Skip to content

Top Navigation

Martha Stewart Martha Stewart
  • FOOD
  • HOLIDAYS
  • ENTERTAINING
  • HOME
  • GARDENING
  • CLEANING & ORGANIZING
  • WEDDINGS
  • SHOP
  • DIY
  • BEAUTY & WELLNESS
  • LIFE
  • NEWS
  • MARTHA'S BLOG
  • About Us

Profile Menu

Martha's Blog
Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletter
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Contact Us
  • Your Content
  • Logout

More

  • Enter to Win $10,000 to Makeover Your Home!
  • Martha's Blog
  • Weddings
Login
Pin FB

Explore Martha Stewart

Martha Stewart Martha Stewart
  • Explore

    Explore

    • Tips on Organizing Your Home

      Tips on Organizing Your Home

      From the kitchen and bathroom to the bedroom and laundry room, here are 40 ways to simplify, streamline, and banish clutter throughout the house. Read More
    • These Are the Paint Colors You'll See Everywhere in 2022

      These Are the Paint Colors You'll See Everywhere in 2022

      Upgrade your spaces with new—and old—classics. Read More
    • 39 Make-Ahead Holiday Dishes That Are Perfect for Festive Family Gatherings

      39 Make-Ahead Holiday Dishes That Are Perfect for Festive Family Gatherings

      These classic recipes will help you get a head start on the festivities. Read More
  • FOOD

    FOOD

    See All FOOD
    • Breakfast & Brunch Recipes
    • Lunch Recipes
    • Dinner Recipes
    • Appetizers & Snacks
    • Dessert Recipes
    • Drink Recipes
    • Salad Recipes
    • Side Dishes
    • Soup Recipes
    • Healthy Recipes
    • Quick & Easy Recipes
    • Vegetarian Recipes
    • Cooking How-Tos
    • Baking
    • Menu Planning
    • Food News & Trends
    • Wine
    • Mastering the Holiday Meal
    • What's for Dinner
    • All Recipes
  • HOLIDAYS

    HOLIDAYS

    See All HOLIDAYS
    All of Our Best Valentine's Day Crafts to Make from the Heart

    All of Our Best Valentine's Day Crafts to Make from the Heart

    Express your love with handmade Valentine's crafts like paper cards, gift ideas, and decorations.
    • Valentine's Day
    • St. Patricks Day
    • Passover
    • Easter
    • Mother's Day
    • Father's Day
    • Fourth of July
    • Halloween
    • Thanksgiving
    • Hanukkah
    • Christmas
    • New Year's Eve
  • ENTERTAINING

    ENTERTAINING

    See All ENTERTAINING
    Will We Entertain Differently in 2022? These Are the New Trends Hostesses Should Bookmark

    Will We Entertain Differently in 2022? These Are the New Trends Hostesses Should Bookmark

    Secure your role as the host with the absolute most.
    • Seasonal Entertaining & Decorating
    • Baby Shower Ideas
    • Dinner Party Ideas
    • You're Invited
  • HOME

    HOME

    See All HOME
    How to Hang and Arrange Pictures

    How to Hang and Arrange Pictures

    Amp up your home décor with perfectly placed frames.
    • Home Design & Decor
    • Paint Colors & Palettes
    • DIY Home Projects
    • The Well-Kept Home
  • GARDENING

    GARDENING

    See All GARDENING
    Six Houseplant Mistakes to Avoid This Winter

    Six Houseplant Mistakes to Avoid This Winter

    Don't let your varieties fall victim to the perils of poor cold-weather maintenance.
    • Container Gardening
    • Flower Gardens
    • Houseplants
    • Landscaping
    • Vegetable Gardens
  • CLEANING & ORGANIZING

    CLEANING & ORGANIZING

    How to Deep Clean Your Oven with Baking Soda

    How to Deep Clean Your Oven with Baking Soda

    Our easy tips will make this cleaning task a lot less daunting.
    • Cleaning
    • Storage & Organization
    • Laundry & Linens
  • WEDDINGS

