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Should You Have a Separate Reception Dress?

Bride and groom at reception

Selecting a wedding dress can be an overwhelming task, particularly for brides confronted with the paradox of choice. As a result, many modern brides are now embracing the trend of multiple wedding day looks, finding it easier to showcase various styles rather than committing to just one gown. 

Additional dresses can provide brides with an opportunity to highlight their personality, seize different photo opportunities, or cater to practical needs—such as selecting long sleeves to combat cooler temperatures. For brides seeking versatility, including a separate wedding dress in their bridal look could be the way to go.  

Crafting Your Bridal Looks 

While it’s common for brides to choose two wedding looks, the ultimate decision of how many dresses to wear rests entirely on personal preference. It’s important to crystallize your wedding vision, whether you opt for gowns that harmonize with the same aesthetic or stand in stark contrast, allowing room for creativity. 

If your heart is torn between tradition and trends, consider a classic bridal gown for the ceremony, followed by a modern dress for the reception. The beauty of creating multiple wedding looks is the opportunity to express your style and personality. Your second look opens up avenues to unveil layers of playfulness and creativity through a modern silhouette. Starting with our Nathalia gown, exuding a refined ceremony look with her intricate detailing and lace paneling. As the night progresses, seamlessly transition into our Goldie gown, sure to captivate the room with her fashion-forward design, featuring a halter neck and low back, ensuring the perfect end to your evening. 

Discover our satin wedding dresses such as Aura, Oceania, or Mavi, as a stunning reception gown to wear post-ceremony. Or, imagine concluding your ceremony and, before moving to your reception party, taking a romantic stroll with your beloved in our glamorous Zsa Zsa gown, designed to radiate the night. There are countless exciting possibilities when crafting your distinct bridal looks.

  

Bride and groom walking together

Crafting Your Bridal Looks 

While it’s common for brides to choose two wedding looks, the ultimate decision of how many dresses to wear rests entirely on personal preference. It’s important to crystallize your wedding vision, whether you opt for gowns that harmonize with the same aesthetic or stand in stark contrast, allowing room for creativity. 

If your heart is torn between tradition and trends, consider a classic bridal gown for the ceremony, followed by a modern dress for the reception. The beauty of creating multiple wedding looks is the opportunity to express your style and personality. Your second look opens up avenues to unveil layers of playfulness and creativity through a modern silhouette. Starting with our Nathalia gown, exuding a refined ceremony look with her intricate detailing and lace paneling. As the night progresses, seamlessly transition into our Goldie gown, sure to captivate the room with her fashion-forward design, featuring a halter neck and low back, ensuring the perfect end to your evening. 

Or, imagine concluding your ceremony and, before moving to your reception party, taking a romantic stroll with your beloved in our glamorous Zsa Zsa gown, designed to radiate the night. There are countless exciting possibilities when crafting your distinct bridal looks.

Effortlessly Transition From Ceremony to Reception

Incorporating multiple bridal looks adds an extra layer of planning and preparation. So, what essential factors should you explore to effortlessly transition between looks? A primary consideration revolves around the optimal timing for these changes. This aspect is crucial, as you'll need to strategically plan your day to capture key photography shots, accounting for lighting conditions and scheduled events. 

We recommend discussing this with your photographer, wedding planner, or venue coordinator, as the timing hinges on your specific timeline. For certain brides, changing during cocktail hour is ideal, while others may prefer changing post-dinner, just before hitting the dance floor. Planning this aspect beforehand alleviates any last-minute stress, guaranteeing a seamless switch between looks on your special day. 

Bride and groom at the aisle
Wedding cake cutting

A Cost-Effective Way to Personalize Your Wedding Look

If you're working with a tight wedding budget, multiple wedding dresses may not be attainable. However, a minimalist, modern silhouette can serve as a versatile canvas, allowing you to personalize your look with bridal accessories or varying hair and makeup styles.  

 
The wedding chop has surged in popularity on Tiktok, offering a fresh spin on the second wedding look. This bridal trend involves the bride cutting her hair between the ceremony and reception, providing a more affordable way to make a statement as you enter your reception. 

Additionally, accessories are an excellent way to add unique details without having to change your dress. For instance, adding a veil to your walk down the aisle, like our Shimmy veil, can infuse delicate textures and intricate detailing. Jewelry, shoes, and hair accessories can also provide a personal touch, allowing you to highlight your style.  

 

  

The wedding chop has surged in popularity on Tiktok, offering a fresh spin on the second wedding look. This bridal trend involves the bride cutting her hair between the ceremony and reception, providing a more affordable way to make a statement as you enter your reception. 

Additionally, accessories are an excellent way to add unique details without having to change your dress. For instance, adding a veil to your walk down the aisle, like our Shimmy veil, can infuse delicate textures and intricate detailing. Jewelry, shoes, and hair accessories can also provide a personal touch, allowing you to highlight your style.  

Bride in Oceania gown
Bride in Shimmy veil
Wedding exit

Explore our divinely unique wedding dresses and embrace the concept of multiple bridal looks. Whether you choose to achieve this through more than one gown, veils, and accessories, or by experimenting with various hair and makeup styles, the possibilities are endless for transforming your look from ceremony to reception. Book an appointment today at one of our 26 global bridal boutiques for an award-winning experience.

 

Explore our divinely unique wedding dresses and embrace the concept of multiple bridal looks. Whether you choose to achieve this through more than one gown, veils, and accessories, or by experimenting with various hair and makeup styles, the possibilities are endless for transforming your look from ceremony to reception.