
Brides have several options for what to wear after their wedding dress, depending on their preferences and plans for the rest of their wedding day and night. Some brides choose to stay in their wedding dress for the entirety of their wedding day, while others opt for a second dress for the after-party, which can be shorter, more lightweight, and comfortable. Brides may also choose to repurpose their wedding dress, either by altering it to be re-worn on future occasions, such as milestone anniversaries, or by converting it into other keepsake items such as custom robes, handkerchiefs, or works of art. Alternatively, brides may choose to sell, donate, or loan their wedding dress to another bride.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Style | Sparkly, embellished, feathered, satin, fringe, voluminous, sleek, sophisticated, festive, frilly, beaded, sparkly, long-sleeved, silver, short, sequin, floral, tuxedo-inspired, strapless, plus-size, mini, halter-neck, long, lightweight, dance-ready |
| Colour | White |
| Length | Mini, floor-length |
| Brands | Lulus, STAUD, Abercrombie & Fitch, Anthropologie, Free People, Urban Outfitters, REVOLVE, Bridal by ELOQUII, Taller Marmo, Gabriela Hearst, Aligne, Sandy Liang, Roland Mouret, TWP, Simkhai, Mango, Lapointe, Reformation, Galvan, Cult Gaia |
| Other | Comfortable, bridal sweatshirt, shoes |
Explore related products
$11.98 $12.99
What You'll Learn

Brides can wear their wedding dress to the after-party
There are no rules when it comes to what a bride should wear to her wedding after-party. If you want to keep your wedding dress on, go for it! It's a fun way to end the night and you'll undoubtedly look stunning.
However, wearing a wedding dress to an after-party can be a little impractical. For example, you might need help using the bathroom, and you'll have to be careful not to damage the dress, especially if you're in a crowded bar. If you're wearing a long gown, consider bustling it to avoid any mishaps. It's also a good idea to bring a backup outfit, in case you want to change out of your dress at any point.
If you do decide to change, there are plenty of options for after-party outfits. You could go for something short and lightweight, or keep the glamour with a floor-length gown. Sparkles, metallics, and feathers are all popular choices, but you could also opt for a simple, classic look. If you're on a budget, you could rent a designer dress, or buy something affordable.
Whatever you choose to wear, the most important thing is that you feel comfortable and can enjoy your night.
White Wedding Dresses: Timeless or Outdated?
You may want to see also
Explore related products

Brides can change into a shorter dress for the after-party
For brides who want to let loose and dance the night away at their wedding after-party, changing into a shorter dress is a great option. Not only will a shorter dress be more comfortable and easier to move in, but it can also be a fun and fashionable choice.
There are many different styles of shorter dresses that brides can choose from to suit their unique personalities and tastes. For a minimalist bride, a clean and classic little white dress can be a perfect choice. For example, a high-neck, A-line mini dress exudes Audrey Hepburn vibes, while a twisted halter mini dress from Galvan offers a '90s-inspired look.
For brides who want to make a statement, there are many fashionable options available. For the modern bride, Danielle Frankel is a popular choice, while Alaïa's mini dress with a 3D skirt is perfect for the fashion-forward bride. Feathers are also a fun and festive option, with choices ranging from a feather-trimmed long-sleeved mini dress to a feather-halter mini dress.
Brides can also add some sparkle to their after-party look with sequins, beads, or metallics. A full-length maxi dress covered in sparkling sequins, such as Roland Mouret's mesh option, is sure to make a dramatic impact on the dance floor. Shorter options, such as a white satin mini dress from Lulus or a floral mini dress from Abercrombie & Fitch, also offer a touch of sparkle while being more comfortable and dance-friendly.
Ultimately, the choice of what to wear to the wedding after-party is a personal one, and brides should choose whatever makes them feel their best. Whether it's a short and sweet mini dress or a floor-length statement gown, the most important thing is that the bride feels comfortable and confident as they continue the celebration.
Meghan Markle's Wedding Dress: What Style Will She Choose?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
$45.99 $55.99

