Dress change at the reception?

View Quoted Comment Thanks Jana! I totally it is something new to me. But I was only considering it because my FH suggested it.

View Quoted Comment Ok thanks. I plan on comfortable anyway

View Quoted Comment Thanks. I’m having an afternoon wedding so I can change into something after the reception.

I'm staying in my wedding dress. I figured I paid good money to only wear it once I'm going to make sure I wear it for a long time even if it's uncomfortable. Heck I might even wear it on my anniversary every year lmao jk😂

View Quoted Comment 😂😂😂 Hey why not lol

Hey!! I plan to stay in my dress the whole reception. I love my dress so much and it’s such a special day, I want to wear it the whole time! So as long as you’re comfortable in it, I’d say wear your wedding gown the whole time! You only get to wear it one day that has a special meaning, I’d get the most out of it!

I’m just getting my dress bustled and putting on more comfortable shoes. I want to enjoy my dress for the full day though so that’s something you’d need to think about.

View Quoted Comment We had an early wedding and then went to a hockey game that night. I hadn't planned anything other than my usual hockey fan stuff but my husband surprised me with a new hockey jersey that had Mrs. New last name.

I’m going to stay in my dress the entire night , I considered a dress change but it’s only only one day might as well get the most of the beautiful gowns

Hey, Brides 👰🏽 Yes, I am doing a dress change outfit I have an Ivory colored jumpsuit from Lulus it’s very nice and formal I will wear that with a blazer then off to the night with my new hubby 😊

View Quoted Comment Heyyy, Katie how about that I year anniversary I might have to borrow this idea 💡 nice 👍🏽 ❤️

I haven’t thought of changing my dress for the reception. I love my dress (as does everyone else) & will probably never wear it again. I want to enjoy every minute in my dress!

View Quoted Comment That’s awesome! My FH loves baseball and I’ve been thinking about getting him a custom jersey as a gift.

I think a dress change is a really smart idea if your bridal gown is uncomfortable or difficult to move in - for example a really tight fitted mermaid gown in a non-stretch material or a big pouffy princess ballgown with a fitted bodice and petticoat that get's hot and gives you little room to breathe or eat.

A dress change is absolutely not necessary though - if you change you get the option of having two outfits, but you'll need to pay for two outfits, plus alterations, etc. Not changing means you get to wear that one outfit all night, and since it's probably the most expensive piece of clothing you've ever bought yourself, it makes sense to wear it as long as you can.

I do think having an inexpensive "back up" outfit is a good idea just in case something happens to your dress. It could be a repurposed dress from your engagement party, bridal shower, or rehearsal dinner. One of my friends wore her sister's wedding dress for her reception (strapless, a-line gown) and it got trashed because there was a big storm right before the outdoor ceremony and everything was soaked. In her formal pictures there is a water line about 6" up her dress from her walking through the wet grass. She changed into a super cute pantsuit for the reception, which ended up being so much more her and she was a lot more comfortable.

I liked two really different styles of dresses (traditional low cut, low back, fit and flare with illusion lace and a long train vs modern high neck halter crepe dress in a very classic silhouette) so thought having two dresses would be a great way to wear both styles, but we ended up doing a small Covid ceremony this year and rescheduled the big wedding and reception to next year, and am now looking forward to having a second dress just to have a second look for my husband that will end up being a complete surprise since he has seen my dress now. My second dress is one from Lulu's that I got on Poshmark for just $40, so no major loss if I don't wear it, and a dress I would feel comfortable in if we ended up doing something crazy after the wedding or later wanted to do a photo shoot or travel with it.

We changed during cocktail hour to be more comfortable, but more importantly, to fit our pirate theme! The pirate reception was a surprise to guests:

wedding:

reception:

So many good ideas! I love my dress & want to wear it all night! I’m thinking I might want a back up dress just in case....

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This is what I am doing, I bought a second dress that I love as much as my first at a great price and will be better for dancing. Since we eat first I plan to sneak away to "fix my makeup" and change real quick and when I come back down i will be introduced for the first dance..he has no idea lol

View Quoted Comment Well... since typing that response back in July, I purchased a second dress!! Both FH and I are changing, so it’s perfect. He’s changing jacket colors for the reception and I’ll change dresses after dinner. Congrats to you!!!

View Quoted Comment That’s a nice idea. He’ll love it. ❤️