What Do Bridesmaids Wear to the Rehearsal Dinner?
Among their other duties to the happy couple, bridesmaids are expected to attend the rehearsal dinner. Like the ceremony itself, this event's dress code is primarily determined by the bride and groom. Other factors include the dinner's location, menu, time of year and family expectations.
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Formality Level
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Usually held the night before the ceremony, the rehearsal dinner features a much more intimate invite list than any other wedding event. The dinner may be formal or semi-formal, according to the wishes of the bride, groom and perhaps their families. However, now more "couples are opting to have low-key rehearsal dinners," reports Brides.com. Guests take their main dress cue from the event's formality level.
Theme and Menu
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Bridesmaids should also consider the rehearsal dinner's theme and menu. EmilyPost.com explains that, "it's a time to celebrate...in a relaxed atmosphere, without the pomp and ceremony reserved for the wedding day." An entertaining theme and matching menu help create this atmosphere and the bride's attendants should dress accordingly.
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Time and Location
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The location and season are also important. An outside summer barbecue would clearly call for a different dress code than a winter dinner held at the groom's parent's home.
Cardinal Rule
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Once they have weighed these factors, bridesmaids should remember not to outshine the bride. She "must look better, more wonderful and more special than everyone else at the rehearsal dinner," according to WeddingChannel.com.
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References
- Photo Credit red dress and flowers in line bridesmaid gown image by Paul Retherford from Fotolia.com
