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Brides / Kevin Liang
Your rehearsal dinner is the first official party to kick off your wedding celebrations, and your dress for the occasion is the last outfit you'll wear before saying "I do" (unless you count your getting-ready robe). Whether you're hosting a casual backyard ceremony or a black-tie affair, your rehearsal dinner dress will set the tone for your wedding weekend, so investing in the right one is key.
When picking out your dream rehearsal dinner dress, it's important to consider factors like your wedding venue, the season, and, of course, your personal taste. Despite knowing these parameters, it can be tricky to find an ensemble that checks all of your boxes—luckily we've picked out the best options available online, from romantic embroidered options to sophisticated minis. Read on to discover our favorites.
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Make a grand entrance in this luxe gown that's show-stopping enough to wear even as your big-day dress. The bustier bodice with delicate lace detailing exudes femininity and sexiness, while the wrap-style skirt and side sash bring bridal elegance.
Size Range: 0-20W | Materials: Polyester, elastane | Length: Floor-length
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"You can never go wrong with a Bronx and Banco piece for your rehearsal dinner, as the brand makes the most stunning party looks for every type of wedding celebration," says Brides Senior Fashion Editor, Corinne Pierre-Louis. The allover floral appliqués, sheer bodice, and long sleeves make this mini a real standout. "This floral mini, in particular, is an excellent choice for semi-formal and cocktail attire dinners, or for brides hosting a garden-themed event."
Size Range: XS-XL | Materials: 80% viscose, 20% cotton (body); 95% polyester, 5% elastane (lining) | Length: Mini
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Playful with a touch of traditional bridal style, this mini dress can do no wrong. We adore the dynamic details throughout this piece, from the sharp V-neckline to the oversized bow and dramatic train.
Size Range: XS-XL | Materials: Not listed | Length: Mini
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A ruffled hem, lace straps, and a transparent skirt on this dress lend a fun, whimsical look that we love for a destination wedding. Further elevate the look by adding a colorful block heel, statement earrings, or bold clutch.
Size Range: XS-XL | Materials: 100% polyester (self); 95% polyester, 5% elastane (lining) | Length: Midi
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Ideal for a spring or summer wedding, this boho-style dress is complete with all-over dot and floral embroidery. Flutter sleeves and a flounce skirt make it extra dreamy, and the 100 percent cotton construction means it's breathable on hot days.
Size Range: 00-14 | Materials: 100% cotton | Length: Ankle
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Equally dramatic and sophisticated, this blazer mini dress makes the ultimate statement before the big day. With an asymmetrical hemline, shoulder pads, and cape sleeves, this option combines class with glamour—fashion-forward brides will obsess over this.
Size Range: XS-XL | Materials: 97% polyester, 3% spandex | Length: Mini
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Elegant and silky, this dress is undeniably stunning. Boasting a structured yet fluid silhouette, the Maves dress features a daring off-the-shoulder neckline, long sleeves, and a flirty mini hemline. We love this look for a chic city wedding.
Size Range: XS-XL | Materials: 88% NAIA Renew Acetate, 12% polyester | Length: Mini
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Opting for a dreamy, romantic dress is more than suitable for your wedding's rehearsal dinner. We're obsessed with this sheer option with a gorgeous drop waist, tiered skirt, subtle juliette sleeves, and delicate lace over the entirety of the garment.
Size Range: UK 6-UK 14 | Materials: 100% nylon | Length: Maxi
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Truly a unique find, this dress is one of our top picks for its delicate floral embroidery and tulle-adorned bodice. This lightweight linen option feels equally bridal and whimsical, so it's fabulous for brides-to-be with quirkier styles getting married in outdoor venues or warm climates.
Size Range: XXS-XXL | Materials: 100% linen | Length: Midi
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This flowy, one-shoulder jumpsuit is for the brides craving something functional yet classy for their rehearsal dinner. The dramatic, cape-style bodice drapes perfectly over one shoulder for an elegant look, and the elasticized waist provides additional comfort.
Size Range: 00-18 | Materials: 100% recycled polyester | Length: Full-length
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This feathered slip dress is fun for brides-to-be seeking a refreshing piece for the rehearsal dinner. The adjustable thin straps ensure your dress is the perfect fit, and the simple design allows for fun accessorizing.
Size Range: XS-XL | Materials: 100% ecovero rayon; 100% feathers | Length: Maxi
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Sparkly but not overly glitzy, this dress appeases both glam and minimalist brides—a rare feat. The simple square neckline, dainty spaghetti straps, tasteful back slit, and understated sequin design bring the perfect level of drama to the rehearsal dinner.
Size Range: US 2-US 8 | Materials: 100% polyester | Length: Midi
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Fashioned with not one, but two off-the-shoulder straps on one side, this piece offers a unique take on the classic one-shoulder style. These straps create a cool, twisted look at the neckline, and there's even a hidden rubber binding at the top to prevent wardrobe mishaps.
Size Range: XXS-XL | Materials: 100% polyester | Length: Maxi
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This elegant slip dress is timeless with its cowl neckline and body-skimming bias-cut silk charmeuse material. You can dress it up and down for both formal and casual affairs, making it a versatile choice that you'll wear long beyond your rehearsal dinner.
Size Range: 0-22 | Materials: 100% silk | Length: Midi
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This dress's graphic leaf appliqués and soft tulle skirt would complement a venue full of natural greenery at a garden wedding. The godet skirt gives the silhouette a flattering look and pairs well with block heels.
Size Range: XS-XL | Materials: 100% poly (self); 95% poly, 5% elastane (lining) | Length: Midi
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We can't choose where to look first on this dress—the gorgeous wide sleeves, the chic pleats, and the mock neckline make it one of the dreamiest we've seen. The mini length also shows off your chic heels during the rehearsal dinner.
Size Range: 14-32 | Materials: 100% polyester | Length: Mini
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Elegant with a touch of sexiness, this 100 percent silk gown is an ensemble to remember. The wide open back is made even more dramatic with chains of sparkling rhinestones draped across the back and would pair perfectly with diamond accessories to complete the look.
Size Range: 00-12 | Materials: 100% silk | Length: Maxi
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Short, simple, and sweet, this strapless mini dress is the perfect playful piece for rehearsing before the big day. It features darted seams and pockets for additional styling and convenience.
Size Range: 00-14 | Materials: 70% triacetate, 30% polyester | Length: Mini
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Cozy with its ribbed, drop-waist bodice and long sleeves yet dressy and fashion-forward with its sheer fringe skirt, this option will keep winter brides-to-be warm for the rehearsal dinner.
Size Range: XS-XL | Materials: 81% viscose, 17% polyester, 2% polyamide | Length: Mini
What to Look for in a Rehearsal Dinner Outfit
- Personal Style: Your rehearsal dinner dress is an opportunity to showcase your own 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 like your guests, you may want to consider your dress code when picking a rehearsal dinner dress. If you are hosting a black-tie dinner at a formal venue, stick to floor-length gowns and luxurious 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, dresses with shorter hemlines in breezy fabrics like lightweight silk always look effortlessly chic. If you're planning a winter wedding, consider long-sleeved jumpsuits, crisp tuxedo suits, or beaded dresses.
Why Trust Brides
Contributing writer Sophie Moore is a former fashion editor at Brides and is an expert in all things bridal attire, from couture wedding gowns to the perfect "something blue" accessory. She researches and sources the best fashion items for brides, grooms, wedding guests, bridal parties, and more. Madison Barber updated this roundup in 2024 to ensure each product met Brides' standards.
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