The Asher Lane Blog

What to wear to WOW your guests (and your husband-to-be!)

It’s finally here.

A wedding rehearsal dinner is typically held the evening before the formal wedding ceremony, and it’s usually a get-together for out-of-town guests, immediate family and the wedding party to iron out final logistics and enjoy a relaxed dinner together before the main event. However, for many couples, the rehearsal dinner has become a full-blown event in itself, with custom décor, party favors and a specialized menu, on theme with the design of the actual wedding and reception. This makes your celebration dinner feel like an extension of your wedding and it blends seamlessly into the rest of the festivities.

The rehearsal dinner is your first official event before the big day – and as it’s probably been a year or more since you started planning your wedding - you deserve to enjoy yourself, have a cocktail or two and let your hair down.  Remember though, you’re on view in front of family and guests, so don’t party too hard.

So, what should you wear?

You’ll want to choose something that doesn’t overshadow your Big Day wedding dress, but also something that reflects your style and personality. Many brides-to-be wear white to their wedding rehearsal dinner – as a precursor to the big day, however, your rehearsal dinner is a great opportunity to express yourself in a different way than your wedding gown. Is your gown traditional, floor or midi length with lace, long sleeves, and a veil? If so, try to pick a short dress that shows the contemporary side of your style.

Here is the perfect choice:

This is our Eva Dramatic Bow Mini Dress, with a long train, ruching in front, detachable bow, and hidden white buttons and loops. It’s a fun, contemporary take on a formal gown.

Where is the dinner being held? If it’s in a formal location, you can opt for a more formal cocktail dress.  

This one fits the bill perfectly:

Our in-house designed Olivia Feathered Low Back Short/Mini Bridal Dress is made from stretch crepe.  A chic feather trim at the bottom gives you an elegant, yet contemporary look that will focus all eyes on you.

Will you be dancing? If so, think about the type of dress you’ll want to wear – and choose comfortable shoes!

Here goes:

This is our Taylor Mini White Bridal Party Dress. It’s fun. It’s flirty - with gathered and pleated tulle and a full layered skirt. Dance the night away at your rehearsal dinner in this fun dress!

If your rehearsal dinner is in a casual restaurant, you can widen your choice, but remember, all eyes will be on you, so it makes sense to dress up rather than down. Our Meghan Dress is a one-shoulder, cutout side drape mini dress. It’s more on the casual side, yet cool at the same time.  

Your rehearsal dinner is a chance for you both to relax and have fun but remember that this is the chance to meet relatives you may not have met before, so err on the side of over-dressing rather than under-dressing. It might be tempting to wear cut-offs and a t-shirt, but unless you’ve specifically asked everyone to dress in denim and cowboy hats - and your rehearsal dinner is at a ranch - wear something a little more formal than usual.

And enjoy yourself!