The Best Dresses to Wear to a Rehearsal Dinner This Summer as a Guest

"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links."

When deciding on what dress to wear to a wedding, it's easy to forget about choosing an outfit for the rehearsal dinner. The dress code is all dependent on what the couple requests, but as a rule of thumb, it's always best to dress in something formal or semi-formal. For instance, if the pre-wedding festivities are being held in an outdoor garden, a flowy floral dress is the perfect option. For black-tie affairs, you can't go wrong with a classic little black dress. Or if the bride and groom is keeping the party more low-key and intimate, an elegant cocktail dress or a modest maxi will never do you wrong. Ahead, the best rehearsal dinner guest dresses for every dress code and season.

Audrey Blouson Dress

A halter-neck style dress with a waist-cinching smocked bodice and asymmetrical hemline perfect for channeling your inner Greek goddess. Wear with strappy metallic heels and statement drop earrings to tie the look together.

Nadira Dress

The gorgeous floral frock—with a sweetheart neckline, smocked bodice, and tie straps—is perfect for spring and summer rehearsal dinners, but it's also ideal for dinner dates, getaways, and picnics in the park.

Fabiana Dress

Simple and understated is always a good idea. And the great thing about this smocked number is its versatility. You can wear it during the daytime with a chic cardigan or you can drop the straps off the shoulder for more a formal-friendly look—either way, you'll look stunning.

Tulle Midi-Dress

When in doubt, opt for black. This tulle number is slimming, goes with everything, and is elegant as can be. Plus, you won't be able to resist twirling in it all night!

Clark

There's a reason satin slip dresses will never go out of style: they're comfortable, flattering, and add just the right amount of allure to any look. This one also comes in over 25 colors... just in case you want to wear it in another hue for the actual wedding.

Sylvia Pintuck Midi Dress

Gathered puff sleeves, a fitted waist, and a flouncy pleated skirt make up the perfect party dress, no matter the season.

Catalina Fit & Flare Cocktail Dress

Want to make a statement (without upstaging the bride-to-be, of course)? Lean into the hot pink trend with a fit and flare cocktail dress. It also comes in a ton of other pretty hues—such as black, navy, and green—that you'll want one of each in.

Ruffled Silk-Satin Mini Wrap Dress

A mini wrap dress made from a buttery soft-satin blend is timeless and will quickly become a go-to for all the upcoming events on your agenda.

One-Shoulder Cutout Detail Linen Blend Dress

This vibrant, skin-baring midi dress made of lightweight linen is a great choice for breezy beach settings.

Women's Jackie O Belted Dress

Black Halo takes your run-of-the-mill LBD and ups the ante with a folded neckline and sleek belt that accentuates the waist. Classic, but with an elevated twist.

V-neck Smocked-Waist Dress in Cotton Poplin

Every wardrobe needs that one dress they can wear from event to event with a few notable accessory changes. This v-neck style dress with dainty eyelet details along the hem is exactly what we had in mind. Perfect for rehearsal dinners, perfect for the office, perfect for a stroll around the neighborhood.

Tatum Floral Lace Midi Dress

The lace overlay on this midi dress adds sex appeal, but it's still sophisticated enough for more conservative settings.

Sweetheart Button-Front Dress By Maeve

Take a page out of Kate Middleton's stylebook and go for polka-dot rehearsal dinner dress. The spotted pattern is timeless, versatile, and fun way to turn heads.

The Somerset Maxi Dress: Cutwork Edition

There's a reason the internet (and T&C!) is obsessed with Anthropologie's Somerset Dress. It comes in endless colors and patterns for every season, is designed to look effortless on all, and can be dressed up or down as you please. To give your look a dressier touch, wear the cut-out edition with chunky earrings and a stack of cuff bracelets.

Damon Dress

With fluttery ruffled sleeves and belt that shapes the body, this kelly green number will be in heavy rotation long after that upcoming rehearsal dinner.

Yvette Floral-Brocade Midi Dress

For a fancier summer soirées, this romantic floral dress featuring off-the-shoulder puff sleeves is the move.

+ NET SUSTAIN Party Shirt Feather-Trimmed Satin Dress

Want to make an impact? This feathery showstopper is a conversation starter for sure.

The Cecily Fit & Flare Sweetheart Dress

For those affairs when you just can't decide on what to wear, we give you this retro-inspired black dress with a romantic sweetheart neckline, a buttoned bodice, and fit and flare silhouette. You'll get endless use out of it long after the rehearsal dinner.

Gathered Woven Midi Dress

Everything about this dress, from the ruched details at the waist to the tulip sleeves and vibrant lilac color, is hard to resist. Pair with black crystal-embellished pumps and elegant evening bag, and you have yourself the ultimate rehearsal dinner look.

You Might Also Like

• 12 Weekend Getaway Spas For Every Type of Occasion

• 13 Beauty Tools to Up Your At-Home Facial Game