    WEDDINGS

    See All WEDDINGS
    Your Ultimate Wedding-Planning Timeline

    Your Ultimate Wedding-Planning Timeline

    Ready, set, go! Our no-nonsense guide will help you learn how to plan your wedding like a pro.
    • Real Weddings
    • Wedding Party
    • Wedding Planning & Advice
    • Wedding Ceremony & Reception
    • Wedding Jewelry
    • Dresses & Style
    • Wedding Beauty & Wellness
    • Wedding Registry
    • Wedding Showers & Parties
    • Love & Marriage
    • Wedding Travel
  • SHOP
  • DIY

    DIY

    See All DIY
    How to Knit: A Beginner's Step-by-Step Guide

    How to Knit: A Beginner's Step-by-Step Guide

    Learn how to knit your own mittens, hats, scarves, and more. We'll take you through the step-by-step instructions and teach you how to cast on, knit, purl, and cast off.
    • Dyeing
    • Holiday Crafts
    • Kids' Crafts
    • Knitting
    • Paper Crafts
    • Sewing
    • Rescue & Revamp
  • BEAUTY & WELLNESS

    BEAUTY & WELLNESS

    Your Complete Guide to Restoring Moisture Back Into Your Skin

    Your Complete Guide to Restoring Moisture Back Into Your Skin

    Take a multi-pronged approach if you're experiencing excess dryness.
    • Beauty
    • Health & Wellness
    • Live Well
  • LIFE

    LIFE

    See All LIFE
    • Family
    • Pets
    • Travel
    • Net Worth
  • NEWS
  • MARTHA'S BLOG
  • About Us

Profile Menu

Martha's Blog
Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletter
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Contact Us
  • Your Content
  • Logout

More

  • Enter to Win $10,000 to Makeover Your Home!
  • Martha's Blog
  • Weddings
Login
Sweepstakes

Follow Us

  1. marthastewart.com
  2. Weddings
  3. Dresses & Style
  4. Fashion
  5. Wedding Dresses
  6. 36 Reception Dresses Brides Changed Into for Their Parties
Martha Stewart Weddings

36 Reception Dresses Brides Changed Into for Their Parties

Sarah Schreiber, Senior Digital Editor
By Sarah Schreiber Updated August 27, 2020
Skip gallery slides
Pin
wedding reception dresses spaghetti strap tea length dress with slit
Credit: Rebecca Yale Photography

These second looks just might inspire your own.

Start Slideshow

1 of 35

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message
wedding reception dresses spaghetti strap tea length dress with slit
Credit: Rebecca Yale Photography

There's so much that goes into choosing a wedding dress. From selecting who you'll bring along on the search to the actual shopping process, you'll likely experience every possible emotion during the journey. One of them is bound to be relief—especially once the final choice has been made. But then the following thought might bubble up: What if one wedding dress just isn't enough? This might be something you have in the back of your mind from the very beginning (raise your hand if you're a bride that definitely wants two wedding dresses!) or something you determine later, once you consider what it will be like wearing your gown during the reception.

While your wedding dress might be the ultimate choice for your walk down the aisle, you may find it's not quite right for your first dance. It's often this conundrum that leads a bride to opt for an outfit change, either at the beginning of the party or mid-festivities. The moment you decide to change is entirely up to you, but it typically depends on a few factors. Some brides want to linger in their first dress and really show it off on the dance floor. Others feel restricted by their ceremony attire (especially those wearing tighter, more form-fitting silhouettes!) and want something easy and breezy to kick off the evening. Or maybe you're a fashion-lover who just wants to wear two looks on your big night. Regardless of the camp you find yourself in, you're likely in the market for reception wedding dress inspiration.

Luckily for you, we rounded up a few of our favorite second wedding dresses that brides wore to their own parties. These inspired looks—from sexy mini-dresses, to romantic reprisals of gown number one!—are sure to inform your own party change. Click through for the ultimate second wedding dress inspiration.

1 of 35

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 35

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Romantic Sleeves

wedding couple dancing at reception in casual attire
Credit: The de Jaureguis

This bride opted for a jumpsuit with poufed sleeves and a delicately draped bodice. 

2 of 35

3 of 35

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Reception Jumpsuit

wedding reception dresses jumpsuit with overskirt
Credit: Lisa Ziesing for Abby Jiu Photography

This bride's Naeem Khan jumpsuit proves that there's nothing more celebratory than a voluminous overlay.

