The Case for Wearing More Than One Wedding Dress

By Alyssa Brown
October 21, 2016
Aaron Delesie

… and not just because Chrissy Teigen did it.

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Aaron Delesie
Get the Best of Wedding Dresses

Not all wedding gowns are made for dancing, and the trend toward multiple dresses has been hot, hot, hot over the past few years, allowing brides the opportunity to experiment with patterns, colors, silhouettes, sequins, and styles they might not want to wear for their ceremony but would love to wear at some point on their big day. Hesitant to go for two? These dresses will convince you!  Ahead, dress-switching inspiration from some of our favorite real weddings, featuring real brides and their before-and-after transformations.

Still not convinced? Chrissy Teigen did it.

When Chrissy Teigen and John Legend married in Italy's Lake Como in 2013, Teigen sprung for not one or two, but three Vera Wang gowns over the course of the evening. Teigen kicked off her wedding celebration with a formal ballgown for the ceremony and portraits, followed up with a mermaid gown she could move around the reception in, and ended with a crimson red gown for dancing.

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Ceremony Ballgown to Mermaid Silhouette

Get an Exclusive Look at Chrissy Teigen and John Legend's Lake Como Wedding

Teigen opted for a dinner dress in a classic mermaid silhouette that was more comfortable for sitting than her ceremony ball gown with its many layers of tulle.

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Mermaid Silhouette to Lady in Red

Aaron Delesie
See Each of Chrissy Teigen's Vera Wang Gowns From Sketch to Wedding Day

Later, Teigen wowed on the dance floor, wearing a red Vera Wang gown. A perfect dress for dancing up a storm, this crimson moment was unforgettable.

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Shortened Hemline

Mustard Seed Photography
Get Tips on Buying the Perfect Gown From Monique Lhuillier Herself!

This real bride stunned in a full-length Monique Lhuillier lace gown for her ceremony and changed into a short version of a similar style by Jenny Kim later in the evening.

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Shortened Hemline

Mustard Seed Photography
See How More Real Brides Wore Short Wedding Dresses

As both dresses were long-sleeve lace, the reception dress allowed her to dance comfortably without having a major style transformation during the event.

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Shimmering in Art Deco

Max Wanger
These Hacks Will Help You Keep Your Strapless Dress From Slipping!

Wedding blogger Amanda Halbrook of 100layercake.com opted for an Art Deco theme at her SoCal wedding. She started the evening in a romantic Jorge Manuel gown.

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Shimmering in Art Deco

Max Wanger
Find More Chic Ways to Sparkle on Your Big Day

Later, she changed into a dark sequin Monique Lhullier dress for a dramatic transition into the cake-cutting and dancing portion of the evening.

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Coral Dancing Shoes

Katie Stoops Photography
Go Inside the Couple Behind Studio DIY's Colorful California Wedding

Kelly Lanza of Studio DIY's Palm Springs wedding featured lots of warm peach and coral tones, including her apricot tulle wedding dress by Chaviano Couture.

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Coral Dancing Shoes

Katie Stoops Photography
Get the Best of Wedding Shoes and Accessories

She tossed aside her formal gown and threw on a lace jumpsuit and dancing shoes for her choreographed first dance. And of course, her dancing shoes were orange Kate Spade heels.

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Ruffled Party Dress

Check Out Our Favorite Rustic Weddings

This eclectic wedding started with the couple exchanging vows in a grove of redwood trees while the bride wore a traditional Monique Lhullier gown.

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Ruffled Party Dress

Get Our Best Wedding Reception Tips and Ideas

A fierce dancer, she later changed into a short, ruffled dress by Lanvin so she could kick her heels up on the dance floor.

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Ivory to Champagne

Polly Alexandre Photography
Get an Exclusive Look at Bernheim's Dreamy Wedding in France

Blogger Jenny Bernheim of Margo & Me hosted a fairytale wedding at a castle in France, to which she wore a formal Pronovias gown for the ceremony and portraits.

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Ivory to Champagne

Polly Alexandre Photography
Hear What Jenny Bernheim Had to Say About Her First 6 Months of Marriage

She made a celebratory transition and entered her wedding reception in a festive sparkling champagne-colored Monique Lhullier gown with a Melinda Rose headpiece.

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Custom Appliqués

Erich McVey
Get the Best of Destination Weddings

This couple's wedding on a remote island in Thailand began with the bride wearing an A-line Oscar de la Renta gown with Chantilly lace leaf appliqués and a full veil.

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Custom Appliqués

Erich McVey
We Love These Braided Wedding Hairstyle Ideas

She later lightened the look with a more breathable custom dress she had made in Hong Kong, every flower of which was sewn on while she was wearing it.

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Dancing in a Mini

Lindsay Madden Photography
Get More Outdoor Wedding Inspiration

For her Tuscan wedding, this bride wore a traditional Jesus Peiro gown that fit with the countryside surroundings of her wedding venue.

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Dancing in a Mini

Lindsay Madden Photography
Here's How to NOT Have a Boring First Dance

She later changed into a glittery mini dress by Pronovias to celebrate without the weight and formality of the former dress.

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Cocktail Dress Departure

Michael Falco / Christian Oth St
See More Crazy-Stunning Wedding Veils

Following a chapel ceremony, this couple headed to the bride's childhood home for a reception with their wedding guests. She wore a formal Carolina Hererra gown with a full tulle skirt.

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Cocktail Dress Departure

Michael Falco / Christian Oth St

For the after party, which took place on a different part of the property, the bride changed into a sequin-embroidered Oscar de la Renta cocktail party dress that gave her a little more freedom to mingle and dance.

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By Alyssa Brown