Congratulations! If you’re planning your wedding rehearsal dinner attire that means you’ve already chosen a wedding gown. Phew! The hard part is over. Your guests have replied to their rehearsal dinner invitation and you have a location booked. Now think of your wedding rehearsal dinner as just another soiree you need to find a dress for. That will alleviate some pressure and make this task fun.

Before you allow that pretty pedicure of yours into any department stores or boutiques, take into account where and when your wedding rehearsal dinner is taking place. If it’s a daytime barbecue in your backyard you’ll want to stay ultra casual. If you’ve chosen a swanky upscale restaurant for dinner, then you’ll want to find a cocktail dress or gown. This is an important step because you don’t have any time to waste looking at dresses that don’t fit the mood or time of day. However you are going to be the center of attention, so don’t be afraid to pick something that’s as fabulous as you are!

This guide will help you pick the dress that fits the time and place of your wedding rehearsal dinner, as well as complement your style as you make rehearsal dinner toasts.

Daytime Casual

• Style: Match a silk-drape, sleeveless, scoop-neck top with slim cargo pants made of cotton or linen (or a blend). Stay away from jeans.
• Shoes: Espadrille wedge is a safe bet; they're slimming and sassy.
• Color Palette: Mocha latte, silver, light pink, salmon.

Daytime Semi-Formal

• Style: Opt for a silk mid-thigh-length short-sleeved dress, with shimmer on top or beaded work to give it that something extra special.
• Shoes: High-heeled strappy platforms, or platform close-toed pumps.
• Color Palette: Pearl, teal, golden lilly, taupe.

Daytime Formal

• Style: Go goddess with a silk Grecian-style asymmetrical neckline dress that drops to the floor. If you want to show off your shape, find a rope belt to accentuate your waistline.
• Shoes: Strappy bejeweled sandals pair well with long dresses.
• Color Palette: Taupe, pink rose, mauve.

Evening Casual

• Style: A simple sheath dress is casual but fabulous enough to make you pop. Show off your stems with a mid-thigh length and dress it up a touch with silver- or gold-draping necklaces.
• Shoes: Warm weather? Go with leather strappy-heeled sandals or cover up your toes with leather flats.
• Color Palette: Khaki.

Evening Semi-Formal

• Style: Find a cap-sleeved fitted dress that falls just below the knees. Spice up your look with an eye-catching design like paisley or polka dots.
• Shoes: Flats or stiletto heels.
• Color Palette: Bronze, black.

Evening Formal

• Style: Be the belle of the ball with an organza gown. Very fashion-forward yet tasteful and classy.
• Shoes: Suede platform peep toes.
• Color Palette: Gunmetal iridescent.

Don’t shy away from flashy or unique fabrics, textures or cuts for your wedding rehearsal dinner. Since this is your time to shine, you have free reign to pick styles that draw more attention than you’re used to. If you’re the most formally dressed in the restaurant, it’s okay, because after all, you are the bride-to-be!

Check Our Rehearsal Dinner Get-to-Know-You Games
Check Out Creating a Great Rehearsal Dinner Speech
Check Out Delivering Great Rehearsal Dinner Toasts