3 of 35

Advertisement

4 of 35

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

A New Look

Couple in second reception outfits
Credit: Sacia Matthews
Do You Really Need a Second Wedding Dress?

For her reception, this newlywed changed into a sequined jumpsuit from Retrofete. Its deep-V neckline and short sleeves made it the perfect culmination of sexy and stylish. 

4 of 35

5 of 35

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

High Neck

niara allen wedding couple reception dress
Credit: Elizabeth Austin Photography

Is there anything that says "Let's party!" like a shorter hemline? Not according to this beauty, who changed into a BHLDN mini dress before hitting the dance floor. A high neckline and long sleeves kept the look classic.

5 of 35

6 of 35

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Sparkly Sheath

tebogo simon wedding reception first dance couple
Credit: Margaux Cronje

Need a look worth dancing in? This glowing bride changed into a slinky, sparkly sheath dress for her wedding reception. 

6 of 35

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 35

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

A Nod to New Heritage

victoria tk wedding bride's red and yellow african reception dress
Credit: Enuel Viera Photography

"I chose to wear a dress with colorful vibrant African fabric during the party, to represent Tk's heritage and celebrate the culture I am joining," shares the bride, Victoria. Nigerian seamstress Glory Ojei of Bespoke By Glory designed the dress. 

7 of 35

8 of 35

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Beautiful Blues

happy wedding couple stand smiling reception
Credit: Janine Licare

When it came time for her reception, this radiant bride slipped into a long-sleeve dress by Needle and Thread.

8 of 35

9 of 35

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Beaded

wedding reception dance floor bride groom walking
Credit: Hajley Photography

Looking to add some glamour to your reception? Make like this bride and change into a fitted, beaded gown—hers was from New York's Faviana—before your first dance.

9 of 35

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 35

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Bohemian Nods

laura alexander wedding couple in white at brunch
Credit: Vicki Grafton

This Finland wedding was a daytime affair, but that didn't stop the bride from donning a gorgeous reception dress. The sleeve details and tiered skirt are just the thing for a garden soirée. 

10 of 35

11 of 35

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Champagne-Hued

bride and groom in disco reception outfits on the dance floor
Credit: Greg Finck

The bride traded in her wedding dress for a bespoke rose gold jumpsuit by Ella Pritsker Couture for the after-party. 

11 of 35

12 of 35

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Bow in the Back

wedding reception dresses bow in back
Credit: Greg Finck

Consider a racer-back wedding dress (like this one, by Marchesa!) for the latter half of your big day—the sporty cut allows you to move without restraint.

12 of 35

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

13 of 35

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Short and Sweet

wedding couple dipping and kissing in industrial space
Credit: Redfield Photography

You don't have to wear a long gown all night. This bride changed into a light and airy sparkly mini dress for the wedding reception, chosen specifically because it matched the venue's disco balls. 

13 of 35

14 of 35

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Wide-Leg Jumpsuit

bride and groom reception last dance
Credit: Allen Tsai

Nothing makes dancing easier on your wedding day than changing from a big ballgown into a jumpsuit with a fitted bodice and wide-leg trousers. 

14 of 35

15 of 35

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Two-Piece

wedding couple dancing at rehearsal dinner
Credit: Bubblerock

This bride's second look, which was actually debuted at her rehearsal dinner, could easily be worn as a wedding reception outfit. She changed into an Oscar de la Renta toile crop top and skirt with one-of-a-kind lapis earrings from Lizzie Fortunato

15 of 35

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

16 of 35

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Captivating Cape

couple exit wedding barn to sparklers
Credit: Amanda Lane

For the reception, this new bride changed into a chic, stretchy Alamour gown with a BHLDN cape.

16 of 35

17 of 35

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Embellished Separates

brittany brian wedding couple walking by pool
Credit: KT Merry

This bride wore a gorgeous two-piece pant suit-inspired look for her rehearsal dinner that would make for a gorgeous wedding reception look. Floral embellishment and cigarette style pants make for stylish and easy fashion. 

