Your wedding outfit is one of the most iconic choices you’ll ever make – it’s an expression of your personality, as well as a piece that should make you feel your most beautiful.
But in that case, why stop at one? What if you could have two?
The trend for changing outfits for different parts of your big day is on the rise, with many brides now opting for one dress for their ceremony and another for the reception. But with double the number of outfits comes double the cost, as well as being more time-consuming to find – so is it worth it? Let’s dive in.
Yes, it lets you dance freely
Perhaps one of the biggest reasons to consider an outfit change for your reception is that wedding dresses tend to be heavy, and difficult to move in. Whilst a long skirt and train means an elegant walk down the aisle, it makes dancing the night away with your nearest and dearest a little more challenging. Plus, brides who choose strapless gowns or those with lower necklines may not feel comfortable and secure in their dress when they want to party with their friends.
Opting for a shorter skirt (or even trousers) and a more secure bodice can mean that you feel comfortable and able to let your hair down, enjoying this more relaxed portion of your day. After all, you’ve spent a lot of time planning this celebration, so you want to be able to enjoy it to the fullest.
Yes, you get to choose a different outfit
The world of wedding attire has expanded far beyond just princess gowns, although they’re also available if that’s the style that you’re looking for. Sleek mermaid-style dresses, skirt and top separates and even jumpsuits are all readily available to help you look and feel your best.
As such, it can be hard to choose just one outfit when you’re wedding shopping. Opting for two (or more) ensembles means that you get to wear all the fabulous outfits you love, and showcase the different sides of your personality. You can also choose two styles to match the temperature; for example if you’re planning a destination wedding, you may opt for a thinner, more breathable dress for the daytime, but want sleeves come evening.
No, you only get to wear your wedding dress once
Perhaps the biggest argument for staying in the same dress all day – apart from the cost of buying multiple outfits – is the fact that you only get to wear your wedding dress once. It should be an amazing piece that you feel your absolute best in, and don’t want to take off. Wearing it for both the ceremony and the reception means that you get the maximum time to enjoy it, and your guests get the most opportunities to appreciate your choice.
If you do choose to go for two outfits, you may want to consider opting for ones that you can wear again in the future or get altered to make them into something else, so that you get the most out of your purchase.
Timing your outfit change
Settled on two outfits? The next thing to do is to decide at what point you want to make the switch. Some brides choose to swap between the ceremony and the reception, after their main photo section, whilst others wait until the first dance is done, so that their main dress is in those all-important photos. Whatever you decide to do, make sure that your bridesmaids are around to help you change. Not only can they help you with tricky buttons, but they can make sure that your makeup and hair don’t get ruffled, ensuring you’re picture-perfect for your big reappearance.