Two wedding dresses

I did 2 dresses and I’m SO glad I did! If it’s in your budget, go for it!

I had two dresses! I wish I got to wear my ceremony dress for longer before I had to change into the reception dress, but I don't regret having two dresses. If it's in your budget and you want to do two, go for it!

It’s becoming more and more common to do a “second look” now and changing before or during the reception! And it totally makes sense if you’re doing a more conservative dress for church and then want to change into party mode. I ended up getting a reception dress because my gown is so hot and heavy that I wanted something else around for peace of mind. I still haven’t made up my mind yet (and won’t until the day of) on whether I’ll actually use it (although I do love it), but I like knowing that I’ll have the option of my gown becomes too much. I just found something for sale online so that I wouldn’t sink too much money into it, but I know there are others who went all out on their reception dress. And I’m using it for a photo shoot the next day! This photo is my reception dress. My wedding is in two weeks, so I can report back haha.

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I LOVE your dress! So unique and absolutely stunning on you!

I know people who wore sweaters or boleros on top of their dresses for their ceremony, then took them off after when the ceremony was in a church. This could also be an option, especially if a second dress is out of your budget.

I think 2 dresses is a bit “over the top,” but that is just me. I am older and didn’t grow up with that mindset. I think Kelly’s suggestion is a great one— bolero for the ceremony and then remove it at the reception. You could also go with a single dress that is just middle of the line— not too sexy and not too conservative. If your FIL is religious, I would definitely not want to offend him or his family. Nonetheless, it is your special day and you have to feel great about your dress/dresses. Wishing you the best!