Today I am continuing in a series called “What to wear” for wedding and event planners.  Over the last couple of months we have covered the following topics:

What to wear: for wedding/event set-up

What to wear: to a client meeting

What to wear: to the wedding/event

What to wear: to evening events

These topics have had some of the highest number of visits on the blog, which tells me that what you wear while representing your business is important to you.  One last post is planned for next Monday, “What to wear to wear on your day off”.  If there are any additional topics regarding what to wear that you would like me to cover, just send me an e-mail to  info@thestylishplanner.com to let me know and I’ll be glad to cover it!

For a wedding planner, the ceremony rehearsal can go a couple of different ways:

1)  The ceremony rehearsal is at a church/synagogue/temple

2)  The ceremony rehearsal is at an event venue, which could possibly be outdoors

In my experience, ceremony rehearsals in a place of worship usually are conducted by a staff member or a wedding guild volunteer.  In this case, I am usually there as an observer.  Many times this is my first opportunity to meet the groom and/or his family, so I try to get to know them a bit and get a feel for any potential issues between the families, or if the groom’s family requires help of any kind.

I grew up in a very conservative church in which women were required to wear skirts or dresses.  Because of that, I do tend to choose one of these options to wear to rehearsals in a house of worship.  Disclaimer:  I am not saying that all planners should wear a dress or skirt to a rehearsal in a house of worship.  I realize that many of you may feel this way of thinking is ridiculous.  I find this to be a “safe” choice that I don’t later regret.  Also, I happen to like dresses and skirts, so wearing them does not take me out of my comfort zone at all.

For church rehearsals, I usually choose a feminine blouse and skirt or a floral/print dress.  I like the opportunity to wear a little color instead of the conservative black that I usually wear for the actual wedding day.  If I am coordinating the ceremony, I wear a low heel or flats.  If I am observing, I like to pull out some of my great heels.  I find the rehearsal is a great time to show your sense of style to the wedding party, (especially bridesmaids) which often contains one of more engaged persons i.e. – potential clients!

Also, I never wear anything even slightly revealing to a church rehearsal.  We’ve all been in situations where the “church ladies” resent our presence at all, so why give them further reason to dislike us?  Also, your couples are having their ceremony in a church because of their beliefs (or their parents beliefs) so be sure to show your respect in attire and in attitude.  Anything tight fitting, showing cleavage, midriff or too much leg is a no-no.

For event venue rehearsals, I feel that you can be a little more casual.  I have worn dress slacks to event venue rehearsals before.  If you are going to be outdoors, you should think about where you will be walking – if the ceremony will take place on a lawn, go with a casual, flat shoe.

Here are two examples of Spring 2010 outfits that I would consider wearing to a ceremony rehearsal:

On the left: J. Crew; on the right: Kate Spade

Do you have a particular style that you adhere to for wedding rehearsal attire?  I’d love to hear your thoughts!