Rehearsal Dinner - What to wear?

[Cardinal026]

I know, I know, another wedding question, I'm sorry! But the advice I've gotten from friends and family is so varied, I thought I'd turn to GC...

I'm going to a wedding in Pensacola next month for a cousin of my boyfriends. Even though we've been dating 6 years, I've never met anyone on this side of the family. Since we're not from that area, we've been invited to the Rehearsal dinner, and I have NO idea what to wear, and theres no one to ask, since I don't know them either!

The wedding is a 5pm on a Friday wedding, and judging by the invitations (very elegant) I have a just-below-the-knee silk cocktail dress...but would a Thursday evening rehearsal dinner require a dress just as fancy? Or as casual as a suit that I'd wear to the office?

Thanks for your help

[SoCalGirl]

Do you know where the dinner is? I think the style of restaurant would dictate what would be appropriate.

[jadis96]

Also keep in mind that while the wedding may be formal the rehearsal dinner may be more laid back. I agree, check where the dinner is held. Last rehersal dinner I went to I wore grey dress pants, a pale green silk camisole and a coach scarf to. The one before that I wore a black suit to. Just depends on the place.

[LeslieAGD]

I would suggest a summery dress, or a skirt and blouse. No need for a cocktail dress for a thursday RD...they would have indictated if it was meant to be that fancy.

[adpiucf]

It depends on the location. My very formal friend did a BBQ with casual jeans attire (gasp!) for her rehearsal dinner.

[AlphaFrog]

Originally Posted by LeslieAGD

I would suggest a summery dress, or a skirt and blouse. No need for a cocktail dress for a thursday RD...they would have indictated if it was meant to be that fancy.

I second this. Anything that could be "casual" or "dressy".

Or, maybe black slacks and a blouse.

[f8nacn]

No business casual attire...maybe a slip dress that can be dressed down or up with accessories (that's the key) and shoes.

[Marie]

Originally Posted by LeslieAGD

I would suggest a summery dress, or a skirt and blouse. No need for a cocktail dress for a thursday RD...they would have indictated if it was meant to be that fancy.

This sounds right. Wear a skirt or dress that will look nice, but also won't leave you embarassed if everyone else is more casual.

[Cardinal026]

Thanks for the input! I still haven't been able to figure out where the dinner will be, but apparently my boyfriend's parents are going, and his mother said that she is wearing a little black dress. Since she tends to do things one step beyond everyone else, I think I'll stick to the summery dress and heels idea. I figure thats nice enough to be acceptable in most restaurants, and i'll save the more formal dress for the wedding!

[adpiucf]

Not quite black, but I may have gray ones... ugh, this totally ruins my color scheme. I was all about brown!

ETA: I think I'll just wear brown pants with the dumb sweater.... so sad....