Editor’s note: Updated on February 19, 2024.
Calling all brides-to-be! With wedding season right around the corner, it’s time to secure some style staples for all the upcoming festivities. If you’ve said “yes” to the dress of your dreams, then you’ve already gotten the most stressful shopping out of the way. But that still leaves your rehearsal dinner look!
An underrated yet important fashion fixture of your wedding weekend, this night-before outfit is open to creative interpretation. Unlike your wedding dress, there aren’t strict rules with a rehearsal dinner ‘fit. “It’s your party, you’re the bride and you can whatever you want,” The Stylish Bride founder Julie Sabatino told Today. “This is your real fashion moment.”
The Knot agreed: “Your rehearsal dinner is a great opportunity to go bold with your fashion choices. Consider wearing a rehearsal dinner outfit that helps you express yourself in a different way than your wedding gown does. If your dress is traditional (lace and long sleeves, for instance), go for something more contemporary for your rehearsal dinner (like a sleek jumpsuit) to show off a different side of your style.”
How We Picked the Best Wedding Rehearsal Dinner Dresses
Some brides opt for fashion-forward pieces, from structured jumpsuits to feathered frocks. And others keep it chic and simple with classy midis or flowy maxis. Pretty much the only common thread is the color white.
When choosing rehearsal dinner attire to add to this list, we made sure to select a range of styles that suit a variety of body types. Since we’re heading into spring, these looks are especially appropriate for warm weather, but we’ve included long sleeve and maxi options too. All of these outfits are appropriate to wear in front of family and friends. Classy, comfy and cute!
It may be a rehearsal dinner, but these 10 dresses (and one jumpsuit!) are all showstoppers. Kick off your wedding weekend with a bang in these beautiful bridal looks!
1. The Way to Love White Ruffled Maxi Dress
Marriage to the Max(i)
According to one shopper, this dreamy maxi dress is “perfect for summer wedding events” — especially a destination wedding. The lightweight woven fabric and high slit allow breathable, flowy movement. We’re smitten with all of the delicate details, from the ruffled adjustable spaghetti straps to the cinched bodice and subtle cutout. “It is beautiful and super high quality!” another customer raved. “10/10 recommend!”
Pros:
- Breathable
- High quality
Cons:
- Runs long
Available at: Lulus
2. Lulus My Dearest White Lace Short Sleeve Mini Dress
A Case for Lace
Designed with a crochet overlay, short flounce sleeves and darted bodice, this lovely lace dress looks so much more expensive than it is. Classic and chic! One bride gushed, “I wore this for my bridal shower and it was PERFECTION! Super comfy and elegant. I got compliments all day!”
Pros:
- Pretty lace overlay
- Flattering
Cons:
- Not much stretch
- Some say this dress runs big, while others say it runs small
Available at: Lulus
3. Elliatt Pallas Dress
Don’t Get Cold Feet — Give the Cold Shoulder
Perfect! Stunning! Comfortable! Flattering! Unique! These are just some of the words reviewers have used to describe this asymmetrical dress. From the off-the-shoulder silhouette to the ruched crepe fabric, this frock is a standout. For a designer dress, we’re shocked at how relatively affordable this maxi dress is!
Pros:
- Unique
- Gorgeous
Cons:
- Some shoppers say this dress runs large, so consider sizing down
Available at: Revolve
4. Lulus Fabulous Phenomenon White Strapless Bow Midi Dress
Take a Bow
This strapless midi dress is breathtaking for brides-to-be. From the oversized bow in back to flirty side slit in front, this frock is a fashionable statement piece for your rehearsal dinner. Prepare to wow in white!
Pros:
- Bow detail is stunning and stylish
- Gorgeous design
Cons:
- Bow is a bit heavy but it’s detachable
Available at: Lulus
5. Belle Beach by Kim Gravel Smocked Maxi Dress
Beach Bunny
This is another excellent pick for a destination wedding — especially at a beach. If your rehearsal dinner is outdoors in a tropical location, you’ll want to keep things lightweight and flowy. This strapless find is our fave because of its lace insert toward the bottom of the skirt. Bridal vibes!
