Favorite Rehearsal Dinner Dresses

With all the focus on the dress, it can slip your mind that you have to be dressed the night before, too.  The rehearsal dinner is the next best excuse to dress to the nines.  You can show your personality, relax and be comfortable while reveling in the excitement that the best is yet to come.

The rehearsal is your chance to wear white one more time – or to wear the color you adore but your grandmother would never allow down the aisle (blush? gold? for die-hards: cream?)

Like it or not, you’ll be the center of attention, and presumably someone will be taking pictures.  Plus these days rehearsal dinners often involve more than just the bridal party: out-of-town guests, dear friends, siblings, godparents, etc.  So whether you wear the most flattering dress already in your closet, or try on as many little-white-dresses as wedding gowns, consider these BNB favorites:

  tulle ruffles scream bridal + looks great in person 

Ella Pleated One-Shoulder Cocktail Dress by BCBG – on sale, $135

  stretchy fabric & lace make this wedding worthy 

Lace Peplum Dress by Velvet - $168

  funky yet sweet, ML dresses never disappoint 

Mixed Media Lace Dress by Maggy London - $148

  affordable and flirty 

Pencil Dress with Ruffle Sleeves by ASOS - $68

  pricey, I know, but too beautiful to resist 

 Jola Dress by Yoana Baraschi for BHLDN - $300

  chic adds a little color 

 Lace Overlay Pencil Dress by Warehouse - $110

  great details and you can wear again (jean jackets are back...) 

'Vionne' Cotton Shift Dress by Joie - on sale, $184

So take a look at these dream dresses, but don't stress.  It may seem like the entire wedding week is supposed to be a fashion show; from rehearsal dresses to matching robes for hair and makeup, to honeymoon resort wear and swimsuits – it can feel like you need an entirely new wardrobe to get married.  But remember: Nordstrom has free shipping/free returns.  A professional photographer is (typically) only at your wedding day, and borrowing (or renting) can give you that 'new-dress-confidence' without the investment.

In the rush and under the pressure, I never found a white dress that I loved enough to spend $ on.  So I chose the most figure-flattering dress I already owned, and played its red-and-yellow color up to the restaurant’s vibrant cuisine (Venezuelan). 

The only thing I’d change: I'd remember to take my veil to the rehearsal.