Ever since Meghan Markle stepped out in her halter neck Stella McCartney second wedding dress, we’ve been coming round to the idea of having two wedding dresses; one for the ceremony, and a reception wedding dress to change into as the day wears on.
It’s not a case of being unable to choose between two dresses so deciding to have both, but more a way to show off all sides of your personality, and to embrace two different bridal vibes – fingers crossed you’ll only get married once, so why not go all out and wear two different wedding dresses?
Obviously if you’re getting married on a tight budget, a wedding reception dress will seem far too extravagant, but if you are looking for a second wedding dress to change into, we’ve rounded up a few of our favourites that will really get your guests talking.
A wedding ceremony normally calls for a fairly formal, traditional wedding dress that reflects the serious nature of the commitment, but if you want to wear a sexier, more modern wedding dress, a second reception wedding dress is the perfect way to change up your look without being too daring in a formal setting.
Whether you want to change into a flirty wedding dress for your reception, or a fashion forward minimalist second wedding dress, scroll down for some serious bridal inspiration.
Two Piece Wedding Dress by Elbeth Gillis
If you’re looking for an alternative wedding dress for your reception, a two-piece dress could be the way to go. This Elbeth Gillis ensemble gives us total throwback vibes to Bianca’s prom outfit in 10 Things I Hate About You (and that is 100% a good thing!).
Strapless Feathered Wedding Dress by Valentine Avoh
Switch up your full length gown for a shorter wedding dress for your reception. This Valentine Avoh short feathered dress is perfect if you want to dance the night away without getting the skirt of your wedding dress dirty.
High Low Wedding Dress by Gracy Accad
Make a statement at your wedding reception in a dress none of your guests will be expecting, in this Gracy Accad playsuit with a sheer ruffled overlay skirt.
We can see this working perfectly at a beach wedding – just swap out the heels for flat wedding shoes and you’ll be good to go!
Short Wedding Dress with Long Sleeves by YolanCris
A second wedding dress allows you to embrace your inner fashionista by wearing a more daring dress that wouldn’t be suitable for the ceremony part of the day. This YolanCris dress ticks all the right boxes; feathered, floral and flirty – what more could you want from a wedding reception dress?!
Billie Faiers changed into a playsuit on the evening of her wedding, so if it’s good enough for her, it’s good enough for us…
Sheer Sparkly Wedding Dress by Luna Willow Bridal
Not for the fainthearted, this sparkly sheer wedding dress by Luna Willow Bridal is sure to get your guests talking, for all the right reasons.
This is another gown we’d probably save for a destination wedding, but we can also see it working beautifully at a city wedding venue too – imagine the sparkling city skyline in the background of your wedding photos – dreamy!
Short Wedding Dress by Jenny Packham
We’re yet to see a Jenny Packham wedding dress that we haven’t loved, and this long sleeved wedding dress is no exception. The combination of beading and feathers makes it truly special and perfect for switching into for your reception, especially at a winter or Christmas wedding.
Gold Beaded Wedding Dress by Zahavit Tshuba
Your wedding reception is the perfect opportunity to embrace the trend for coloured wedding dresses; switch from your white or ivory gown into something a little bit different, like this champagne gold wedding dress by Zahavit Tshuba.
Star Print Wedding Dress with Ruffled Skirt by Rembo Styling
Rembo Styling is known for designing alternative wedding dresses for boundary-pushing brides, and we love this laid back bridal look – the sheer star print top makes it different to any other wedding dress we’ve seen, while the ruffled skirt makes it perfect for summer weddings, keeping you cool in hot weather.
Pair with statement pink wedding shoes to complete the look.
Tie Front Wedding Dress by Herve Paris
Your wedding reception is your opportunity to embrace a sexy bridal vibe and this tie front dress by Herve Paris is the perfect way to add a sultry edge to your day. Meghan Markle is the perfect example of a bride who went for a sexier wedding look for her reception, changing from her long-sleeved boat neck wedding dress into her halter neck gown.
Feathered Wedding Dress by Jenny Packham
If you opted for a simple wedding dress for your ceremony, why not switch things up for the reception in a dramatic wedding dress, complete with a full feathered skirt? It might not be the easiest dress in the world to dance in, but this Jenny Packham number will look incredible in photos and you’ll never forget how it felt wearing it – when else will you get the chance to rock a white feather dress, after all?
Long Sleeved Beaded Wedding Dress by Pronovias
City weddings are just calling out for super-glamorous wedding dresses, and this beaded Pronovias number, complete with plunging neckline fits the bill perfectly.
Short Wedding Dress with Cape by Tres Chic Bridal Wear
The cape on this short strapless wedding dress by Tres Chic Bridal Wear will make you feel like an absolute princess. This dress is a great choice if you want to show off the results of your wedding fitness regime, but still want a traditional long wedding dress.
Long Sleeved Lace Wedding Dress by YolanCris
This long sleeved lace overlay by YolanCris is perfect for wearing over a slip dress, or simply on top of your wedding lingerie for a daring bridal look. It’s a modern take on classic lace wedding dresses that we all know and love.
