accessories, keep it simple and refined. A statement earring or bracelet can elevate your look without stealing the spotlight from the bride.

Remember, the key to semi-formal attire is to dress appropriately for the setting while also embracing a relaxed and effortless vibe. You want to strike a balance between comfort and style, so choose an outfit that makes you feel confident and showcases your personality.

Lastly, while it's important to coordinate with the other bridesmaids, don't be afraid to add your own unique twist to your semi-formal look. After all, the rehearsal dinner is a chance for you to shine and have fun with your style!

Season: Wear light, bright colours in summer and jewel tones in fall and winter

When it comes to choosing an outfit for a rehearsal dinner, it's important to consider the season and the colours that will complement it. If you're a bridesmaid attending a summer rehearsal dinner, opt for light and bright colours. You can choose from a variety of shades, such as soft greys, blues, and pinks, or go for something more vibrant like jade, cocoa brown, or purple. Don't be afraid to experiment with different tones of the same colour to create a stylish, layered look. For instance, pairing a denim blue with a soft white and adding a bright cornflower blue scarf or cardigan.

For a more casual summer rehearsal dinner, a dress with wedges or open-toed strappy sandals is a great option. You can also add a light scarf or jewellery to accessorize your outfit and bring a glow to your complexion. Silver jewellery, in particular, can add a touch of elegance to your summer look.

As the temperature drops and we transition into fall and winter, jewel tones become the perfect choice for adding colour to your wardrobe. These rich and sophisticated shades are ideal for the chilly winter months. Think about incorporating colours like burgundy, sapphire, mustard, hunter green, emerald green, mauve, and teal into your bridesmaid outfits. These colours offer a range of options to suit different skin tones and can be styled in various ways to create elegant and chic looks.

For a fall rehearsal dinner, you can pair a burgundy skirt with a camel-coloured sweater for a timeless and work-appropriate ensemble. If you're attending a winter rehearsal dinner, a sophisticated emerald green dress or gown will make a statement. These jewel tones can be easily dressed up with silver jewellery or other accessories to create a stylish and celebratory look for the bridesmaids.

Accessories: Add a bold earring or bracelet stack to a simple outfit

Accessories are a great way to elevate your rehearsal dinner outfit. Fun accessories can take a closet staple such as a jumpsuit or a little black dress to the next level. If you're keeping your look pared-down for the wedding, the rehearsal dinner is a great opportunity to showcase your favourite statement pieces and fun jewellery.

If you're wearing a simple outfit, add a bold earring or bracelet stack. A pair of gold hoop earrings, for example, can bring a formal, stylish vibe to your look. Statement jewellery is a great way to express your personality and add a playful touch to your outfit.

When it comes to accessories, it's important to consider the overall vibe you want to create. If you're aiming for a more formal look, opt for refined and elevated pieces, perhaps with a touch of sparkle. If you want to keep things more relaxed and free-spirited, a chic clutch or crossbody bag can help achieve that.

Remember, the rehearsal dinner is all about celebrating the bride-to-be, so dress accordingly. While it's a fun, low-stakes event, it's still an important part of the wedding celebrations, and you'll want to look your best.

Hair and makeup: Keep your makeup natural and similar to what you wear every day

When it comes to hair and makeup, it's best to keep things simple and natural for a rehearsal dinner. You want to look like the best version of your everyday self, as this is a more low-key event than the wedding itself.

For your makeup, opt for a natural look that you would typically wear. Remember that there will be lots of photos, so you'll want to look your best without going overboard. If you usually wear light makeup or no makeup at all, there's no need to go for a full glam look. A little mascara, some light blush, and a lip colour that suits your skin tone should be enough to enhance your features.

If you usually wear more makeup, you can add some extra touches, but remember to keep the overall look soft and natural. Avoid heavy contouring or bold eyeshadow looks, as these can be too dramatic for a rehearsal dinner. Instead, opt for neutral eyeshadow shades and a soft blush that complements your skin tone. You can add a bit of shimmer or a subtle smokey eye for a bit of extra glamour.

As for your hair, again, it's best to go for a style that you're comfortable with and that you've worn before. If you usually wear your hair down, a soft wave or loose curls can add a bit of elegance to your look. If you prefer an updo, a loose bun or braided style can be a nice option, especially if it's a more casual event. If you're comfortable with your natural hair texture, you can also go for a sleek and straight look or embrace your natural curls.

Overall, the key is to enhance your natural beauty and feel confident and comfortable. You don't want to spend too much time or effort on an elaborate hairstyle or heavy makeup look, as the focus of the rehearsal dinner is on celebrating the bride-to-be and enjoying the company of those closest to her.

Frequently asked questions