Part of our Bridal Events guide. Previous: Bachelorette dresses. Next: Wedding dresses XXS to 6X.
The bride usually wears a white, ivory, or cream dress to the rehearsal dinner that is one step less formal than her wedding gown, often a midi or a softer maxi with color, print, or texture. A pale color is also fine if you want to save white for the wedding. Choose something that stays comfortable through the rehearsal, dinner, and toasts.
Shop our rehearsal dinner dresses.
Should the bride wear white to the rehearsal dinner?
Many brides do, since it is the last event before the wedding and the guests are close family and the wedding party. To keep the gown a surprise, pick a white dress with a different shape, a print, or sleeves your gown does not have.
What is the dress code for a rehearsal dinner?
Most rehearsal dinners are semi-formal to cocktail. The venue sets the tone:
- Backyard or family home: a white midi or a soft floral.
- Restaurant: a dressier midi or a maxi with texture like tulle or embroidery.
- Formal venue: a full maxi, still lighter than your gown.
Which JessaKae dresses work for a rehearsal dinner?
Phiona Dress
- Color: Snowdrop
- Features: A graceful, feminine style made for formal events, evening celebrations, and cocktail parties
- Sizes: 00 to 34
- Why it works: Its understated elegance fits the semi-formal to cocktail feel of most rehearsal dinners.
Bria Dress
- Color: White
- Features: Sweetheart neckline, adjustable spaghetti straps, bodice boning with a built-in bra, A-line gown silhouette, pockets
- Sizes: 00 to 34
- Why it works: Built-in support and pockets keep you comfortable through the rehearsal, dinner, and toasts.
Pearl Dress
- Color: White
- Features: Sparkling sequins and pearl-like embellishments, soft tulle layers, sleeveless, fitted waistline, corset back, true to size
- Sizes: 00 to 34
- Why it works: The sequins and pearl details add texture and sparkle that set it apart from your wedding look.
Margaret Wedding Dress
- Color: White Floral
- Features: Floral embroidery, ruched bodice, V-neckline, low V-cut back, fixed straps with adjustable bows, empire waist, back zipper, fully lined
- Sizes: XXS to 6X
- Why it works: A good pick for a formal rehearsal dinner when you want a full-length white dress with floral embroidery.
Jeanne Dress
- Color: Ivory Tulle with dots
- Features: Tiered tulle skirt, shoulder bows, smocked empire waist, V-neckline, true to size
- Sizes: XXS to 6X
- Why it works: Soft ivory tiers and shoulder bows feel lighter than a gown, a good fit for a backyard or restaurant dinner.
What should the bride think about the night before the wedding?
The rehearsal often starts at the ceremony site, so wear shoes you can walk in on grass, aisles, or stairs, then change if you want something dressier for dinner. Choose a dress that is easy to get in and out of, since you will want an early night. Pack a light layer for outdoor rehearsals and evening temperatures.
Many couples also give toasts or hand out gifts at the dinner, and photos from this night often end up in the wedding album. A dress with a clear neckline and soft color or texture photographs well indoors under warm restaurant light.
When should I buy my rehearsal dinner dress?
Buy it at least a month before the wedding so it is ready well before the final week. Try it on with the shoes you plan to wear and steam it the day before.
How do I keep my rehearsal dinner dress different from my gown?
- Change the length: midi if your gown is a full maxi.
- Change the sleeves or neckline.
- Add color through a print or embroidery.
FAQ
What color should the bride wear to the rehearsal dinner?
White, ivory, or cream is the most common choice. A soft color such as lilac or blush also works well.
Should the rehearsal dinner dress be long or short?
Match the venue. A midi works for most dinners, and a maxi suits a formal setting.
Who wears white at the rehearsal dinner?
Only the bride, by tradition. Guests and the wedding party usually choose colors.
What sizes are these dresses in?
The dresses above run XXS to 6X or 00 to 34. Check each product page for fit notes.