Bought two dresses…can i wear one to the rehearsal dinner?!

You can totally wear it for the rehearsal dinner, but if it's a long gown, it may look out of place or overdressed. How formal is the rehearsal dinner?

I think it might be ok if you had it altered to remove the train so it looked less like a wedding dress. But also how does it compare to your actual wedding dress? If it’s just as formal, then I wouldn’t wear it personally. But then again I’m just going to wear something I already own to the rehearsal dinner. 😂

View Quoted Comment The rehearsal dinner is quite formal. I was planning on wearing a long dress but in a bright color or print or something playful to still stand out. Does it matter that it’s a “wedding dress” being worn?!? Idk why that’s stuck in my head.

I think if the RD is formal you’re fine in this dress with the train cut off, maybe to just above the ankle or even midi length with some killer bright heels. It definitely doesn’t matter that it’s a wedding dress, it won’t “ruin” anything for the next day!

How similar is it to your actual wedding dress? If they look similar then I'd maybe consider something else, but if the other is different enough from this one that you don't think those at the RD would think it was the same dress then go for it! You could also consider getting it shortened to knee length so it doesn't look as much like a wedding dress.

I would wear it! Maybe hem the train to be a “sweep train” length

I'd bustle the train rather than hemming it. Preserve the resale value. A lot of brides wear white to pre wedding events. I don't see a problem

Wedding dresses are only “wedding dresses” if they’re worn to a wedding! Otherwise they’re just beautiful white gowns

View Quoted Comment Love the idea of midi length and bright, fun heels!! I’ll have to see how much alterations cost. Thank you for the suggestions!

View Quoted Comment Oh that would be ideal actually…the dress hasn’t come in yet but if it works bustled I love that


Thank you!

View Quoted Comment Love this perspective and I think you are quite right! It’s all in how it’s worn.

View Quoted Comment It’s pretty formal! I was still planning on wearing a long dress…but fun and/or unexpected!

View Quoted Comment If the alteration costs are within reason I think this is totally the move!! I feel like if I bought it I might as well wear it.

Hi! I think this depends how different the dress is that you plan to wear at your ceremony/reception. Would you feel comfortable posting photos of both dresses?

For example, if you plan to wear a ballgown on your wedding day, I think the dress you posted is totally fine for the rehearsal but if they're the same style, I would understand why you'd be concerned about it taking away the specialness of the day

WEAR the Dress! It is stunning. I might consider reducing the train or maybe shortening the hem. But you look magnificent in it!

I wore my mother's wedding dress to the rehearsal dinner but hers was a slightly more informal tea-length dress. If your dinner is formal then I would say go for it. It is your time to shine!

I say go for it! I'm wearing a different ball gown to my rehearsal dinner.

I think it’s fine but agree with what others have said and would cut the train off of it. Or maybe even shorten it a bit.

I bought 2 dresses also! One to get married in and once for the reception to wear in and out of the pool!