Wedding Rehearsal Attire for Men: What to Wear

From practicing the wedding ceremony to showing gratitude to family and the wedding party, the wedding rehearsal is a festive and happy event. So, what should you wear to this joyful event?

For wedding rehearsal attire, men should at least wear either a button-down or dress shirt and nice slacks. However, for a formal rehearsal dinner, you’ll wear a suit. Ultimately, the rehearsal venue and the dress code will determine how formal or casual your attire should be.

You can rely on this guide to help navigate what to wear for various wedding rehearsal dress codes and venues. Once you read through our suggestions, you’ll discover the perfect wedding rehearsal attire and be able to dress confidently for any rehearsal dinner.

Understanding Wedding Rehearsal Dress Codes

The bride’s and groom’s choice of venue and dress code may vary from formal to semi-formal, or from dressy casual to casual. They might opt for an elegant and sophisticated club, or they may prefer a relaxed rehearsal venue such as a catered park picnic or a favorite tap room.

For a wedding rehearsal dinner, men should always choose an outfit based on the dress code. For example, if the rehearsal dinner will be held at an upscale restaurant or club, the dress code will require formal or semi-formal attire. If the rehearsal dinner will be held at a laid-back venue, the dress code will be casual.

Read the invitation carefully to determine the dress code. If the dress code isn’t crystal clear, err on the side of dressing a bit more formally. The time of day and the venue will also help you determine what to wear. A daytime wedding rehearsal will likely be more casual than an evening event.

What to Wear to a Formal Wedding Rehearsal

If the rehearsal will be formal, wear a dark suit, a dress shirt, tie, and dress shoes. A solid color tie in black, navy, sage green, or burgundy will add a sophisticated vibe to your look. Formal ties are most often made of silk or high-end natural fabrics.

Accessorizing for a Formal Rehearsal

A dark suit will be perfect to wear for a formal rehearsal. However, well-chosen accessories will add the finishing touch to elevate your ensemble.

• A pocket square that complements (but doesn’t match!) your tie will provide balance and style to your look.
• Cufflinks that adorn a French cuff dress shirt are a handsome formal touch.
• A tie bar not only holds your tie in place but also adds an attractive flourish to your outfit.

Semi-Formal Wedding Rehearsal Attire

Wear a blazer, a dress shirt or button-down, dress pants, and dress shoes to a semi-formal wedding. The clothing for a semi-formal dress code will be more versatile and allow for more choices.

You can wear a shirt with an interesting pattern, and the colors you choose can be a bit lighter and a tad bit brighter. If you wear a tie or bow tie, you can choose attractive florals, geometrics, stripes, dots, and many other patterns that will add panache to your outfit.

Choosing the Right Accessories for Semi-Formal Events

If you choose a patterned shirt and patterned tie or bow tie, remember the pattern matching rule: Select patterns in a different scale and size. For instance, if you’re wearing a micro check dress shirt, you can choose a larger-scale pattern tie such as this Kate Lower x Tie Bar Circles Smoke Tie.

Choose a pocket square to balance your look. This can be in a similar color tone or contrasting pattern, but don’t try to match your pocket square to your tie.

If you go without a tie, you’ll have the leeway to choose a wide range of pocket square colors and patterns. Other accessories, such as tie bars or tie clips will add a refined touch to your look. To ensure you’re making the right choice, learn the difference between a tie bar and a tie clip.

Casual Wedding Rehearsal Outfit Ideas

A casual dress code gives you the greatest versatility in what you’ll choose to wear to an informal wedding rehearsal. But do remember, this is all about a wedding, so it isn’t an event where you’ll wear your most comfy jeans, a t-shirt, and flip flops.

Appropriate attire for a casual wedding rehearsal can include chinos, khakis, or dark jeans paired with a button-down shirt and an optional blazer or stylish jacket.

There are creative ways to enhance your casual look without being too formal. Any number of handsome patterned dress shirts can be attractive, or suspenders instead of a belt can add some panache and exhibit your sense of fashion.

