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!

[rho4life]

Also go for a fun acessory, which can be a great way to start off conversations

[LeslieAGD]

Originally Posted by 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!

Good choice! Enjoy the dinner and wedding!

[Cardinal026]

LeslieAGD was right on the money...turns out it was a dinner cruise rehearsal dinner and a summer dress, or even light dress pants and a pretty top would have been perfect...

if only my luggage hadn't gotten lost and i was forced to wear jeans and pumas to the dinner, ooops. So much for my super first impression All turned out well though, if anything it made me stand out more (not necessarily a good thing, but it is what it is)

[adpiucf]

I'm annoyed. Help.

I received an invite for my cousin's rehearsal-- paper stock and design were not very expensive and it was printed on a crappy ink jet at someone's home. It says "casual attire." I planned to wear a fabulous sweater, great shoes and some dark skinny jeans. My mother informed me today that my cousin's mother told her, "Oh no. It's DRESSY casual. No one will be wearing jeans." WTF? Why would you send me an el-cheapo homemade invite that says "Casual" and not expect me to wear jeans?

What the heck is dressy casual? I am not wearing black pants. This isn't 1998.

[DSTCHAOS]

Originally Posted by adpiucf

I'm annoyed. Help.

I received an invite for my cousin's rehearsal-- paper stock and design were not very expensive and it was printed on a crappy ink jet at someone's home. It says "casual attire." I planned to wear a fabulous sweater, great shoes and some dark skinny jeans. My mother informed me today that my cousin's mother told her, "Oh no. It's DRESSY casual. No one will be wearing jeans." WTF? Why would you send me an el-cheapo homemade invite that says "Casual" and not expect me to wear jeans?

What the heck is dressy casual? I am not wearing black pants. This isn't 1998.

LOL!! When I read "casual," I think "business casual" and assume a pair of slacks or khakis and a nice top. Something that's not quite dressing down but not too dressed up. I know these distinctions get complicated sometimes especially since it's become acceptable to dress up jeans.

I say keep everything except for the jeans and opt for a nicer bottom. Some people may show up in jeans but since you're unsure it's always safe to be dressier just in case.

[adpiucf]

I think you're right.... sigh.... It's just that MY BOTTOM looks so good in those jeans! hee hee. I just sent an email to the Maid of Honor. She'll give me the straight scoop.