Imagine your wedding ceremony is over. You’ve completed the most nerve-wracking part of your day, and now it’s time to party the night away. As you enter the reception, you take a moment to glance down, and you realize your wedding dress is not the right one to dance in. *Shudder* It’s a nightmare no one wants to have, especially before a big entrance and a night full of partying. You have your comfy wedding shoes on, and now you need a second dress for the reception that emits a bit of your personality. It’s why so many brides decide to change dresses for the second part of their big day. Now you have two stunning looks!
A fabulous wedding reception dress is seamless, painless, and fun. And after months of planning, you deserve it. Maybe you want to switch up the traditional look of your ceremony dress and try a completely new style — party dresses and feathers are in this year. What better time to step out of your comfort zone? It’s why we’ve compiled a variety of wedding reception dresses suited for every type of bride: sultry, minimalistic, whimsical, timeless, romantic, and luxe. We’ve even added a few bold mini-dresses for daring brides who want to make a jaw-dropping entrance and exude that main character energy. So sit back and have fun; we hope you find the one.
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The Sultry Bride
Love is in the air. Exude flirty vibes as you dance with your partner in a figure-hugging embroidered midi, feathery mini, or strapless sequin gown with cutouts in the back.
Shop Mac Duggal at Anthropologie
Mac Duggal Natalie V-Neck Beaded Embroidered Sleeveless Midi Dress, $, available at Anthropologie
Alamour The Label Clematis Dress, $, available at Alamour The Label
La Femme Strapless Sequin Gown, $, available at Nordstrom
The Minimalistic Bride
Keep it classy with one of these no-fuss slip dresses or a midi dress with flowy texture and pearl straps. The best part about these minimalistic styles is that they’re easy to style for other non-wedding events.
Shop Intimately at Free People
Intimately Simply Biased Slip, $, available at Free People
Rihoas The Water Ripple Textured Cami Dress, $, available at Rihoas
Skims Soft Lounge Long Slip Dress, $, available at Skims
The Whimsical Bride
To celebrate one of the best days of your life, dance all night long in a dress that embodies your playful side. There are fluttery sequined maxis, flowy one-shoulder minis, and even a pastel green floral number.
Shop Asos Edition Curve at Asos
ASOS EDITION Curve Flutter Sleeve Sequin Maxi Wedding Dress, $, available at ASOS
& Other Stories Buttoned V-Cut Midi Dress, $, available at & Other Stories
Show Me Your Mumu Wonder Mini Dress, $, available at Show Me Your Mumu
The Timeless Bride
Choose from these graceful silhouettes for a style that will outlast any wedding dress trend. Each piece has its own subtle, sophisticated flair that makes it a classic you’ll treasure forever.
Shop Eloquii
Bridal By Eloquii Shimmer Strap Gown, $, available at Eloquii
Solace London Dakota Off-The-Shoulder Crepe And Satin-Twill Gown, $, available at Net-A-Porter
Khaite The Bruna Dress, $, available at khaite
The Romantic Bride
Envision yourself in one of these ethereal dresses, as you glide into the reception with Taylor Swift’s “Love Story” softly floating in the background. The delicate details of a corset bodice, lace, a tiered skirt, or floral embroidery make for a dreamy gown that your significant other and guests will swoon over.
Shop Lulus
Melissa Sweet Removable Sleeve Corset Wedding Dress, $, available at David’s Bridal
Lulus Weddiings Fantasize About Forever White Tulle Lace A-Line Maxi, $, available at Lulus
Torrid White Lace Off Shoulder A-Line Wedding Dress, $, available at Torrid
The Luxe Bride
As the star of the show, a luxe dress is a given. We’ve found glamorous halter-neck satin gowns in white and champagne and an old-school Hollywood vintage-inspired silk maxi.
Shop Birdy Grey
Birdy Grey Monica Satin Dress, $, available at Birdy Grey
Reformation Ronda Silk Dress, $, available at Reformation
Sau Lee Jillian Dress, $, available at Revolve
The Daring Bride
Make room for the star of the show. Bring a little spunk to your second dress for the wedding reception. We’ve got you covered with dramatic minis and a satin silhouette with a thigh-high slit adorned with feathers.
Shop Nookie at Revolve
Nookie Adore 2Way Dress, $, available at Revolve
Mews Mews Anwen Strapless Mini Dress, $, available at Mews Mews
Retrofete Priscilla Feather Dress, $, available at FWRD
The Romantic Bride
Shop Lulus
Lulus Flynn White Lace Maxi Dress, $, available at Lulus
Ieena For Mac Duggal Side Knot Jersey Gown, $, available at Nordstrom
J.ING White Lantern Sleeve Cold Shoulder Side Slit Maxi Dress, $, available at J.ING
Free People Flora Mini Dress, $, available at Free People
Amsale Rose Fil Coupe Fit-&-Flare Dress, $, available at Saks Fifth Avenue
A.L.C. Delfina Dress, $, available at Shopbop
Sabina Musayev Ray Tiered Satin Dress with Bows, $, available at Neiman Marcus
Karen Millen Premium Beaded Halterneck Column Midi Dress, $, available at KAREN MILLEN
Eveliina Vintage X J.Crew Limited-Edition Eveliina Vintage X J.Crew Hilkka, $, available at J.Crew
The Romantic Bride
Envision yourself in one of these ethereal dresses, as you glide into the reception with Taylor Swift’s “Love Story” softly floating in the background. The delicate details of a corset bodice, lace, a tiered skirt, or bows make for a dreamy gown that your significant other and guests will swoon over.
V. Chapman Grace Dress, $, available at Anthropologie
The Minimalistic Bride
Keep it classy with one of these no-fuss slip dresses or a midi dress with flowy texture and pearl straps. The best part about these minimalistic styles is that they’re easy to wear for other occasions.
AllSaints Betina Slip Dress, $, available at AllSaints
Fanm Mon Giamba Dress, $, available at Shopbop
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24 Nontraditional Wedding Dresses Under $2K
