One of the most exciting parts wedding planning is saying yes to the dress! A new trend emerging is the reception dress, and some brides are now saying yes to two dresses.
This may seem completely out of reach for some, however, there are ways you can score a reception dress! In this blog, we will consider the pros and cons, and some tips on how to stay within your budget for two dresses!
First, let’s look at some pros:
Comfort. One of the main reasons brides choose a reception dress is comfort. Wedding dresses are stunning in their volume and detail, but because of this can be very heavy, hot, difficult to dance in, etc. Being able to change out of that after the ceremony and the beautiful photos is a great option for those who intend on dancing and partying the night away.
Versatility: Reception dresses come in a variety of styles, from short and flirty to sleek and sophisticated. This allows a bride to choose a dress that reflects her personal style and complements the theme of their reception. It also provides an opportunity to showcase a different aspect of her fashion sense!
Practicality: Wedding gowns often have intricate designs, long trains, and delicate fabrics that may not be well-suited for a party reception with dancing and table visiting. By changing into a reception dress, brides can protect their wedding gown from potential damage while still looking elegant and put-together.
Photography: Having a reception dress can add visual interest to your wedding photos. It provides a fresh look for the reception portion of the day and allows photographers to capture a different aesthetic. Brides may have a variety of pictures that showcase different aspects of their wedding attire. Your partner may opt for a change of attire as well!
Memories: A reception dress can become a cherished keepsake from the wedding day. Brides may associate it with the joy and celebration of the reception, creating fond memories every time they see or wear the dress in the future.
Now we can look at some points on the other side:
Cost: Adding a reception dress to your wedding attire can increase overall costs. While some brides may find affordable options, others may invest a significant amount in a second dress. This expense may not be feasible for every budget.
Logistics: Changing into a reception dress requires time and space, which may not always be readily available during the wedding day. Brides will need to plan ahead to ensure they have a private area for changing and enough time to transition between dresses without feeling rushed.
Traditional Expectations: In some cultures or families, there may be traditional expectations surrounding wedding attire. Opting for a reception dress instead of wearing the wedding gown throughout the entire event could be seen as unconventional or disrespectful to these traditions.
Sentimental Value: For some brides, the wedding gown holds significant sentimental value. Choosing to change into a different dress for the reception may feel like abandoning or diminishing the importance of the gown they wore during the ceremony.
Limited Wear: Like a wedding gown, which is typically only worn once, a reception dress may also have limited opportunities for future wear. Some brides may struggle to justify the expense of a second dress they will only wear for a few hours on their wedding day.
Staying In Budget With A Reception Dress
If you have decided you definitely want a dress specifically for your reception, there are multiple ways to do this while staying in budget. The first is to find a dress that has a detachable accessory, such as an overskirt or a jacket/shoulder piece on top.
A dress that has an over skirt can look like a ball gown, and when the skirt is removed, it may be a fit and flare, a sheath, or even a short dress underneath!
A dress that has a jacket over top may have long sleeves and full coverage, and when removed it becomes a strapless dress. This is another way to have two dresses in one.
This is an excellent option without paying more money for a second dress.
Another way to do this is to watch for sample sales. Many bridal stores have sales throughout the year and mark their stock dresses down for a quick sale. You can try on dresses in your size and sometimes find the perfect dress at a fraction of its retail price. We have had brides buy two dresses and still stay at or under budget at our sample sales!
Darianna® Bridal & Tuxedo also offers the Sample Closet which is open all year long! No need to wait for a sample sale, these are discounted and ready to wear. It is updated frequently because dresses sell often, and new ones are added! Our sample closet is a place where brides often find their dress(es)!
The decision to have a reception dress comes down to personal preference, budget, and logistical considerations (if you are having a destination wedding, do you want to transport two dresses?). While there are benefits to having a reception dress, it is important to weigh the pros and cons and make the choice that aligns best with your vision. Ultimately, whether you opt for one dress or two, what matters most is feeling comfortable, confident, and beautiful as you celebrate the beginning of your new journey together!