Dressing for Outdoor or Themed Rehearsals

The rehearsal gives the bride and groom the opportunity to provide a special venue for family and friends so that all can enjoy one another. An outdoor or themed rehearsal can offer guests a chance to experience an entirely different environment from the more fixed wedding ceremony.

A beachside or garden rehearsal provides a link to nature that can be refreshing and relaxed. Rehearsals held in a barn or on a farm are intended to be lighthearted, festive affairs. A backyard barbecue or a tropical theme offers a chance to mingle while having fun.

If the invitation asks you to dress to a theme, it doesn’t mean you have to create a costume. Simply add an accessory or two to your polished outfit. For a barn rehearsal, pair your khakis or dark rinse jeans with a plaid shirt and boots. For a fiesta theme, don a brightly colored shirt and huaraches. For a tropical theme, add a lei or wear some good-looking sandals — you get the idea.

Groomsmen Attire for Wedding Rehearsals

When considering wedding rehearsal attire, groomsmen will typically coordinate their outfits. The groom may offer advice on what groomsmen should wear so that the wedding party has a cohesive look.

Often, the rehearsal is the first time some family members from the bride’s and groom’s families have an opportunity to meet and get to know one another. When the groomsmen’s outfits are aligned, guests and family can more easily identify them as the groom’s select men.

First and foremost, follow the groom’s lead in terms of the formality of your rehearsal attire. The couple may have very specific ideas that support the rehearsal theme or venue. Dressing for the rehearsal will be much easier if you consult the groom about your attire.

Can Men Wear White to a Wedding Rehearsal Dinner?

White is traditionally reserved for the bride. While it’s acceptable for men to wear a white dress shirt to a rehearsal dinner, especially with a suit or jacket, avoid wearing a full white or ivory outfit.

An oatmeal tone suit, or deeper tans and beiges, will also be acceptable — just be sure your ensemble won’t be confused with white. If you want to wear a light color ensemble, especially if the rehearsal is a summer or daytime event, you can also go with light shades of blue, green, yellow, and lavender.

Tips for Choosing the Perfect Wedding Rehearsal Outfit

Stick to these tips and you’ll look just right at the wedding rehearsal:

• Choose an outfit based on the informality or formality of the venue.
• Consider the time of day. Darker colors are more appropriate for evening rehearsals. Light colors are a great choice for daytime or summer rehearsal events.
• Consider your footwear. Always wear polished dress shoes for formal and semi-formal dress codes. Suede loafers, Chelsea boots, monk straps, and other less formal styles are a handsome choice for casual dress codes.
• By all means respect the event’s dress code.
  • Whatever the dress code, you can still express your personal style with carefully chosen clothing styles, colors, and accessories.
  • For example, if you’re known as a guy who loves wearing bow ties, by all means tie one on. Just choose your bow tie in a fabric and color that meets the level of formality.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Wedding Rehearsal Attire

Be aware of the most common faux pas to avoid as you plan your attire. Common outfit mistakes will make you feel out of place and uncomfortable. The most common rehearsal attire mistakes include:

• Underdressing
• Overdressing
• Wearing inappropriate colors (don’t wear an all white outfit!)

You can easily avoid potential attire mistakes by being sure of the rehearsal dress code. Also keep the venue in mind. If you’re unsure or the invitation is slightly murky, don’t hesitate to ask the groom or other groomsmen.

Where to Find Quality Attire for Wedding Rehearsals

When you consider the rehearsal dress code, venue, and time of day it will be held, you’ll be able to plan your ideal wedding rehearsal attire confidently.

Once you know what to wear, you may want to fill in your wardrobe with some special pieces. Whether you need a fresh new dress shirt, dress pants, a unique tie, or some stylish accessories, you’ll be sure to create the perfect ensemble by shopping The Tie Bar’s quality collection.

WEDDING NECKTIES & BOW TIES