Pros:
- On sale!
- Airy cotton blend
Cons:
- Strapless doesn’t work for everybody
Available at: QVC
6. Lulus Love Poem Ivory Lace Mini Dress
This Dress Takes the (Wedding) Cake
According to countless reviews, this mini dress is absolutely “perfect” and fits like a glove. Featuring crochet floral lace and a halter neckline, this white frock is classy and flirty at the same time. Your future spouse and your grandma will both be very pleased. Bonus: wear this dress to any bridal event — your engagement party, bridal shower, bachelorette party or honeymoon trip.
Pros:
- Perfect fit
- Classy
Cons:
- No stretch
Available at: Lulus
7. Elliatt Reception Dress
Strapless Stunner
Can we hear a little commotion for the dress? This strapless midi with ruffled details is the moment. Featuring crepe fabric, a boned bodice with a pleated asymmetrical overlay and a non-slip neckline strip, this chic style is the epitome of elegance. “HIGHLY HIGHLY recommend!” one bride-to-be exclaimed. “Perfect for any body shape and SO excited to wear as my rehearsal dinner outfit!”
Pros:
- Elegant
- Flattering
Cons:
- Runs slightly large
Available at: Revolve
8. Heartloom Tyler Mini Dress
Off-the-Shoulder in Ivory
Want to wear long sleeve lace to your rehearsal dinner without feeling too formal? This off-the-shoulder mini dress is a bridal bullseye! “This felt so high quality and fit like it was made for me!” one bride-to-be wrote. “I was so worried it would be too long since I’m 5’2’’, but it looks amazing on. I can’t wait to wear it for my rehearsal dinner.” Classy and comfortable!
Pros:
- Comfortable
- Works in warm or cold weather
Cons:
- Some shoppers didn’t love the fit
Available at: Revolve
9. Adrianna Papell Tuxedo Sheath Dress
Luxe Tux
A tuxedo dress is like a blazer dress’ cool older sister. This sheath style is sophisticated and sultry at the same time. Custmers are obsessed with the dress! “This dress is very well made and absolutely gorgeous,” one shopper said. “I received so many compliments. It is well worth the price.”
Pros:
- Classy
- Flattering
Cons:
- Some say the zipper lays oddly in the back
Available at: Macy’s
10. Lulus Power of Love White Strapless Jumpsuit
Jumping for Joy
Make a strapless fashion statement in this flattering white jumpsuit. A winning choice in any type of weather, this sophisticated one-piece is soft and stretchy for optimum comfort. “I received so many compliments while wearing this jumpsuit!” one shopper shared. “It hugs you in all the right places.” Another reviewer declared, “Perfect for a rehearsal dinner, date, night out, etc. Looks fabulous.”
Pros:
- Comfortable
- Flattering
Cons:
- Runs long
Available at: Lulus
11. Lulus Briarwood White Lace Ruffled Midi Dress
Ruffled Feathers
This ruffled lace midi dress feels like a frock right out of a fairytale! “I wore this adorable dress for my rehearsal dinner the night before my wedding and I got such lovely compliments on it all night!” one bride reported. “So many people told me I should have considered just wearing it for my actual wedding dress and I was advised to be sure to bring it with me to Paris for my honeymoon!”
Pros:
- Sophisticated and feminine
- Great quality
Cons:
- Not all shoppers loved the fit
Available at: Lulus
Other Wedding Rehearsal Dinner Dresses We Love:
- V. Chapman Hollyhuck Dress
- Lulus Drinks On Me White Sleeveless Pleated Bodycon Dress
- Loveliest Looks White Floral Jacquard Tie-Strap Midi Dress
The 15 Best Bridal Shapewear Styles That Will Enhance Your Wedding Dress
Looking for additional ways to elevate your closet? Check out more picks below:
-
Bridal Beauty! Wow in These 7 White Wedding Looks From Lulus
-
17 Wedding Guest Dresses That Will Leave You Celebrating All Night Long
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