Photo: Bella Bridesmaids Charleston | Natasha Coyle

Being invited to someone’s wedding is always a big deal, but receiving an invitation to the rehearsal dinner is an even greater honor!

Whether you’re a bridesmaid in the wedding party, the significant other of a member of the wedding party, or a dear friend or relative playing a role in the wedding ceremony, it’s important to show up on time and be appropriately dressed.

Ready to start shopping for the perfect rehearsal dinner guest dress?

Here are tips for choosing the right outfit, plus 11 gorgeous options for every type of rehearsal dinner:

How To Choose a Rehearsal Dinner Dress as a Guest 

Photo: Bella Bridesmaids Charleston | Abby Murphy

Here are some things to consider when choosing your dress:

Dress Code

Always follow the dress code when deciding what to wear to a rehearsal dinner!

Most couples don’t request that you wear black-tie attire. They usually save that level of formality for the big day, so rehearsal dinners generally range from casual to semi-formal. 

Whatever type of rehearsal dinner it is, you’ll want to wear an outfit that meets the dress code.  

If you’ve received a verbal invite from the bride or groom, ask them what the dress code is. If they don’t specify one, look up the venue to see how formal or casual it is.

Weather & Season

In addition to the dress code, consider the season. 

Fall and winter wedding rehearsals are great times to wear darker colors and heavier fabrics like velvet or faille. For spring and summer rehearsals, flowy, airy, pastel color dresses in lightweight fabrics like chiffon make more sense. 

And, of course, neutral colors and mid-weight fabrics like satin and jersey work at any time of year!

Color

Be mindful of color, too. 

Many brides like to wear white to all their pre-wedding events, so it’s best to avoid solid ivory or white dresses, pantsuits, or jumpsuits. Opt for flattering colors, pretty prints, or chic neutrals instead!

Now, let’s check out some short, midi, and long dresses that might be perfect for your upcoming rehearsal dinner.

Related: 7 Expert Tips for Hosting a Successful Wedding Rehearsal

Rehearsal Dinner Mini Dresses 

Jenny Yoo Jessica Dress 

The Jenny Yoo Jessica Dress is a classic LBD — a timeless rehearsal dinner outfit for any semi-formal or dressy casual occasion. This sleeveless mini dress is made from luxe-faille fabric and features a chic boat neckline, pleated details, and an A-line skirt.

Amsale Evening Dress P554 

If you want a short dress that makes a bold statement, the Amsale Evening Dress P554 is a stunning choice! This mini dress hits just above the knee and features a shift silhouette with a vibrant all-over print. 

It’s also hard to miss its sophisticated off-the-shoulder bodice and beautiful bow detail in the back. Italian Mikado fabric adds a sense of luxury, making it best suited for dressier events.

By Watters Meringue Dress 

In pink, black, and blood orange, the By Watters Meringue Dress is a fun and playful option to dress up or dress down. Detailed with long puff sleeves, a plunge V-neck, and a flared A-line mini skirt, this taffeta dress has a structured silhouette with — bonus! — side pockets.  

Rehearsal Dinner Midi Dresses 

Amsale Clark Dress 

The Amsale Clark Dress is perfect for any occasion and is available in more than two dozen colors! This strappy slip dress is a classic with a slight cowl neck and a slim A-line skirt that floats away from the body. In soft, fluid satin, this is the versatile date night and party dress you can wear over and over again!

LulaKate Hayes Bodice with Straight Skirt 

Do you love a pop of color but don’t want to wear a bold print? If so, a subtle jacquard pattern makes the LulaKate Hayes Bodice with Straight Skirt a gorgeous choice! The strapless scalloped bodice and straight, midi-length pencil skirt create a long, lean silhouette. 

Jenny Yoo Lunetta Dress 

Flutter sleeves, a cummerbund waist, and a shark bite hem make the Jenny Yoo Lunetta Dress a romantic option for a wedding rehearsal dinner. This midi dress features a subtle rosette texture, a V-neckline, an open back with a tie at the back of the neck, and little front buttons. A center front slit allows it to move and flow!

Jenny Yoo Annette Dress 

In floral print satin jacquard, the Jenny Yoo Annette Dress is a great option for a spring, summer, or early fall wedding rehearsal dinner. This colorful dress features a one-shoulder silhouette with one short sleeve. It boasts a midi skirt, with a high low hem and shirred detailing, that gathers diagonally towards one hip.

LulaKate Audrey Bodice with Brunch Skirt 

The LulaKate Audrey Bodice with Brunch Skirt is sophisticated and chic in classic faille fabric. This look features a sleeveless bodice, a scalloped V-neckline, and a straight midi skirt that hits just below the knee. 

Do you prefer slightly different proportions? Good news! The brunch skirt is also available in shorter and longer lengths with a halter neck, square neck, and one-shoulder bodices.

Sachin & Babi Allesandra Dress 

With a large floral print on Mikado fabric, the Sachin & Babi Allesandra Dress is a stunning choice for semi-formal and fancier occasions. This colorful fit and flare midi dress features spaghetti straps, a soft V-neckline, and a stretch fit that makes it comfortable.

Rehearsal Dinner Maxi Dresses 

Mac Duggal 67899 Dress

Perfect for a fall or winter wedding rehearsal that calls for a semi-formal or formal dress, the Mac Duggal 67899 dress is a showstopper! This long dress is made from soft jersey fabric. It features long sleeves, ruching that flatters all body types, and a faux wrap silhouette with shimmering beading at the waist.  

Sachin & Babi Jenny Gown 

The Sachin and Babi Jenny Gown is an incredibly versatile look you can easily wear to various future parties and events. In soft satin crepe with a large all-over floral print, this dress features long sleeves, a front slit, and a flowy empire waist silhouette. 

Dress this floor-length dress up with heels, or dress it down with flat sandals to create different looks!

Looking for even more dress options? Check out our entire collection of event dresses!

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Like all pre-wedding events you’re invited to, follow the dress code for a wedding rehearsal dinner and avoid wearing white so you don’t offend the bride. Other than that, the only other fashion rule to follow is choosing an outfit that fits, flatters, and expresses your personal sense of style!