17 of 35

18 of 35

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Little Black Dress

Bride, groom, and friend at reception
Credit: The Edges

Who says the bride has to wear white? The woman of the hour, pictured center, did a quick change into a black velvet Tom Ford halter mini dress for the rest of the evening. 

18 of 35

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

19 of 35

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Halter Top

bride wearing jumpsuit during wedding reception
Credit: Corbin Gurkin

This bride changed into a Mira Zwillinger sequined jumpsuit with a jewel neck and fitted bodice for her wedding reception. 

19 of 35

20 of 35

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Fully Floral

ronita ryan wedding couple golden hour portrait
Credit: Laura Gordon

The bride pictured here changed into a pink-and-white floral Oscar de la Renta gown for the reception. Her groom also sported a second look, his Burberry. 

20 of 35

21 of 35

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

The New Pantsuit

wedding reception dresses pantsuit with sequined pants
Credit: Mandee Johnson Photography
Real Brides Who Nailed the Bridal Jumpsuit Look

If you're known for your fashion sense, one outfit change might not be enough. This bride, for example, donned three looks throughout her wedding. Her new-age pantsuit, which featured a peplum, off-the-shoulder top, and metallic wide-leg pants, was an appropriate way to close out the reception and enter after-party mode.

21 of 35

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

22 of 35

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Midi

wedding reception dresses one-shoulder tea length gown
Credit: Sarah Kate Photography

We're not sure what we love more about this mid-length number: the gauzy asymmetrical neckline or the skirt's metallic embroidery.

22 of 35

23 of 35

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Another Long Number

meki ian wedding michigan reception dancing
Credit: Lisa Ziesing for Abby Jiu Photography

If you fall in love with two different wedding dresses, know that there's nothing wrong with changing into something that's decidedly bridal, like this bride did. She walked down the aisle in a Monique Lhuillier trumpet and made her reception debut in a sleeker Pnina Tornai gown.

23 of 35

24 of 35

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Tassels

wedding reception dresses short gown with fringe
Credit: Sarah Kate Photography

We'd argue that there's no detail better suited for a night of dancing than tassels. This bride definitely got the memo.

24 of 35

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

25 of 35

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Ruffled Metallic

hamida charlie charleson wedding getaway exit
Credit: Gayle Brooker
The Case for Wearing More than One Wedding Dress

Why not break free of the wedding white mold come your reception? Make like this bride, who swapped out her traditional cream bridal gown for a ruffled metallic Ulla Johnson dress. She polished off her edgy look with a pair of Tory Burch velvet bow pumps.

25 of 35

26 of 35

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Champagne

John Legend and Chrissy Teigen Kissing at Wedding
Credit: Polly Alexandre Photography
Wedding White, Decoded: The Difference Between Each Popular Dress Shade

Consider another shade of wedding white to differentiate your second look from your first. This bride transitioned out of her bright-white ceremony garment into a champagne-colored number by Monique Lhuillier for her party.

26 of 35

27 of 35

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

First Dance Jumpsuit

John Legend and Chrissy Teigen Kissing at Wedding
Credit: Katie Stoops Photography

A choreographed first dance calls for a look that commands attention. A jumpsuit is different enough to make a statement—and allows you to hit all those moves uninhibited.

27 of 35

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

28 of 35

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Cultural Nod

reception wedding dresses
Credit: M Harris Studios
Amazing Wedding Dresses from Around the World

If you're set on wearing a white wedding dress for your ceremony, consider switching into a second look that pays homage to your roots. This bride (and her groom!) stepped into traditional Nigerian attire for the latter half of their party.

28 of 35

29 of 35

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

All About That Lace

wedding reception dresses short lace a-line gown
Credit: Rebecca Yale Photography

Looking for another fun factor? Pair a lacy knee-length number with a pair of heart-shaped sunglasses before getting down with your guests.

29 of 35

30 of 35

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Patterned Skirt

wedding reception dresses patterned skirt with slit
Credit: Mandee Johnson Photography

Really want to get experimental? Enter your party in couture—an unexpected silhouette (like this floral skirt and structure peplum top) is the ultimate way to make an entrance.

