I need some help. How dressed up do I need to be for my son's upcoming wedding rehearsal dinner?
The last time I attended a rehearsal dinner was 20 years ago when I was Matron of Honor for a friends 2nd wedding. I was overdressed in a nice skirt and sleeveless blouse--everyone else wore shorts and tank tops! This was in Orange County, CA.
The wedding advice books and sites I've looked at say that the more formal the wedding, the more formal the rehearsal dinner. This will be a late afternoon wedding at a Country Club near Chicago. Long dresses and tuxes. The dinner will be at a nice Italian restaurant. We're inviting all of the out-of-town guests to attend the dinner, so that could be another 20+ in addition to the wedding party. Since most of them are flying in the day of the dinner, I don't imagine they will want to be too dressed up.
I have two new Tahari pants suits--never worn. One black with a bit of pink pinstripe and pink jacket lining. The other a bit dressier--all black with some lacy stuff applied to the collar. I'd wear a lacy/satin camisole in raspberry.
Too dark/formal for the MOG on a festive occasion? I'm not a dress person--I do own one dress in addition to my MOG outfit, but it's kind of low cut.
The Bride-to-be is so busy and hassled right now, so I don't want to bother her. However, I am talking to my son tonight. We're in California--son and bride live in Chicago.
I don't think the suits sound bad. If the community is super-conservative or snooty, I'd wear a skirt. Otherwise, it sounds fine and festive.
My rehearsal was in the middle of the day in June in Phoenix, so we didn't dress up at all, even though it was a country club. LOL. I think my mother-in-law wore shorts. The bride will probably be so stressed that she won't notice if you wear a paper bag...I wouldn't have!
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"We live in an age where unnecessary things are our only necessities." --Oscar Wilde
I think I would dress the same as I would if I were just going out to dinner at the Italian restaurant. I think either of your pantsuits would be fine - especially done with a colorful camisole and maybe some nice sandals? You could always remove your jacket if you felt too dressed up. Or you could always wear a skirt with your camisole and suit jacket ... Either way you are the Mother of the Groom! You can get away with a little more than a mere guest at least !
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To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment ~ {Ralph Waldo Emerson}
I think either of the pants suits will be fine. You can dress it up a little if you need to with diamonds or pearls..No one will think you are overdressed, you are the mother of the groom! I think that it is ALWAYS better to be overdressed that under. This will be a big weekend for your family and I think you should look your best!