Reception Dresses, After Party Styles & Fun 2nd Look Outfits For The Bride

Beaded Long Sleeve Mini Dress For Wedding Reception

Calling all brides: Have you considered a second look for your wedding reception? This is one wedding fashion trend we absolutely love! If you're thinking about a second outfit for your wedding or a reception wedding dress to party the night away, you're in the right place.

Brides opt for a reception dress or a second wedding day style, look or outfit for many reasons. Sometimes they are looking for something to change into after their ceremony, including the reception, during a special tradition like a sparkler exit or the cake cutting, even for the after party. In this Garter Girl Loves post, we're sharing the reasons why brides choose second wedding outfits. Plus, we're exploring some of the top questions about choosing a separate reception dress and showing off our favorite styles.

Maybe you've dreamt about that ball gown style wedding dress you'll wear down the ceremony aisle, but it just doesn't seem practical for the dance floor at your reception or after party. A second look or outfit for the reception party might be the perfect solution for your bridal fashion dilemma.

So, let's explore a little more about second looks and wedding reception dresses and outfits for the bride.

Short Beaded Long Sleeve Dress With Back Bow
Shop this Bridal Second Look:
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Why Do Brides Change For The Wedding Reception?

Are you wondering why a bride would change her outfit after the ceremony and before the reception. The reasons for why a bride chooses a second wedding day look truly vary, but we'll share some of the most popular ones.

Most often, the wedding dress of your dreams may be perfect for exchanging vows during the ceremony, but not for dancing it up at the reception. Brides opt for a special wedding reception dress to be able to dance the night away.

Sometimes the bride's outfit change to the second look goes hand-in-hand with a specific wedding reception activity - cake cutting, garter toss, champagne toast, etc. A quick change right before a momentous wedding reception tradition can be the perfect way to capture your guests' attention. It's certainly a fun photo opportunity!

What About The Afterparty?

Do brides change their outfit for the after-the-wedding party or post reception party? Yes! Wedding after parties are another great opportunity for an outfit change for the bride.

An after-party bridal outfit allows you to wear a second look as the bride - be it more casual or more fun and glamorous, it's a great time to change into something different and help separate this party from the reception.

Does My Reception Dress Have To Be White?

Are you thinking about a reception dress, but wondering about color? If you do a second wedding dress for your reception, does that bridal dress need to be white? What color do brides typically wear for reception dresses or outfits?

No, of course not, your reception wedding dress or second bridal look does no have to be white or even ivory! You...do you! We say that a lot around here at The Garter Girl, but it's true. It's your wedding so we want you to choose your favorite dress, jumpsuit or skirt...in any color and style.

As long as you love it, we'll love it too! 

Where Can I Buy A Reception Dress?

Shopping online for your wedding reception dress or second look is made simple with online retailers and Etsy. When you're searching for the perfect style for you, we recommend looking for the style or description of the dress or outfit you're envisioning. 

Sometimes, you'll find the perfect style that may be labeled as a bridesmaid dress or even a prom dress...yet, it's a perfect reception dress. Simply searching 'reception dress' on Etsy may not yield as many results as you'll get with a description of the style you're searching for. So, be sure to get creative with those search terms when it comes to shopping for your reception dress online.

Our Favorite Reception, 2nd Look & After Party Styles

From boho to glam, from jumpsuits to dresses...we have some fabulous styles of reception dresses and second look outfits for the bride.

These are our favorite styles we wish we had worn on our wedding day...and we hope you love one of these second look dresses for your wedding day, too!

Boho Reception Dresses

Boho Sequin Lace Reception Dress
Shop this Bridal Second Look:
Boho Sequin Lace Reception Dress
Made by: Romantique Bohemian

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Two Piece Embroidered Reception Dress
Shop this Bridal Second Look:
Two Piece Embroidered Reception Dress
Made by: Design By Shivani

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Boho Lace Wedding Reception Dress
Shop this Bridal Second Look:
Boho Lace Wedding Reception Dress
Made by: Flora and Lane

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High Neck Flare Sleeve Boho Lace Dress
Shop this Bridal Second Look:
High Neck Flare Sleeve Boho Lace Dress
Made by: Romantique Bohemian

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Bridal Jumpsuits

High Neck Bridal Jumpsuit
Shop this Bridal Second Look:
High Neck Bridal Jumpsuit
Made by: Studio Sharon Guy

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White Formal Jumpsuit
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White Formal Jumpsuit
Made by: Mora Brand

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Long Sleeve Formal Jumpsuit
Shop this Bridal Second Look:
Long Sleeve Jumpsuit
Made by: Luini Moda

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Lace Bridal Jumpsuit
Shop this Bridal Second Look:
Lace Bridal Jumpsuit
Made by: Dame and Maiden

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Fun Mini Dresses

Avant Garde Mini Dress Romper with Shorts
Shop this Bridal Second Look:
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Custom White Nike Air Force Sneakers for Bride
Shop this Bridal Second Look:
Custom White Nike Air Force Sneakers
Made by: Prints by Ant Shop

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Puff Sleeve Tulle Skirt Mini Dress
Shop this Bridal Second Look:
Puff Sleeve Tulle Skirt Mini Dress
Made by: Have Dress Store

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Jacquard Lace Mini Dress
Shop this Bridal Second Look:
Jacquard Lace Mini Dress
Made by: Have Dress Store

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Off White Tulle Ruffle Dress
Shop this Bridal Second Look:
Tulle Ruffle Dress
Made by: AP Line Store

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Classic Cocktail Dresses

Tea Length Reception Dress
Shop this Bridal Second Look:
Tea Length Reception Dress
Made by: Lifestyle by Natali

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Corset And Tulle Skirt Midi Dress
Shop this Bridal Second Look:
Corset and Tulle Skirt Midi Dress
Made by: Lana Kors Dress

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Glitter Converse Sneakers For Bride
Shop this Bridal Second Look:
Glitter Sneakers For Bride
Made by: Glitter Paw Prints

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Short White Cocktail Dress
Shop this Bridal Second Look:
Short White Cocktail Dress
Made by: Unona Shop

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Short Cocktail Dress With Train
Shop this Bridal Second Look:
Short Cocktail Dress With Train
Made by: Gala Bridal Studio

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Glamorous Dresses

Glitzy Sequin Fringe Dress
Shop this Bridal Second Look:
Glitzy Sequin Fringe Dress
Made by: Boutique Normandie

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Fun Sequin Mini Dress With Tulle Mermaid Skirt
Shop this Bridal Second Look:
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Sparkly Sequin Gown
Shop this Bridal Second Look:
Sparkly Sequin Gown
Made by: Pour Lui

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White Feather Mini Dress With Train
Shop this Bridal Second Look:
White Feather Mini Dress With Train
Made by: Matching Look

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Which outfit is your favorite style? Are you thinking of that feather & flirty reception dress, or a sophisticated jumpsuit? We love the idea of changing your outfit during the reception. Whether you choose to do so right away after the ceremony or late in the night for a fun exit, second looks for the bride are so much fun.

For more of my wedding ideas and inspirations, be sure to check out my Garter Girl Loves blog series and you can shop all of my wedding garter designs.


With love,

The Garter Girl

 

 

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wedding day emergency kit - pre-packed bridal fashion emergency kit from The Garter Girl