The 24 Best Rehearsal Dinner Dresses for Every Style and Season


1 year ago 210

Selecting several looks for wedding-related events can feel like a difficult task for even the most fashion-obsessed brides-to-be. However, after you've settled on your dream ceremony dress and wedding day shoes, it's time to determine what to wear the night before your big day at the rehearsal dinner. While this ensemble is important, it's not for the main event. As a result, seek out options that are authentic to your personal style and will allow you to feel comfortable and put-together while spending time with your closest friends and family members at this celebratory dinner. To help you determine the best dress for the occasion, BRIDES' shopping writer, Maddie Barber, spent days searching for the top BRIDES-approved options to invest in for your bridal wardrobe. Her favorites, ahead.

Mango Asymmetrical Open-Back Dress

Credit: Mango

If you're seeking a sleek gown for chillier months, this one-sleeve Mango option is perfect. The unique design gives it an effortlessly cool feel, while the body-skimming, tailored fit ensures it's elegant enough for a formal rehearsal dinner.

Size Range: 2-10 | Materials: Viscose, elastane

House of Dagmar Ruffled Stretch-Crepe Strapless Midi Dress

Credit: Moda Operandi

This House of Dagmar dress is one of the chicest strapless options we've seen. Featuring an ultrafeminine ruffled bodice as the main event alongside a simple, midi-length skirt, it's a rehearsal dinner ensemble worth investing in.

Size Range: US 0-US 10 | Materials: Polyamide, recycled polyamide, elastane

Reformation Agnes Silk Dress

Credit: Reformation

We'll never say no to a silk option for your bridal wardrobe, especially one with details like these on this Reformation gown. Between the drop-waist silhouette, full pleated skirt, and elegant neck scarf, you can't go wrong with this as your rehearsal dinner look.

Size Range: 0-12 | Materials: Silk

Helsa The Duchess Jersey Dress

Credit: Revolve

The draped skirt on this Helsa gown adds the perfect amount of flair for a fashion-forward bride-to-be's rehearsal dinner. Its jersey material is also ultra-comfortable, so you'll feel great during hours of rehearsing, dining, and greeting guests.

Size Range: XXS-XL | Materials: Viscose, elastane

Nili Lotan Cami Gown

Credit: Shopbop

Don't know what to wear for your rehearsal dinner? A slip dress is always a solid option, especially when it's this sleek, minimalist Nili Lotan piece made from 100 percent silk. It's perfectly no-frills for an effortlessly chic look.

Size Range: XS-XL | Materials: Silk

Cinq à Sept Maceio Stretch Lace Tiered Maxi Dress

Credit: Nordstrom

An intricate lace design, elongated waist, and tiered ruffles make this Cinq à Sept midi perfect for a boho bride-to-be. Keep the look lowkey with a pair of simple strappy sandals, or dress it up more with a bold bridal clutch and statement earrings.

Size Range: 0-16 | Materials: Nylon, cotton, spandex

Mango Short Chiffon Combined Dress

Credit: Mango

We're obsessed with the stunning chiffon detail on this off-white mini dress, which adds a dressy element to an otherwise simple shift dress.

Size Range: 2-8 | Materials: Cotton, polyamide, elastane

Mango Asymmetrical Pleated Dress

Credit: Mango

Simple yet effortlessly chic, this Mango moment is ideal for a bride on a stricter budget. This one-shoulder midi is just under $100, though its cool-girl design gives it an expensive feel.

Size Range: 2-10 | Materials: Polystyrene

4th & Reckless Maxi Dress

Credit: Asos

Consider this maxi as well if you want more than one budget-friendly rehearsal dinner dress option. The straight-across, high neckline combined with ruched cap sleeves on this form-fitting dress will likely satisfy most brides-to-be's tastes.

Size Range: 2-14 | Materials: Polyester, spandex

City Chic Claudine Wrap Dress

Credit: Nordstrom

We love a cream moment for a bride-to-be tired of their stark-white bridal wardrobe. The wrap-style waist and puffy, off-the-shoulder sleeves are the sweetest details.

Size Range: 14W-22 W | Materials: Viscose, linen

ELOQUII Paillette Sequin Paillette One-Shoulder Gown

Credit: Nordstrom

If you want to go all-out for your bridal wardrobe (and not just for the ceremony), you'll love the allover sequin design on this Eloquii gown. The dramatically flared, one-shoulder sleeve is the perfect fun touch for this night-before celebration.

Size Range: 14-32 | Materials: Nylon mesh

Delphine Tess Dress

Credit: Delphine

This Delphine dress provides all the drama for the bride who refuses to sport anything too minimal for her wedding looks. The '80s-inspired off-the-shoulder sleeves do all of the talking.

Size Range: 0-14 | Materials: Nylon

Norma Kamali Halter Drape Bias Gown

Credit: Shopbop

Consider this floor-length Norma Kamali piece if your rehearsal dinner dress code is on the fancier side. The deep cowl neck and bias-cut fit in a luxe, smooth satin fabric make this piece undeniably elegant.

Size Range: XXX-XL | Materials: Polyester

SIMKHAI Izzy Midi Dress

Credit: SIMKHAI

For an on-trend rehearsal dinner look, consider this Simkhai dress with a fun bubble hem. The skirt is also made from taffeta (different from its knit bodice counterpart), adding to this midi's cool factor.