30 of 35

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

31 of 35

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Cohesive

John Legend and Chrissy Teigen Kissing at Wedding
Credit: Mustard Seed Photography

If you know that you want to change into a shorter number for the reception, but don't want to deviate from your first look entirely, consider choosing a second dress that references the first. Both of this bride's wedding dresses featured long sleeves (this one was by Jenny Kim Couture), which eased the transition from service to party.

31 of 35

32 of 35

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Long and Flowing

wedding reception dresses one shoulder sheath
Credit: Greg Finck
A Guide to Every Wedding Dress Silhouette

This Prabal Gurung reception dress makes the case for long and flowing (you'll realize the power of that combination when the band starts up).

32 of 35

33 of 35

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Feathered Skirt

New Years eve wedding bride groom dance
Credit: Alison Conklin

We love this bride's approach to reception style—she wore a BHLDN camisole with a feathered Carol Hannah skirt. Choosing separates meant she could more easily wear both pieces again.

33 of 35

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

34 of 35

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Glitzy Glamour

John Legend and Chrissy Teigen Kissing at Wedding
Credit: Max Wanger

Add edge to your reception look by deviating from bridal white entirely. This bride slipped into a statement-making black Monique Lhuillier gown with plenty of shimmer before cutting the cake.

34 of 35

35 of 35

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

In the Details

lillie riley wedding reception couple
Credit: Meg Lucks, Abby Jiu Photography

This bride changed into a beautifully embellished Bronx and Banco gown for her wedding reception. 

35 of 35

Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook

Up Next

By Sarah Schreiber

    Share the Gallery

    Pinterest Facebook
    `
    Martha Stewart Weddings
    View All
    • How to Ensure Guests Attend Your Post-Wedding Brunch
    • A Colorful Fall Wedding in Aspen, Colorado
    • What Should You Wear to a Low-Key Bridal Shower?
    • Brooklyn Beckham Just Revealed How He Felt the Moment He Saw Nicola Peltz in Her Wedding Dress
    Trending Videos
    Advertisement
    Skip slide summaries

    Everything in This Slideshow

    Advertisement

    View All

    1 of 35
    2 of 35 Romantic Sleeves
    3 of 35 Reception Jumpsuit
    4 of 35 A New Look
    5 of 35 High Neck
    6 of 35 Sparkly Sheath
    7 of 35 A Nod to New Heritage
    8 of 35 Beautiful Blues
    9 of 35 Beaded
    10 of 35 Bohemian Nods
    11 of 35 Champagne-Hued
    12 of 35 Bow in the Back
    13 of 35 Short and Sweet
    14 of 35 Wide-Leg Jumpsuit
    15 of 35 Two-Piece
    16 of 35 Captivating Cape
    17 of 35 Embellished Separates
    18 of 35 Little Black Dress
    19 of 35 Halter Top
    20 of 35 Fully Floral
    21 of 35 The New Pantsuit
    22 of 35 Midi
    23 of 35 Another Long Number
    24 of 35 Tassels
    25 of 35 Ruffled Metallic
    26 of 35 Champagne
    27 of 35 First Dance Jumpsuit
    28 of 35 Cultural Nod
    29 of 35 All About That Lace
    30 of 35 Patterned Skirt
    31 of 35 Cohesive
    32 of 35 Long and Flowing
    33 of 35 Feathered Skirt
    34 of 35 Glitzy Glamour
    35 of 35 In the Details

    Share & More

    Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message
    Martha Stewart

    Learn More

    • Contact Us
    • Customer Service
    • Media Kit
    • Martha's Blog
    • Advertise
    • Content Licensing
    • FAQ
    • Corporate
    • International
    • Accolades this link opens in a new tab

    Connect

    Subscribe to Our Newsletter
    Sign Up
    MeredithMartha Stewart is part of the Meredith Home Group. © Copyright 2022 Meredith Corporation. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policythis link opens in a new tab Terms of Servicethis link opens in a new tab Ad Choicesthis link opens in a new tab California Do Not Sellthis link opens a modal window Web Accessibilitythis link opens in a new tab
    © Copyright Martha Stewart. All rights reserved. Printed from https://www.marthastewart.com

    Sign in

    View image

    36 Reception Dresses Brides Changed Into for Their Parties
    this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines.