Can you wear white to a rehearsal dinner as a guest?

Unless you're the bride or groom-to-be, you should never wear white to a rehearsal dinner. To be quite honest, white should be off-limits the entire time you're engaged in wedding activities.

What do you wear to a rehearsal dinner as a guest?

"For formal rehearsal dinners (not black tie), men should wear dark suits and ties, and women should wear cocktail dresses or long gowns. For semi-formal rehearsal dinners, men should wear jackets, suit pants (or slacks) and ties, and women should wear cocktail dresses or pantsuits or dressy skirts and blouses.

What should you not wear to a rehearsal dinner?

The first rule of any wedding-related event is to never upstage the bride, and that certainly applies to the rehearsal dinner. If you're worried your outfit is too flashy or distracting, it probably is. “Wearing loud prints sequins or something overly sexy is another no-no,” says Warten.

Can a guest wear white to a wedding?

It's no longer taboo to wear white!

"According to the Emily Post Institute, it's acceptable to wear white, as long as it doesn't 'distract from the bride or her attendant's dresses. ' For example, a colorful, cocktail-length dress with a white lace overlay is acceptable," says Lehman.

Can you wear any color to rehearsal dinner?

But you can also wear other colors and patterns.

While you definitely can wear white to your rehearsal dinner, you don't have to. According to Sabatino, light blues and pinks are always popular with brides-to-be. However, you can also really make a statement and go for a bold pattern.

Wedding Rehearsal Dinners: Everything You Need to Know



Do you dress up for wedding rehearsal?

Unless you've been specifically told otherwise, assume a wedding rehearsal is, at minimum, a business casual event. Dress slacks or khakis and a collared shirt (polo or button down) should be the least formal you dress.

How formal is a rehearsal dinner?

"If no formality is specified, stick to semi-formal/cocktail attire for a rehearsal dinner no matter the day or venue type. Simply set aside your denim for the post-wedding brunch and save the ball gown for a black-tie event where it's required," says Blaire Walsh, style director of Rent the Runway.

Is it okay to wear a white dress with patterns to a wedding?

Unless all-white outfits are explicitly required for the wedding day, it's best to avoid wearing an outfit that's white or one that even features a white pattern.

Can I wear a floral dress with white background to a wedding?

Can You Wear Florals With a White Background to a Wedding? One traditional wedding etiquette is not to wear white to a wedding. Although, if you find a floral dress with white background that has lots of other colored floral prints on it, it may be suitable.

What colors should you not wear to a wedding?

Colors You Can't Wear to a Wedding
  • White.
  • Off white or ivory.
  • All Black.
  • All Red.
  • Gold.
  • Overly sparkly or heavily metallic.
  • Bridesmaid dress color.
  • Mother of the bride or groom dress color.


How much money should the groom's parents give?

“We suggest no less than $100, but prefer $350 or more since that is an average fee for most wedding musicians when compared to others involved with the ceremony.” Another cost the groom's family takes care of is the officiant's lodging.

What do you bring to a rehearsal dinner?

You could keep it simple with a card, or opt for something that you might bring as a hostess gift to someone's home, like a bottle of wine, chocolates, or a pretty candle. Keep the gift on the small side, especially if you're at a destination wedding: The hosts will need to be able to bring it home, after all.

Can I wear black to a rehearsal dinner?

Black is totally ok to wear to a rehearsal dinner. As this is a semi-formal event black is definitely appropriate. But, when in doubt, just ask the bride what the dress code is. You don't necessarily have to get your hair and makeup done for the rehearsal – that part is totally up to you!

What does dressy casual mean for a rehearsal dinner?

Dressy casual means that you don't have to look like you're going to work, but that true casual isn't appropriate for the occasion. For example, you might see “dressy casual” on invitations to work-adjacent events, like a company awards ceremony.

What is a dressy casual attire?

Dressy casual attire (also called smart casual) is a combination of relaxed and refined pieces—think blouses, dress shirts, button-downs, dress pants, dark jeans, and clean shoes.

What is dress code smart casual?

A smart casual dress code is an attire that combines well-fitting, polished business wear with elements of casual attire like blouses, shirts, button-downs, dress pants, dark-wash jeans, and polished, practical footwear.

Can you wear white floral to a rehearsal dinner?

Unless you're the bride or groom-to-be, you should never wear white to a rehearsal dinner. To be quite honest, white should be off-limits the entire time you're engaged in wedding activities.

What guests should not wear to a wedding?

It doesn't matter if the dress code requests "casual" attire; jeans, T-Shirts, shorts, and sneakers are never appropriate to wear as a wedding guest. Show respect for the bride and groom by dressing formally. Sabatino suggests that men show up in a jacket and tie, even when the invitation says casual.

Can you wear white polka dots to a wedding?

"Just don't do it," someone simply responded. "The rule is not to wear white to a wedding and that dress is more white than any other colour. So many more colours to choose from." Another agreed: "White is for the bride on her day - and while this has polka dots it might offend her.

Is it OK to wear a floral dress to a wedding?

Can I wear a floral pattern to a wedding? Yes! A floral print outfit is an appropriate and stylish choice for all seasons and types of weddings.

What should a female guest wear to a wedding?

Women should wear a formal floor-length gown that does not reveal the ankles at the hem of the dress, but if the wedding seems a bit less formal, a sophisticated cocktail dress may also be acceptable. Women may also wear elegant pantsuits. Men must wear a tuxedo.

Can a male guest wear a white shirt to a wedding?

You might wonder if men can wear white to a wedding, or if you can wear a dress with a white print. It is perfectly appropriate to wear a white dress shirt under a tuxedo or suit jacket. Similarly, it's also acceptable to wear a dress or a jumpsuit with a hint of white as long as it's not the main color.

Who is invited to the rehearsal dinner?

Here's who definitely gets an invite.

Your immediate families, the bridal party (including the parents of the flower girl and ring bearer, even if they're not in the wedding), any ceremony readers, and your officiant (plus his or her spouse, if married) should always be invited to the rehearsal dinner.

What does Mother of groom wear to rehearsal dinner?

What's The Theme? If a wedding and rehearsal dinner invitation specify a theme or dress code, it must be respected. If the fine print says 'black tie', then the mother of the bride should wear a full-length gown (the same goes for the mother of the groom).

What happens at wedding rehearsal?

What Do You Do At A Wedding Rehearsal? During the wedding rehearsal, you'll do a complete practice run (or maybe a few) of your wedding ceremony from start to finish at the actual location of your wedding. This ensures everyone involved in your ceremony knows the order, pacing, when to walk, and where.