Size Range: XS-XL | Materials: Viscose

Ramy Brook Tatiana Low-Cut Halter Column Gown

Credit: Bergdorf Goodman

Simple in all the right ways, any bride-to-be will fall in love with this Ramy Brook gown. The high neck and bold self-tie bow at the back of the dress achieve the perfect level of sophistication for the rehearsal dinner.

Size Range: 00-16 | Materials: Polyester

Nicholas the Label Ariana Linen-Blend Twist-Front Midi-Dress

Credit: Saks Fifth Avenue

Any rehearsal dinner taking place in a balmy location requires a breathable dress option that is still formal enough for the bride. This linen option with an off-the-shoulder neckline and a flowing skirt presents the ideal blend of style and comfort.

Size Range: 0-12 | Materials: Linen, viscose

Dress To Flower Det. Maxi Dress

Credit: Shopbop

Stay true to the beachy vibe of your seaside wedding with a strapless cotton maxi complete with a (removable) embroidered flower pin. Whether your wedding weekend takes place in coastal New England or a steamy Caribbean locale, this dress fits the vibe.

Size Range: XS-XL | Materials: Cotton

Alexis Maitland Dress

Credit: Alexis

We're in love with this Alexis gown's take on classic florals, demonstrated by the allover three-dimensional flower accents on the skirt. The drop-waist bodice, complete with a fringe trim on the bust and hem, is an added bonus.

Size Range: XXS-XL | Materials: Cotton

Staud Exclusive Phare Stretch-Silk Dress

Credit: Moda Operandi

For the bride who doesn't want something too out of the ordinary for her rehearsal dinner but knows they want to look good, this Staud silk option is the one to invest in. The one-shoulder sleeve and gathered waist details are effortlessly cool.

Size Range: US 0-US 12 | Materials: Silk, spandex

Another Tomorrow Twisted Crepe Dress

Credit: Moda Operandi

Deceivingly understated, the twisted shoulder straps on this sleeveless Another Tomorrow midi dress have us in a chokehold. We have no doubt that a fashion-forward bride-to-be will obsess over this look for their rehearsal dinner.

Size Range: US 0-US 14 | Materials: Viscose, elastane

Acler Redman Maxi Dress

Credit: Revolve

The touch of gold hardware at the waist of this Acler dress is the perfect unexpected element on this simple charmeuse ivory dress, and we'd be remiss to ignore the twisted cap sleeve detail—yet another chic touch.

Size Range: US 2-US 10 | Materials: Acetate, polyester

Retrofete Wendi Dress

Credit: Retrofete

Backless gowns will never go out of style, especially when they look as classy and tastefully sexy as this Retrofete option. We love the pearl-adorned straps in the back for a subtle bridal touch.

Size Range: XXS-XXL | Materials: Acetate, polyester

MORE TO COME Fiona Midi Dress

Credit: Revolve

Halter necklines are common, yet the sheer design of the one seen on this dress adds a unique touch that a bride-to-be might want for this special celebration. The rest of this midi is simple, so it doesn't feel too overdone for the night before your ceremony dress reveal.

Size Range: XXS-XL | Materials: Polyester, elastane

ASOS Design Halter Neck Peplum Maxi Dress

Credit: ASOS

Speaking of sheer, this ASOS option has plenty of those details, including on the high-neck (also in a halter style) and skirt for an ultra-modern feel. The structured, plain white bodice offers the perfect classic contrast.

Size Range: XS-L | Materials: Polyester, elastane

What to Look for in a Rehearsal Dinner Dress

  • Personal Style: Your rehearsal dinner dress is an opportunity to showcase your taste, so choose an ensemble that makes you feel your absolute best. Remember, you’re not limited to dresses—jumpsuits can be a great option—or traditional colors for your rehearsal dinner outfit. Think of this as a celebration dress which can be formal or casual, long or short—whatever suits you best.
  • Dress Code: Just as you would for your guests, consider your dress code when selecting a rehearsal dinner dress. If you are hosting a black-tie dinner at a formal venue, stick to floor-length gowns and luxe fabrics like satin and silk. For cocktail or less formal dress codes, you can experiment with mini hemlines and casual fabrics like cotton or linen.
  • Season: For summer brides, rehearsal dinner dresses with shorter hemlines in breezy fabrics like lightweight silk always look effortlessly chic. If you're planning a winter wedding, consider long sleeves and hemlines with thicker fabrics or bold embellishments.

FAQ

  • You should wear whatever makes you feel the most stylish and confident, so if jumpsuits, rompers, and suits are more your style, opt for one of these instead of a dress for your wedding rehearsal dinner.

  • While many brides choose to wear a white rehearsal dinner dress, others may opt for vibrant colors or prints. We especially love a floral ensemble for spring, summer, or outdoor weddings.

  • Yes! Formal rehearsal dinner dress styles like slip dresses in luxurious fabrics, floor-length gowns, and fitted sheath silhouettes are all stunning options—especially if you're throwing a formal or black-tie wedding.

Why Trust BRIDES

Madison Barber is a BRIDES writer, shopping expert, and fashion obsessive. She spent days researching BRIDES-trusted retailers for the chicest rehearsal dinner dresses for every bridal style and price point, including only the best options for BRIDES readers on this list.

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