Fashion Help: Guest at Rehearsal Dinner

[Alethea]

I need some fashion help!:o DBF is the best man at a wedding next weekend, and I'm not entirely confident about what I should wear to the rehearsal dinner. I've been to plenty of weddings before, but only two rehearsal dinners. One was uber-formal, the other was a super casual BBQ in the family's backyward. DBF, despite being the best man, seems to know nothing about this wedding, other than it's "average." (Two weeks ago the wedding itself was 80 people at 11:00 a.m. on the south shore, turns out it's really 200+ people at 6:00 p.m. on the north shore. It will be a miracle if either of us arrives at the right time and venue, much less appropriately dressed. Okay, done with the DBF rant.:o)

As far as I know, the rehearsal dinner is going to be at a restaurant. DBF doesn't know what restaurant, how many people are coming, etc. I was thinking I'd wear an above-the-knee black skirt and a silk, sleeveless, wrap-top. Does that sound appropriate? I'm thinking it's nice and something I'd wear going out to a restaurant, but less dressy than what I'm wearing to the wedding (black cocktail dress). Any fashion mavens care to weigh in? TIA!:)

-Thea

[Gilgamesh37]

Thea--I feel your pain. The men in DBF's family are exactly the same--it is IMPOSSIBLE to get any pertinent, accurate information out of them about anything. When we flew to CA for his brother's wedding (which was the first time I was meeting the family as The Girlfriend) I ended up bringing an ENORMOUS duffle bag of clothing. When DBF teased me about it, I countered that it was his fault, because he had offered no useful information about what we would be attending during the trip.

Without any more info, I think your outfit sounds lovely and perfectly appropriate. But if you're concerned, is there any chance you could call someone? Not hte bride who is probably totally in meltdown, but maybe her mother or one of her attendants or the groom or anyone? To find out exactly WHAT restaurant, so you can gauge how formal it is, or anything else? I just think it might make you feel better (and perhaps you could, you know, double-check when and where the actual ceremony is? :D )

[Dotti]

Thea what you are planning to wear sounds appropriate unless you hear differently. Your outfit doesn't sound overdressed or underdressed. Men! They are all the same. Have a great time.

[mbrogier]

I love your outfit. What I have done on more than one occaision is have jewelry choices in my purse...string of pearls and dangly pearls and a less formal necklace and earrings if the women appear less formal.

I normally judge the women by their shoes. If the woman is wearing nice shoes, I look at her outfit and judge the formality by what she's wearing. I don't judge the girls in nice dresses and sad little scuffed up shoes. :rolleyes: :p

[cminmd]

I would call the restaurant directly and get a feel about what type of place it is. Ask what the menu and style is. Ask if the party is in a seperate room, that is always more formal than if it is just a seperate section of the main dining area. If the restaurant is closed for the party- that means VERY formal. You can also ask them about the menu- that can give you an idea of what the dress will be without having to cold call people you may not know very well. You could also bring a more formal jacket and leave it in the car if the people look very casual going in. When in doubt- over dress! Particularly since you are not family of the wedding party.

[Robyn1007]

The problem is she doesn't know what restaurant it is at so she can't call the restaurant.

Alethea, I think your outfit sounds perfect. If you have someone you can call that is closer to the wedding (or knows more about it) that would be great but I think you'll be safe with what you are planning.

Robyn

[Beth]

The have a change of jewelry possibility is what I ws thinking. That sounds like the kind of outfir you could dress up or down -- and play to the middle on your shoes -- dressy-nice, but not ultra-dressy. If your shoes and bag go down the middle, you can be dressy casual or elegantly understated if it turns out dressier. ;)

[Alethea]

Thanks everyone, you made me feel better! The change of jewelry idea is great, and I'll definitely bring two options. Thank goodness I have a nice bag and shoes that can go either way.

I thought about trying to get more information from somebody other than DBF, but I don't think there's a graceful way for me to do that. But this week I do have to start harrassing BF to make sure that he has directions to everything, etc., so maybe I'll get some more details that way!:rolleyes:

Thanks again!