should i wear my wedding dress at my reception?

I just went to a reception of a woman who did this, and she wore a pretty, white dress that was not a wedding dress. It was lovely.

We're having a DW in Cape Town, South Africa, and then having a local reception when we get back. I'm definitely wearing my wedding dress to both!!

I think if I were to have a DW I would want to wear my wedding dress at the reception at home. Mostly because I'd want to put my wedding dress back on and get my money's worth. Lol. I think if you are just have a simple reception when you get back that I wouldn't wear the dress. I think its your call. If you want to jump back in your wedding dress go for it. I'm sure your family and friends that didn't get to go to the actual wedding would love to see you in your dress.

One of my friends was married in St. Thomas, and she bought 2 dresses for her wedding and then 1 for the reception at home...

I'm wearing my wedding dress at our fall reception, but as you can see, it wasn't a usual wedding dress.

Still, how many opportunities are you going to get to wear that thing?! I say go for it, unless you just feel really uncomfortable with it.

I'd say this is your call. But if you're going to have more fam/friends @ the reception then on the cruise ship, I'd wear it so that they feel like they were a part of your wedding, as well.

I think you deff should! I mean you spent a good chunk of money on it im assuming, so why not wear it as long as you can....i know whats what im doing

My bff got married in St. Croix and wore her dress for her destination wedding AND local reception. She even found a 2nd dress at a great price so she changed 1/2 way through her local reception into that one. Make the most of your wedding day(s)! If you love your dress, show it off and enjoy it.

I'm actually not sure if I should even change my shoes for our fall reception, because a good friend of my parents has already gone on record insisting that we should all wear EXACTLY what we wore at the wedding. :p But I have this awesome pair of zebra pumps with red zipper rosettes on the peep toes...

Wear it! Every one else would love to wear their dress more than once!

When my friends had a destination wedding (only immediate family attended), they had a reception back home for all of us to go to. She wore her dress to it. I didn't think it was weird at all.

I would wear it again and then possibly change if I had time.

I would most def wear my wedding dress to my reception.

Definitely wear your dress!

@Cabell and you should definitely wear those zebra shoes - awesome!!!

Wear it how many times in your life do you get to wear your wedding dress so wear it and love every sec of it

I would wear it. But if you dont want to then no need to stress.

I would love to see the dres son the bride if i wasnt able to attend the wedding. My Sister did this w/ her wedding. SHe got married and videoed it then had a local reception where she wore the dress and played video of ceremony, It was lovely and people really enjoyed feeling like they were a part of the her big day.

What does your dress look like? just cause I am wondering now

@cabell, DEF the zebra shoes. How d@mn cute are those?

Heh, thanks, Heidi & Sharon. I should ask about the garden at the B&B where the reception will be--if it has walkways and stuff, I'm good, but if not, I may still want my wedges for navigating the terrain.

Miranda: I don't know how elaborate your dress was, so that might be something to consider--but if you're planning to change after an hour or so, what the heck.

I plan on wearing mine for the first hour then changing into a short bridal dress. :- )

I plan on wearing mine all night! THen again, I have no $ for another outfit/dress, and I REALLY like my dress..