Two dresses for your big day?

I personally find the two dress trend a bit silly, and I want to enjoy my gorgeous dress for as long as I can! But there’s no rule against it, and if you really want more freedom to dance then go it! I was at a wedding where partway through the reception the bride changed into a white tracksuit with a sparkly “Mrs Newname” on the back. 😆

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Oh my gosh that is funny. I agree, I want to enjoy it as long as I possibly can. I wish I had maybe thought about how restricted I would be throughout the night wearing it, but I'm sure day of I won't even notice.

I always thought I would just choose one dress, because I thought it was pointless and a waste of money to buy two different dresses... but then I changed my mind now that I'm going to be the bride, haha! I plan on having a formal-looking ceremony dress and a more casual-looking reception dress.

Mostly it's because I'm indecisive, and having to choose one single dress for my wedding day would drive me crazy, haha. If it fits in your budget and wearing a second dress would help you have a better experience by being more comfortable, go for it!

Some brides stayed in their cathedral length dress all night. Some thought they would last all night but changed after a half hour into the reception. A groom just takes off a suit jacket and is a bit more relaxed. It can help to have something to change into -- or kept for the next day's events.

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That's true. My fiancé is even bringing a short sleeved white satin button up to change into as he knows he will be too warm by the end of the night in his long sleeve, so I may bring a basic full length satin dress to change into if I am feeling the same.

I will have the intention to wear my dress all night and if I am really overheating then change. Just nice to have it in case of emergency really! Like you said, it can be worn elsewhere.

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It can be nice to stay dressed up for the whole reception. But after greeting most people and celebrating for awhile, guests can appreciate that you have gotten more casual. Just don't disappear too long. (Though, we have seen here that Asian style celebrations involve a change of dress for the wedded couple even before the reception begins.)

That's actually a great idea. I'm personally Asian, so i've seen a lot for Korean weddings, but i've never thought about it here. I definitely would say go for it-- especially if you got the budget and necessasry prep!

I would try on a satin gown before ordering one. Depending on the satin fabric, they can be pretty hot & heavy too. I would consider a jersey or chiffon instead.

Congrats. First all , then at the end of the day .It Your Day do what make you happy. I am having two dresses I am wearing my mother wedding dress at the ceremony, then changing to a more Lighter dress for Our Reception.

I'm kind of with those who don't see the point of buying an uncomfortable dress that you can't move in for any part of the day, especially when there are plenty of beautiful, figure flattering dresses that can do it all. The last thing I wanted to do was change. But you don't need anyone's permission. It's your call.

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That is such a beautiful act to wear your mothers dress on your wedding day. I am sure that is so meaningful to your family, congratulations and I am happy that you are doing this your way and wearing two dresses that hold meaning to you for your big day!

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Yes, as Amy mentioned above as well, it wouldn't likely be real satin as that is not breathable, just a budget friendly basic white dress in all it's glamour! My fiancé is middle eastern so when we did his cultural ceremony, I wore two different dresses and loved the fact I got to have two beautiful outfits on one day. One being super heavy and beautifully designed, and the second one a little more breathable and airy for the dancing portion of the night. I am going to go for it.

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Do whatever you want. I personally don’t get the trend if the couple is not part of a culture where this is considered traditional and they are not allowed a long time to be at their venue. I have two cousins who both married Japanese men and it is traditional in those cultures for brides to have dress changes, and guests were fascinated in the context. But it also takes time away from guests, which is one of many reasons why their receptions last longer than the 4 hour standard block required by American wedding-oriented venues. That short period of time also doesn’t translate to the cost of each dress, which is anywhere from $300-10k+. Even non-wedding party dresses are as expensive in the same price range or more expensive than a wedding dress that is worn for 90 minutes which includes formal photos taken. And then the dress is put in a closet or sold at 1/4’of the price, never to be worn again.


If the dress you like is restrictive so you can’t move, keep looking until you find something you love aesthetically that you can freely sit/walk/dance/etc in.

I would recommend silk or poly over satin. Satin is not breathable as it's a synthetic fabric and the weave is tight. It is also prone to wrinkles, sweat stains, and is less forgiving for tummies as there's no stretch. I would opt for fabric of clothing you'd wear to go dancing, my guess it's not satin. Or as Amy suggests, you and your FS could buy satin button downs to check if it's comfortable. Good luck.

Not silly at all and you should definitely do what you want regarding how you dress on your day.

I had 3 dresses: my 'traditional' western flowy, chiffon dress that you can see in my profile picture, my 'traditional' yoruba dress that I wore after dinner because I wanted to incorporate my culture and then finally a stretchier, open and more comfortable white sequin dress for the party. Was it an added layer of complication, yes, but I had fun, was comfortable, looked great and the pictures were stunning. We had our wedding in Jamaica so it was very warm and I was sweaty at some points but my makeup artist was amazing so you can't even tell in any of the photos. My only regret was that I wish I got more photos but alas. I say go for it!

If you are worried about being comfortable I d pick up a cute lightweight affordable white dress from Lulus or somewhere similar you can put it on later in the evening if you get uncomfortable if you end up not wearing it wasn't a fortune and you can return or wear it at another point (as long as its appropriate to do so). Whatever you decide to do best of luck to you and enjoy your special day!