What if one wedding dress isn’t enough?
If you’ve ever pondered that question, then you know you’re in the market for a bride reception dress. After all, it is your wedding day and it’s your chance to go all out.
Wedding Reception Dress Ideas For Bride
Getting a bridal reception dress to wear as your second wedding dress can be a way for you to express your personality in a way that you couldn’t for your ceremony. Your ceremony dress is often time, lavish and exquisite. It is THE dress you’ve always dreamed of. Your reception dress on the other hand, is made to party.
We see brides opting for shorter hemlines or even a jumpsuit so that it is easier to move and dance all-night in. Some want to stand out and wear a sparkly wedding reception dress for bride or some prefer to have the reception look to feel like an extension of their ceremony dress (like bridal separates). Whichever the option is, wedding reception dresses for brides always stand-out and are easy to dance-all night in.
Luckily for you, we rounded up our best bridal reception dresses that our real brides have worn and put together a whole look for you (so you don’t have to do anything else). These looks include your Bella Belle dance-worthy shoes that are not only stunning in detail, but also guaranteed to keep your feet comfortable as you get down on the dance floor.
Whether you’re a minimalist bride who loves clean lines and sleek silhouettes or a glamorous bride who wants to be in head-to-toe sparkles, there is the perfect reception outfit for bride and comfortable wedding shoes for you.
For the Glam Bride
Sarah in Claudia, Stephanie Axtell Photography.
Want a look that says “Let’s party”? Our Bella Belle Brides Sarah was in head-to-toe sparkles for her wedding reception outfit for bride. She paired the look with her Claudia nude lace heels which she wore with her ceremony dress. The shorter hemline is also a great way for you to show off your wedding shoes!
Let’s be real, nothing quite says you’re here for a celebration than a dress that has sequins and glitter all over. This sparkly white bride reception outfit from Rotate is made for you to feel like a dancing queen (and all eyes will be on you). Go all out glam with the Anita Ko white gold diamond earrings and the Suzanna Kalam jeweled necklace.
For your shoes, Elsa Cinderella heels have sequins and crystals that are individually hand-stitched onto a comfortable mesh. Totally made for dancing and grooving, you can check sparkle and most importantly, comfort off your list.
For the Fashionista Bride
Roni in Fabiola, Caroline Benusa Photography
Jumpsuits are becoming an increasingly popular wedding reception look and for good reason. Not only are they very modern and sleek, they are easy to move in (which is great for dancing). Roni, our fashionista bride, changed into this trendy jumpsuit with feathers – a very on-trend wedding look. It provided just the right amount of fun to this sleek number. She paired the look with the Fabiola block heel which she wore earlier in the day with her ceremony dress.
We always love a good deal. And this feather mini dress from Rachel Gilbert can also be worn for your engagement party, bachelorette and for another fun occasion after your wedding day. Since the bridal reception dress is a statement in itself, keep your accessories simple with a gold diamond necklace from Pasquale Bruni and Vrai drop earrings.
For your shoes, opt for the Wisteria wedding heel that has Wisteria inspired flowers that dangle on the strap. This stunning heel with the Wisteria flowers will sway with every step and move that you take. Best part? You can remove the flowers and rock a plain ivory heel (but we know your inner fashionista would wear it with the flowers).
For the Modern Bride
Nicole in Kayla, Alex Ashman Photography
If you’re a minimal bride like Nicole from Betches Brides, you’ll love a simple silhouette with clean lines for your bride wedding reception dress, like a chic slip dress. We love how she wore the Kayla block heels which featured a bow that is bedazzled with pearls and beads, a statement piece to go with the sophisticated slip dress for wedding reception.
Having a summer wedding? This mini white reception dress for brides has that wow factor with the dramatic bow at the front. If anyone knows how to design for a modern bride, it’s Carolina Herrera. Keep your accessories simple with a gold necklace and pearl earrings from ONDYN and Completedworks.
Who says your reception outfit for brides can’t be all about bows? Reese ivory heel has a statement making bow at the front with a sleek slingback at the back. This modern yet feminine look brings just the ring amount of fun and sophistication, perfect for a modern bride.
For the Romantic Bride
Emily in Rosa, Abigail Malone Photography
Calling all the romantic at heart, this wedding reception outfit for brides' inspiration look is for you. We love our bride Emily who changed into a romantic and sweet tulle midi dress to end the night in style. She paired this playful number with the Rosa kitten heel that is decked with pearls and beads in flower designs – if that doesn’t spell romance, then what would?
If there’s one thing we do know, it is that you can never go wrong with lace bride reception dresses for a romantic look. This Oscar de la Renta midi lace dress is lightweight and perfect for dancing in a spring or summer wedding. Go bold for your accessories with flower diamond stud earrings from Pasquale Bruni and Anabela Chan flower necklace.
Complete your look with the Libby wedding shoe. Inspired by the elegance of the Lily of the Valley flowers, Libby combines feminine flower motifs on a comfortable and breathable nude mesh – so you won’t suffer from sweaty feet. This reception look style is made for a bride-to-be who loves a feminine and romantic touch.
For the Elegant and Timeless Bride
Beth in Lucia, Rachel May Photography
Wanting a wedding reception look that is timeless and not trendy? Get inspired by our Beth, our real bride who wore an elegant midi dress with a classic halter neck in an A-line silhouette. She wore the Lisbeth pearl wedding shoe that also features a silk bow tied at the back.
If you love the Lisbeth pearl shoe, you’ll love this Maugel Coronel dress that has a fun ruffled flower at the top. Accessorize the look with Ginette NY diamond earrings and a pearl necklace from Sophie Billie Brahe. All eyes will be on you when you make your entrance in this elegant wedding reception look for brides.
For the Old School Bride
Caitlyn in Lisbeth, Lockharts Photography
Old world glam doesn’t mean boring or frumpy. In fact, it’s quite the opposite as seen by our bride, Caitlyn. It’s the deep V-neck and frills that made this the perfect combo of sexy and old school glam.
If you love the glitz and glamor of the Great Gatsby era like we do, then you’ll love this reception look where you can show off your dance moves. A mini Alessandra Rich dress with a fun fringe is the ultimate Great Gatsby party dress. Pair the look with a sapphire Adina Reyter earrings and gold necklace.
For your shoes, keep them fun and flirty with the Bridget tulle heel that even Carrie Bradshaw would approve. This look says that you are here to DANCE all-night long.
FAQ
What is a reception dress?
A reception dress is also known as a ‘second dress’ look. It is an outfit that some brides choose to change into for the reception. When it comes to choosing a reception dress, brides can either opt for a style that is completely different from the ceremony wedding dress or something that is an extension of it. The one thing that all reception dresses have in common is that they are easy to move in.
When does the bride change into her reception dress?
Brides usually change into their reception dress right before the reception starts, after you get all the portraits and photos taken. Some opt to change a little later and only change when all the dancing begins.
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