Been invited to a wedding rehearsal dinner? While more of a tradition in the US, it’s starting to be much more common here in the UK.
Typically held the night before the wedding, after rehearsals in the church or venue in the daytime, this is a chance for members of the wedding party to relax. It’s an opportunity to run through key tasks for the next day, give gifts and thank close friends and family for their help. But mostly, it’s a chance to spend quality time together.
So, what should you wear for a wedding rehearsal dinner?
What Men Should Wear to a Wedding Rehearsal Dinner
This kind of pre-wedding event is a reasonably smart occasion, but you need to strike the right balance between looking sharp and accidentally upstaging the groom. You also don’t want to overshadow the wedding, so make sure you save your wedding suit for the big day itself.
There are a few key things to consider when putting a look together. These are the venue, time of day and the theme of the wedding itself, as this may extend to the rehearsal dinner too. Some couples may make it easier on their guests by setting a dress code.
Consider the Dress Code and Venue
The first thing to check when deciding what to wear for a wedding rehearsal dinner is whether or not there’s a dress code. If it’s not explicit on the invitation, you might want to ask the couple or another member of the wedding party.
The venue will also influence the kind of thing you should wear. For example:
- Upscale restaurant or hotel – formal or cocktail attire is the best choice for these venues, which are the most common for wedding rehearsal dinners
- Gardens or backyard marquees – the most appropriate dress code for these more laid-back venues is smart casual, with paler colours, lighter fabrics and floral prints to suit the outdoor environment
- Beach or destination venue – this can be tricky to dress for, but a safe bet is light linens, open collars and relaxed footwear.
Time of day is also important. Evening events tend to be slightly dressier than daytime, so you’ll want to dress up a bit more for an evening dinner compared to a lunch or brunch earlier in the day.
Keep It Polished Without Going Overboard
Unless you’re the groom or the best man, you don’t need to go over the top when it comes to formality. In most cases, male members of the wedding party aren’t wearing top hats and tails for rehearsal dinners.
But this is still an important and special occasion, so you’ll want to make a good impression and avoid looking (or feeling) underdressed.
Here are a few tips for looking polished, without going overboard:
- Pair a crisp, high quality shirt with tailored trousers or chinos
- Add a blazer or lightweight sport coat for structure – having extra layers is also a good idea if it’s a colder time of year, especially for evening events
- Choose a pair of clean, polished shoes, such as leather loafers or smart Derby shoes.
As a general rule of thumb, you should avoid wearing anything more formal or ‘louder’ than the groom. This means that a tuxedo is probably not the best choice, unless specifically stated on the dress code. If it is a black tie event though, you can really push the boat out and choose your smartest tuxedo or dinner jacket.
Outfit Ideas for Formal, Smart Casual and Casual Settings
To help you prepare for an upcoming rehearsal dinner, here are some outfit ideas which can be easily adapted to a range of dress codes and venues.
- For formal occasions, you might want to try a three piece suit in navy or charcoal, paired with a white or pale blue shirt. You can add accessories to suit your tastes, such as a colourful or classic pocket square and a pair of leather brogues. Tie is optional, depending on the venue or overall vibe of the event.
- For a smart-casual dinner, a blazer with chinos is a strong choice. Wear it with an Oxford shirt or polo, along with Chelsea boots or loafers and minimal accessories such as a belt or understated watch.
- For casual, outdoor or daytime events, try a linen shirt with rolled-up sleeves, along with slim-fit trousers (or dark jeans, if it’s a really casual affair). Finish the look with suede loafers or clean, smart trainers, and a lightweight jacket if it’s needed.
Tips for Standing Out Without Upstaging
There are lots of ways you can show off your signature style without upstaging the groom or the best man. Here are some tips to bear in mind:
- Choose textured fabrics or muted patterns (like subtle checks or stripes)
- Use accessories like a watch, pocket square or lapel pin to elevate a simple outfit
- Keep colours elegant but interesting – for example, olive green, rich burgundy or sophisticated stone tones
- Grooming matters – look smart with a fresh haircut, neat facial hair and a dash of cologne (but make sure it’s not overpowering).
Ultimately though, what works best for wedding rehearsal dinners is comfort, confidence and coordinating with the dress code and venue.
