19 Fashion-Forward Rehearsal Dinner Dresses for Every Type of Bride

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So, you’ve finally made it to your wedding weekend. Congratulations! The rehearsal dinner is the first official event of the final few, after months (or a year) of planning—and it’s a unique opportunity to let your hair down, have a few cocktails, and embrace out-of-towner's while sporting a rehearsal dinner dress that doesn’t overshadow the Big Day wedding gown.

For many, Sophia Richie’s social media debut touting her exclusive, not-so-quiet-quiet-luxury wedding in the South of France was the deciding factor to begin their search for a weekend of cohesive bridal looks. And for fashion lovers who prefer a more editorial angle, Chloë Sevigny’s unconventional nuptials (which showcased Loewe and Glenn Martens's Jean Paul Gaultier) were their stylistic awakening. Both of these grand weddings proved one thing: When considering a rehearsal dinner dress, it’s important to focus on both the location and personal style. For a formal evening spent welcoming guests between candlelight and hand-passed hors d'oeuvres, opt for a slinky Sachin & Babi gown. If your rehearsal dinner is a more relaxed affair, a strapless cotton midi, like Toteme’s, will work perfectly.

While a classic white gown is the go-to for the wedding day, many brides are playing with texture, fabrication, and color for their rehearsal dinners. To make your choice easier, I, a 2023 bride, rounded up the 19 best wedding rehearsal dinner dresses for every type of bride, ahead.

Elise Satin Champagne Wedding Dress

A rehearsal dinner doesn't mean you have to stray too, too far from traditional bridal codes, but the options you pick can still feature a modern twist. Just look at the bias cut, shawl neckline, and asymmetric straps on the Elise dress.

Sizes: 0–14

Lucy Tulle And Cady Mini Dress

Danielle Frankel knows how to turn heads, and I mean that in the best way. Each dress is meant to outlast your wedding weekend—meaning, the Lucy mini is appropriate for cocktail parties, dinner gatherings, and more.

Sizes: 00–24

Sienna Satin Halterneck Gown

The bias-cut design on this Galvan gown allows the satin to smoothly glide across curves, creating an alluring, timeless silhouette. The lustrous satin material gives it elegance, ideal for a dinner brimming with florals.

Sizes: 2–12

Strapless Dupioni Midi Dress

Some rehearsal dinners are held in garden rooms, backyards, or inside a well-lit brownstone—and that's exactly where I picture this Toteme dress worn. It doesn't need much accessorizing; the strapless neckline and A-line silhouette speak volumes.

Sizes: 6–12

Ronda Silk Dress

Fluid, sexy, timeless—these are just a few adjectives that come to mind when describing Reformation's bridal offerings. The Ronda is no different with its one-shouldered, strappy, and asymmetrical details.

Sizes: 0–12

Fairy Metallic Maxi Dress

Mirror Palais's Instagram bio touts: "A thing of beauty is a joy forever," a famous quote by none other than John Keats. Interpreted into fashion form, that line means a structured, metallic dusted dress you can wear on more than one occasion.

Sizes: XS–L

Keeley Strapless Midi Dress

Emilia Wickstead is known for her modern formalwear, adored by the likes of royalty and high-profile celebrities globally. The Keeley dress exemplifies just why the label is a sensation with its creamy duchesse-satin and fold-over strapless neckline. Just add a statement necklace.

Sizes: 2–12

Helena One-Shoulder Ruffle Jacquard Midi Dress

For those who prefer to make a splash during their bridal weekend, look no further than Cult Gaia. A high-low hemline, bright floral print, and ruffled details are more than party ready.

Sizes: 2–12

Celina Dress

Looking at La Ligne's Celina dress and I'm noticing one thing: It manages to be both romantic and laid-back at the same time. A tulip skirt (with pockets), smocked waist, and puffed sleeves? What more detail could you ask for?

Sizes: XS–3X

Lourdes Strapless Beaded Bow Gown

For those who prefer to keep sensibilities traditional, Sachin & Babi has all timeless fronts covered. Turn around in photos to show off the beaded bow embellishment hidden at the back.

Sizes: 0–14

Bima Strapless Bustier Maxi Dress

The Row, The Row, The Row—just the name conjures up images of elegant, put-together deliciousness. The Bima dress is fit for a demure bride who wants to surprise guests by opting for black instead of white or cream.

Sizes: 0–14

Ala Parachute Dress

Simkhai's dresses never feel predictable, and I found myself surprised at the removable shoulder straps on the Ala dress. Poplin materials add an airy feel, suitable for summer wedding weekends.

Sizes: 0–14

Pleated Metallic Cotton-blend Jacquard Gown

This stunning pleated gown features two of Christopher John Rogers' favorite collection attributes: voluminous silhouettes and pattern play. The shape will flatter any bride.

Sizes: 0–14

Hiroko Draped Silk-Satin Gown

E. Stott's contemporary evening wear is defined by bold colors, but I was still awed into amazement by the vividness of the Hiroko gown. Acid green silk satin gives way to the label's love for punchy draping.

Sizes: 2-16

Solaria Sequined Maxi Dress

Yes, a sequin dress may not be the first style that comes to mind come wedding planning time—but for brides that are refusing tradition in lieu of fashion, 16Arlington is a no-brainer. Lightweight tulle is scattered with pale pink sequins, illuminating any room.

Sizes: 0–14

Energy Ruffled Linen-Blend Midi Dress

Founded in 2008 by best friends Adrian Norris and Edwina Forest, Aje is an Australian brand dedicated to femininity and effortless cool, notes that are apparent in the Energy dress. An oversized ruffle appliqué at the front-and-center does all the work for you.

Sizes: 0–12

Maya Printed Maxi Dress

For an elegant approach to event dressing, the Maya dress takes the cake. A bias-cut skirt, braided halter neck, and all-over abstract watercolor print make it the ideal option for a rehearsal dinner held outdoors, in the sunlight.

Sizes: 00–22

Kerrie Silver Midi Dress

In true Tove fashion, the Kerrie dress features lustrous silk crafted in silver, punctuated by the label's signature twisted bust detail. It easily fuses minimalist tones with feminine charm.

Sizes: FR34–42

Anne Bow-Shoulder Taffeta Midi Dress

A green rehearsal dinner dress? Absolutely. If anyone can balance artistic alongside coquettish, it's Kika Vargas. The Anne dress is cut from gathered taffeta, with a youthful bow at one shoulder.

Sizes: XXS–XL

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