The time that’s typically spent before a bride’s big day is known for being a fun, casual time. Many rehearsal dinners are known for being a laid-back environment, but an important time to prepare nonetheless. A bridesmaid from California spoke up on Reddit’s r/weddingshaming forum after a couple’s cocktail wedding rehearsal dinner, and how they decided to have a dress code. However, the choice in food being served was anything but fancy. So, why was the dress code needed in the first place?
The redditor from California shared her story and how a couple’s rehearsal dress code was contradicted by their dinner choice. She explains, “I’m a bridesmaid in the wedding, and her rehearsal dinner was at an outdoor seating area of a brewery with no heating.”
OP goes on to say the bride and groom brought a few boxes of pizza. They even got a drink ticket to use at the brewery. Unfortunately, because the dress code was ‘cocktail,’ many people were freezing in 50-degree weather. Not even the steamy, hot pizza kept them warm.
Stating the choice was a bit tacky, OP said they at least had a “professional photographer” for the event. Not only was OP not a huge fan of the cocktail wedding rehearsal, but she wasn’t too thrilled about the wedding either.
She was told to purchase two outfits for the ceremony and the evening reception. At the end of her post, she states, “I totally get saving money and having a casual event, but I feel like the dress code should reflect that.”
Many commenters agreed with OP when she stated “cocktail attire doesn’t mix with pizza.” One person commented, “Man, if you specify the dress code, you have at least to give the guest a fork.”
Another shared her story, “A friend of mine had her rehearsal dinner at a bar arcade! We all wore jeans and t-shirts and had fun! But she LET US KNOW THAT. I didn’t have to wear a cocktail dress!”
Many commenters also stated that they had never heard of a dress code for a rehearsal dinner, as it was just a practice. Even with an after-rehearsal dinner in mind, a dress code is typically not mandatory.
It shows some brides and grooms will choose to control every aspect of their big day, which is fine. It’s supposed to be a special day you remember forever. However, some things shouldn’t necessarily matter as much, including whether or not someone attends a pizza dinner in a less-than-formal outfit.