Brides can repurpose their wedding dress for future occasions
There are many ways brides can repurpose their wedding dress for future occasions. One option is to shorten and dye the dress, creating a new fancy occasion dress. Another option is to turn the wedding dress into a family heirloom, passing it down to future generations to wear on their wedding day or repurposing it into a christening gown for future children.
For those who are crafty, a wedding dress can be transformed into various keepsake items, such as custom robes, handkerchiefs, pillows, or lingerie. A bride could also display her dress as a piece of art in her home by framing a unique part of the dress or displaying it in a shadow box.
For brides who want to hold onto their dress but are open to it being worn again, loaning the dress to another bride is an option. This could be a friend, family member, or stranger, and the dress would be returned to the original owner afterward. Donating the dress to a charity is another option for brides who want to give back and allow another bride to experience the joy of wearing the dress.
Finally, some brides choose to repurpose their wedding dress for future wedding anniversaries, either by wearing the original dress again or altering it to create a shorter, more contemporary version to mark a milestone anniversary.
Embroidery's Global Wedding Dress Heritage
You may want to see also
Explore related products

Brides can donate their wedding dress to a charity
Deciding what to do with your wedding dress after the big day can be tricky. Some brides want to keep their wedding dress preserved in their closet forever, while others opt to sell or repurpose their dress. However, donating your wedding dress to a charitable cause is a great way to give back to the community and help those in need.
Brides for a Cause is a nonprofit organization that collects and resells wedding dresses to raise funds for women-focused charities. The company has showrooms in Portland, Tacoma, Seattle, and Sacramento, and since 2012, they have collected over 40,000 wedding dresses and donated over $3,000,000 to charities across the country. Brides Against Breast Cancer is another organization that resells gently used wedding gowns to raise money for breast cancer awareness and early detection.
There are also charities that accept wedding dress donations to give to brides in need. Brides Across America, for example, passes on dresses for free to military and first responder brides at Operation Wedding Gown events twice a year. The NICU Helping Hands Angel Gown program and The Emma and Evan Foundation accept wedding dress donations to be transformed into infant burial gowns, which are offered free of charge to hospitals, funeral homes, and grieving families.
If you're considering donating your wedding dress to a charitable cause, be sure to research the different organizations and their specific criteria for accepting dress donations. You can also look into local options, such as boutiques that sell donated wedding dresses and donate the profits to charity.
Transforming a White Wedding Dress: Blush Dye DIY
You may want to see also
Explore related products
$42.99

Brides can sell their wedding dress
There are many options for brides to consider when it comes to what to do with their wedding dress after the big day. One popular option is to sell the dress. Wedding dresses are often expensive, and selling the dress can help recoup some of the costs of the wedding. There are many online sites and local consignment shops where brides can sell their dresses. This option also allows another bride to enjoy the dress on their big day.
For brides who are less emotionally attached to their dress, selling it can be a great way to pass it on while it is still in style. This option may be especially appealing to those who do not plan to wear the dress again and do not want it to sit in storage. Additionally, selling the dress can be a selfless act that will be appreciated by the buyer, whether they are a friend, family member, or stranger.
Some brides may choose to repurpose their wedding dress instead of selling it. This could involve dyeing the dress to wear on another occasion or shortening it to create a contemporary anniversary dress. For those who want to keep their dress but also want to spread joy, loaning the dress to another bride is an option. This way, the original owner can still cherish the dress forever.
Another option for brides who want to give back is to donate their dress to a charity organisation or a boutique that sells donated wedding dresses and donates the profits to a good cause. Donating allows another bride to experience the magic of the dress and can be a beautiful way to part with it. Ultimately, the decision of what to do with a wedding dress depends on the bride's personal preferences and emotional connection to the gown.
Tulle on Wedding Dresses: What, Why, and How
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
It's your day, so wear whatever makes you feel good! If you're looking for something more relaxed, you could opt for a mini dress, a feathered jumpsuit, or a simple shift silhouette. If you want to keep wearing your wedding dress, you can! Just be prepared for the practicalities of wearing a big dress in a bar.
If you're looking for something affordable, you could rent a dress from Nuuly, Anthropologie, or REVOLVE. If you want to buy, Lulus Luxurious Vision White Satin Off-the-Shoulder Mini Dress is a great option at $69. For something sparkly, try the STAUD Eton Dress for $75.
If you wore a heavy gown for the ceremony, you might want to change into something lightweight and dance-ready for the after-party. A short or mini-length dress is a good option, and you can always add a bit of plume for some extra pizzazz!
You could repurpose it into a shorter dress for your 10-year anniversary, or turn it into a keepsake item like a custom robe, handkerchief, or pillow. You could also donate it to a charity or sell it online or at a local consignment shop.











































