LaPointe Rehearsal Dinner Dresses for the Bride, Family and Guests

For a rehearsal dinner, LaPointe’s best dresses are the satin drape neck gown in Cream for the bride, the satin shift with feathers for a short look, and the satin halter gown in a rich colour for guests. A rehearsal dinner is an evening event the night before the wedding, usually more formal than a shower and less formal than the wedding itself. The bride often wears white, a pale colour, a dramatic colour that she will not wear on the day. LaPointe’s satin evening pieces suit the occasion because they look special without competing with the wedding gown.

This guide covers the bride, the mother of the bride and the guests, with outfits for a restaurant dinner, a country club and a destination welcome party.

Quick answer: the LaPointe rehearsal dinner edit

• The bride, long: Satin Drape Neck Sleeveless Gown in Cream
• The bride, short: Satin Shift Dress With Feathers in Cream
• The bride, in colour: Satin Halter Gown With Feathers in Cloud
• A guest: Satin Draped Neck Bias Dress With Feathers in Mulberry
• The mother of the bride: Satin Tab Gown in Indigo

What is the dress code for a rehearsal dinner?

Rehearsal dinners are usually cocktail attire. The invitation might say cocktail, dressy casual, semi formal; if it says nothing, assume cocktail. That means a knee length dress, a midi, a smart evening trouser look. A long gown is right only when the dinner is held somewhere formal, such as a hotel ballroom, and when the bride has asked for it.

The rehearsal dinner is often the one event where the bride chooses a dress purely for herself. Some brides want a short white dress, others a vivid colour. Both are correct.

The bride: a white dress for the night before

A long white dress at the rehearsal dinner is a preview of the wedding. The Satin Drape Neck Sleeveless Gown in Cream is ideal: a bias satin gown with a soft draped neckline that moves when you walk. It is simple enough not to steal the thunder of the wedding gown.

A short white dress is the more popular choice. The Satin Shift Dress With Feathers in Cream is loose, high necked and feathered at the cuff. With a pair of heels and the Ear Cuff in Gold it is a complete outfit. The Compact Viscose Tube Top With Feathers in Cream with the Sequin High Waist Slit Skirt in Cream is the party version: a feathered strapless top with a cream sequin skirt.

The bride: a colour for the night before

If you would rather keep white for the wedding, choose a pale colour with some shine. The Satin Halter Gown With Feathers in Cloud is a frosted pale blue with a feathered halter neck. The Satin Tab Gown in Washed Silver is a silvery grey that looks luminous by candlelight. For a bride who wants drama, the Lightweight Satin Halter Gown in Rouge is a true red.

Guests: what to wear to a rehearsal dinner

Guests should follow cocktail attire and avoid white. A bias satin dress is the easiest answer. The Satin Draped Neck Bias Dress With Feathers in Mulberry is a deep plum with a feathered hem; the Satin Draped Neck Bias Dress in Dark Olive is the plainer version in olive green. A shift dress is the relaxed option, and the Satin Shift Dress With Feathers in Forest is a dark green that works across seasons.

For a trouser look, try a cape tee with a relaxed satin trouser: the Satin Cape Tee in Indigo with the Satin Relaxed Pleated Pant in Indigo is a tonal navy set that is smart enough for any restaurant. Our LaPointe matching sets guide lists every colour.

The mother of the bride and the mother of the groom

The parents of the couple usually host the rehearsal dinner, so they dress one step up from the guests. A long satin gown is appropriate. The Satin Tab Gown in Indigo is a classic navy column, and the Satin Halter Gown in Chocolate is a rich brown. A sleeved option is the Satin Draped Neck Bias Dress With Feathers in Black. Our LaPointe mother of the bride guide covers the wedding day.

Layers for an outdoor rehearsal dinner

Many rehearsal dinners take place outside, on a terrace, at a vineyard, by the sea. Bring a layer. The Satin Double Breasted Blazer in Cream sits over a white dress; the Satin Double Breasted Blazer in Black goes with everything else. For a cold evening, the Mesh Shrug With Feathers in Black adds warmth and a little drama. See our LaPointe coats and jackets guide.

Sizing for satin evening dresses

LaPointe runs true to size. The bias satin gowns and dresses follow the body closely, so if you are between sizes, size up. The shift dress and cape tee are cut loose. Read our LaPointe sizing guide before you buy.

Frequently asked questions

What should the bride wear to the rehearsal dinner?

Brides usually wear a short white dress, a long white gown and a pale colour to the rehearsal dinner. In LaPointe, the Satin Shift Dress With Feathers in Cream and the Satin Drape Neck Sleeveless Gown in Cream are the most popular choices.

What is the dress code for a rehearsal dinner?

Most rehearsal dinners are cocktail attire: a knee length dress, a midi and a smart evening trouser look. A long gown is right when the dinner is held somewhere formal.

Can guests wear white to a rehearsal dinner?

No. Guests should avoid white, ivory and cream at every wedding event, including the rehearsal dinner, unless the couple has asked for it.

What should the mother of the bride wear to the rehearsal dinner?

The parents usually host, so they dress one step up from guests. A long satin gown in navy, chocolate and black is appropriate, such as the LaPointe Satin Tab Gown in Indigo.

Should the rehearsal dinner dress be different from the wedding dress?

Yes. Choose a different length, a different colour and a different fabric, so the wedding gown still feels like a reveal the next day.

Does LaPointe satin crease?

Satin creases less than silk charmeuse, and LaPointe satin has enough weight to hang out. Hang the dress in a steamy bathroom on arrival and it will be ready for the evening.

Read next

• LaPointe bridal shower dresses
• LaPointe reception dresses
• LaPointe mother of the bride dresses
• LaPointe wedding guest dresses

Written by Gemma Deeks, Fashion Editor at Coveti.