What should I wear to an out-of-town rehearsal dinner?

Question

I got a note today inviting me to my friend's rehearsal dinner, which I found odd because I'm not in the wedding. It's across the country, though, so I guess maybe that's why I got the invite. But my main concern is that I don't know what to wear to this dinner.

It's at a restaurant, not a super-fancy banquet hall or anything. I've only been to one rehearsal dinner before, and then, I was in the wedding, and I wore dress slacks and a nice shirt. I hesitate to wear something like that to this, though, 'cause I'm flying across the country, and I really don't think I'm going to be able to fit another pair of pants, shirt, socks and dress shoes in my small bag on top of the stuff I already need to bring. As it was, before I got this invite, my plan was to just wear jeans for the whole weekend (except for the wedding, of course -- I've got a wrinkle-resistant dress I'm bringing for that).

Can I get away with wearing jeans to the rehearsal dinner, considering that I am coming from a great distance, plus I really don't think I have the luggage space to pack another outfit? Or is that just a horrible faux-pas and I'm better off not going at all?

Answer 1

It sounds to me that you are really not interested in the wedding and considering the amount of the round trip airfare I would suggest that you just not attend but send a very nice gift.

Answer 2

Travel in wrinkle-free black slacks and a nice top.  You'll be at least as comfortable in that, if not more so, than if you traveled in jeans.  And you'll look nice no matter what the level of dress is.

Answer 3

Well it would be best to wear something dressy because everyone else will be dressy. If you're literally going to be arriving strait from the plane then I say wearing jeans will excuse you.

Maybe you could find some dressy looking sweat pants. When I used to work I always used to shop at NY CO and they had dressy sweat pants you couldn't tell they were really sweat pants unless you touched them.  

Answer 4

It would be better to wear dress slacks to the dinner rather than jeans.  You could wear the same blouse for traveling so you won't have to pack an extra blouse.  Wear the same shoes for traveling and for the dinner - comfortable, low heel (not flats).  With some clever arranging of things in your bag I'm sure you can cram those jeans in so that you have them for less dressy times.  The key to packing is to economize and to pack only what you absolutely know you must have.  When I travel I pack and re-pack at least 3 times before I have everything ready to go.  Have safe travel and a wonderful time.