Lyla Dejesus
Many brides choose to wear a different outfit to their wedding reception, whether that's a second dress, a jumpsuit, or a bridal suit. Some brides change their outfit to surprise their guests, to show off their style, or to wear a fun, modern party dress that's easier to dance in. Others want to preserve their wedding dress, keeping it stain-free and reducing the likelihood of wrinkles. Some brides also want to be photographed in their wedding dress for their first dance.
If you're considering a second outfit for your wedding reception, you'll want to think about mobility, safety, and aesthetics.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Time of change | After the wedding ceremony and official photos, but before the reception |
| After the cocktail hour and before the reception | |
| After the first dance | |
| At the end of the night | |
| Purpose | To show off two different styles |
| To surprise guests | |
| To protect the wedding dress from damage | |
| To add variety to photos | |
| To feel more comfortable and mobile | |
| Style | Short and flirty |
| Convertible | |
| Contemporary jumpsuit or pantsuit | |
| Minimalist elegance | |
| Bold and colourful | |
| Long or short, white or colourful, sexy or simple | |
| Overskirts | |
| Detachable sleeves |
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What You'll Learn
- When to change: after the ceremony, before the reception, or mid-festivities?
- Pros of changing: stain-free wedding dress, more photo variety, surprise guests
- Cons of changing: missing out on festivities, cost, indecisiveness
- Reception dress styles: short and flirty, jumpsuits, suits, colourful, sparkly
- Where to shop: Anthropologie, REVOLVE, Bridal Finery, Nuuly, ELOQUII?
When to change: after the ceremony, before the reception, or mid-festivities
There are several options for when to change out of your wedding dress and into a reception dress. One option is to change after the ceremony, after the official wedding party photos, and before making your entrance to the reception. This gives you a chance to mingle in your second outfit while guests enjoy drinks and hors d'oeuvres. It's a natural break between the ceremony and reception.
Another option is to change after your cocktail hour and before the reception. This is a good idea if you're taking your wedding photos before the ceremony and want your first dance photos to be in your wedding dress. It also allows you to show off your dress to guests who couldn’t attend the ceremony.
Some brides wait until the end of the night to change, when everyone is on the dance floor and the party is in full swing. This gives you the opportunity to wear a special getaway dress or change into a different bridal look for an after-party. However, changing at this point means you'll have less time to enjoy and show off your reception outfit.
If you're considering changing into a different dress for your reception, you may want to think about mobility, safety, and aesthetics. A reception dress can be short and flirty, or long and chic—as long as it goes with the vibe and theme of your celebration.
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Pros of changing: stain-free wedding dress, more photo variety, surprise guests
There are several reasons why brides choose to change out of their wedding dress and into a reception dress. One of the main reasons is to keep their wedding dress stain-free. Wedding receptions involve a lot of dancing, food, and champagne, which can pose a risk to the dress. By changing into a reception dress, brides can preserve their wedding dress and keep it safe from stains and rips. This can give brides peace of mind and ensure that their wedding dress remains in good condition for the rest of their life.
Another advantage of changing into a reception dress is that it adds variety to wedding photos and videos. Having two different looks throughout the day can make the photo collection more diverse and interesting. Brides can also get creative with different poses, themes, and settings to match their second dress, and even change their accessories and hairstyle to create a cohesive look. This can result in more memorable and elegant wedding photography.
Changing into a reception dress can also be a fun way to surprise guests and showcase the bride's style and personality. Some brides opt for a fun, modern, and comfortable party dress for the reception, which allows them to dance and move around more easily. This can be especially surprising if the wedding dress is more traditional.
While there are many benefits to changing into a reception dress, there are also a few considerations to keep in mind. Changing dresses can take up valuable time during the reception, and some brides may feel that they are not making the most of their dream wedding dress. Additionally, spending funds on two gowns may not be feasible for everyone. Ultimately, the decision to change into a reception dress is a personal choice, and brides should consider their own preferences, aesthetics, and needs.
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Cons of changing: missing out on festivities, cost, indecisiveness
Changing into a different dress for the wedding reception is a chance to express your style and surprise your guests with a unique look. However, there are some cons to consider before making a decision:
Missing out on festivities
Changing into a different outfit can take up valuable time during the reception festivities. Even a quick change and freshening up can take 15-30 minutes, and if you're not careful, you might miss out on the fun as the party starts. To mitigate this, you could opt for a convertible wedding dress with detachable components or have your second outfit ready to go so you can slip it on without wasting time.
Cost
Wedding dresses can be expensive, and purchasing two gowns can add to the financial burden. It's important to consider your budget and whether you're comfortable with the additional cost of a reception dress.
Indecisiveness
With so many wedding dress options available, it can be challenging to choose just one, let alone two! Indecisiveness is a common challenge for brides, and it can be difficult to find a reception gown that complements your ceremony dress while also standing out as a unique statement piece.
