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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 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 such as 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 numbers to sophisticated minis.
Best Corset
V. Chapman Jeanine Strapless Corset Wrap Gown
Make a grand entrance in this luxe gown that's showstopping 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
Editor's Favorite
Bronx and Banco Bouquet Maraya Blanc Floral Long Sleeve Mini Dress
"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," she adds.
Size Range: XS-XL | Materials: 80% viscose, 20% cotton (body); 95% polyester, 5% elastane (lining) | Length: Mini
Best With a Train
Katie May Eden Rock Mini Dress
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
Best for a Destination Wedding
Bronx and Banco Tiffany Blanc Dress
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 a bold clutch.
Size Range: XS-XL | Materials: 100% polyester (self); 95% polyester, 5% elastane (lining) | Length: Midi
Best Boho
LoveShackFancy Norma Midi Dress
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
Best Blazer
Katie May Boss Lady Dress
Equally dramatic and sophisticated, this blazer minidress 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
Best Long Sleeve
Reformation Maves Dress
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
Best Floral
Fanm Mon Citra Tulle Dress
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
Best Jumpsuit
Lauren Ralph Lauren One Shoulder Jumpsuit
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
Best Feathered
Sleeper Boheme Slip Dress with Feathers
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: Ecovero rayon, feathers | Length: Maxi
Best With Sparkle
The New Arrivals Ilkyaz Ozel Phoenix Sequined Midi Dress
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
Best One-Shoulder
Misha Abrielle Dress
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
Best Slip
Fleur Du Mal Cowl Neck Slip Dress
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
Best for a Garden Wedding
Bronx and Banco Saba Blanc Midi Dress
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
Best Plus-Size
ELOQUII Pleated Mini With Full Sleeve
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
Best Back
The Bar Pierre Gown
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
Best Mini
A.L.C. Elsie Dress
Short, simple, and sweet, this strapless minidress 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
Best for a Winter Wedding
Khaite The Cedar Dress
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
Most Playful
Zimmermann Petal Appliqué Linen-Silk Corset Gown
Get a rehearsal dinner dress, but make it fun. This corset-style midi-length gown from Zimmermann has a sweetheart neckline, spaghetti straps, and a ruffled hem. White petal appliques separated by gold beads are attached throughout the dress for a stunning effect.
Size Range: 0 Petite, 2-12 | Materials: 52% linen, 48% silk; 100% cotton lining | Length: Midi
Best Strapless
Zimmermann Lexi Column Dress
This elegant linen column dress from Zimmermann features a tropical floral pattern across the entire front of the dress. The top and bottom hems have raffia loop trim, and the back is adorned with a large self-tie bow. The strapless dress is fully lined and fitted at the bust, it also comes with removable spaghetti straps should you choose to add them.
Size Range: XS-XL | Materials: 100% linen; 100% cotton lining | Length: Midi
Best Embellished
A.L.C. Alana Embellished Mini Dress
This structured dress would look stunning at a summer-evening rehearsal dinner. The bustier top, open back, and side cutouts make it ideal for hot nights, and the crystal embellishments add a subtle sparkle to your look. Be aware that this style isn't bra-friendly, but the fabric on top is thick enough to give some support and coverage.
Size Range: 00-14 | Materials: Cady | Length: Midi
Best Ruched
Retrofete Adele Dress
An elegant choice in snowy white, this strapless dress features ruching and a frilled hem for a unique rehearsal-dinner look. The high side slit shows a peek of leg. It comes in a wide range of sizes, and it's also available in candy pink if you prefer a pop of color.
Size Range: XXS-XXL | Materials: Polyester | Length: Floor-length
All eyes will be on you in this juicy orange dress that has an unexpected silhouette. The crepe bodice has a plunging V-neckline and flares to a relaxed fit and pleated hem. Even though you won't be wearing white, there will be no doubt that you're the center of attention in this colorful rehearsal-dinner dress.
Size Range: 0-10 | Materials: Polyester, acetate | Length: Maxi
What to Look for in a Rehearsal Dinner Dress
- 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, 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-sleeved jumpsuits, crisp tuxedo suits, or beaded rehearsal dinner 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.