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 step into the reception, you take a moment to glance down and realize your wedding dress is just not right. *Shudder* It’s a nightmare no one wants to have, especially before a big entrance. It’s why so many brides decide to change dresses for the second part of their big day. That way you can have two stunning looks!
A great 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. 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: timeless, whimsical, minimalistic, romantic, and luxe. We’ve even added a few bold mini dresses for daring brides who want to make a jaw-dropping entrance. So sit back and have fun; we hope you find the one.
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The Timeless Bride
Choose from these graceful silhouettes for a gown that will outlast any wedding dress trend. Each piece has its own subtle, sophisticated style that makes it a classic you’ll treasure forever.
Bridal By Eloquii Shimmer Strap Gown, $, available at Eloquii
J.ING White Lantern Sleeve Cold Shoulder Side Slit Maxi Dress, $, available at J.ING
Ieena For Mac Duggal Side Knot Jersey Gown, $, available at Nordstrom
Reformation Lecce Dress, $, available at Reformation
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, quirky feathered minis, and ones with dainty puff shoulders for a bit of fun.
ASOS Edition Curve Curve Flutter Sleeve Sequin Maxi Wedding Dress, $, available at ASOS
Alamour The Label Clematis Dress, $, available at Alamour The Label
Fanm Mon Giamba Dress, $, available at Shopbop
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
Rihoas The Water Ripple Textured Cami Dress, $, available at Rihoas
Skims Soft Lounge Long Slip Dress, $, available at Skims
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
Lulus Flynn White Lace Maxi Dress, $, available at Lulus
Eveliina Vintage X J.Crew Limited-Edition Eveliina Vintage X J.Crew Hilkka, $, available at J.Crew
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 four glamorous gowns with a couple in shiny satin, one dripping in embroidered beads, and a swanlike one-shoulder dress with pleats.
Birdy Grey Monica Satin Dress, $, available at Birdy Grey
Karen Millen Premium Beaded Halterneck Column Midi Dress, $, available at KAREN MILLEN
Sabina Musayev Ray Tiered Satin Dress with Bows, $, available at Neiman Marcus
A.L.C. Delfina Dress, $, available at Shopbop
The Daring Bride
Bring a little spunk to your second dress for the wedding reception. We’ve got you covered with a dramatic bow, a long-sleeve fairy-like one with floral appliques, and a chic flared mini.
Nookie Adore 2Way Dress, $, available at Revolve
Free People Flora Mini Dress, $, available at Free People
Show Me Your Mumu Wonder Mini Dress, $, available at Show Me Your Mumu
Amsale Rose Fil Coupe Fit-&-Flare Dress, $, available at Saks Fifth Avenue
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