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Reception dress styles: short and flirty, jumpsuits, suits, colourful, sparkly
Changing into a reception dress is a chance to showcase your style and surprise your guests. It is also a practical choice, allowing you to dance and move around freely, and keeping your wedding dress stain-free.
Short and Flirty
A playful, short-length dress is a great option for the reception. It allows for ease of movement and showcases your legs. A short dress is perfect for dancing and can be a fun, modern look to surprise your guests.
Jumpsuits
Jumpsuits are a contemporary and fashionable choice for the bride who wants to make a statement. They combine modern sophistication with comfort, and can be a unique and unexpected look for the reception. Jumpsuits can be sleek and simple, or include dramatic details like poufed sleeves or a voluminous overlay.
Suits
A bridal suit is an excellent alternative to a dress, offering a more androgynous and unique look. A well-tailored suit can be incredibly stylish and comfortable, and is a great option if you want to move away from traditional bridal attire.
Colourful
Break away from tradition and add a vibrant, joyful touch to your celebration with a bold-coloured reception dress. This is a great way to showcase your personality and style, and can be a fun surprise for your guests.
Sparkly
If you want to make a statement, a sparkly reception dress is a perfect choice. Whether it's a simple, understated sparkle or a maximalist, glam look with feathers and fringe, a sparkly dress is sure to turn heads and keep the party atmosphere alive.
The timing of your outfit change is up to you, but many brides choose to change after the wedding ceremony and official photos, or after the first dance.
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Where to shop: Anthropologie, REVOLVE, Bridal Finery, Nuuly, ELOQUII
If you're looking for a reception outfit to change into after taking off your wedding dress, there are plenty of options to choose from. Here are some ideas on where to shop, with a focus on Anthropologie, REVOLVE, Bridal Finery, Nuuly, and ELOQUII:
Anthropologie
Anthropologie offers a range of trendy bridal attire, including dresses, sets, and jumpsuits. Their selection includes standard, petite, and plus sizes, ensuring that brides of all body types can find something they feel confident in. Anthropologie is a great choice for those seeking stylish options at varying price points.
REVOLVE
For a showstopping and luxurious post-wedding reception dress, REVOLVE is an excellent option. They offer a collection of high-end and designer after-party dresses, featuring stylish and bridal-worthy styles. From feather-halter mini dresses to sexy lace numbers, REVOLVE has something for those seeking a more upscale and glamorous look.
Bridal Finery
Bridal Finery embraces the idea that brides should express themselves through their wardrobe choices on their wedding day. They offer a range of wedding reception dresses, from short and sexy to long and traditional. Their collection includes unique pieces like Zana by Ines Di Santo, a cute mini gown with a bow on the back. Bridal Finery also provides detachable elements, such as overskirts, detachable trains, and custom-made gloves, allowing you to customise your look.
Nuuly
Nuuly is a sustainable and affordable option for brides who want to look gorgeous without breaking the bank. The company, which is behind popular brands like Anthropologie, Free People, and Urban Outfitters, offers rental services for fashionable bridal dresses. This option is perfect for those who want to wear a designer gown without committing to the full price.
ELOQUII
ELOQUII's bridal collection offers stylish options for brides. While specific details about their offerings are scarce, their collection is likely to include a range of silhouettes, styles, and sizes to suit different tastes and body types.
Remember, the key to choosing a reception outfit is to select something that makes you feel comfortable, confident, and ready to celebrate. Whether you opt for a fun and flirty number or a sleek and sophisticated look, it's your opportunity to showcase your unique sense of style.
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Frequently asked questions
The timing of your outfit change is completely up to you. Some brides change after their first dance and the speeches, while others wait until the end of the night when the party is in full swing. You could also change after the wedding ceremony and before the reception, or after the cocktail hour.
Changing into a second dress gives you the opportunity to show off your style and surprise your guests. It also means you can wear a traditional dress for the ceremony and a fun, modern party dress for the reception. Additionally, a second dress will keep your wedding dress stain-free and reduce the likelihood of wrinkles.
The type of dress you change into is completely up to you. You could opt for a playful short dress, a colourful gown, a jumpsuit, or a stylish pantsuit. You could also choose a convertible dress that transforms from a ceremony gown to a chic reception dress by removing a detachable skirt or train.
Popular options for a second dress include the Chiara by Ines Di Santo, which has detachable sleeves, and the Elisabetta by Ines Di Santo, which has a detachable overskirt. For a stylish jumpsuit, you could try the Bowie by Ines Di Santo. If you're looking for a sparkly statement mini dress, Lulus Luxurious Vision White Satin Off-the-Shoulder Mini Dress is a good affordable option.
