6 Wedding Reception Dresses to Have You Partying in Style

Whether short or sleek, these frocks will have you dancing all night long!

6 Wedding Reception Dresses to Have You Partying in Style

By Emily Lasnier

second-wedding-dress-ideas-for-receptions-or-after-parties
Photo: Jay Lawrence Goldman Photography

For brides who dream of looking like a princess on their wedding day, the fairy-tale ball gown can come at a price. No, we’re not talking about the price tag! The price in question is the ability to dance or sit on your wedding day. That’s why more and more brides are opting for a separate dress for the reception. Ball gowns and even mermaid or A-line dresses can be very heavy and restrict movement.

For most brides, one of the main reasons to even have a reception is to be able to dance with your friends and family during a party celebrating your marriage. If your wedding gown literally weighs heavily on you, consider a bonus dress as long as your budget allows for it. A second dress can also offer some sex appeal for brides who aren’t afraid to show off some skin, but still want to keep their style demure for the ceremony.

Below are some of our favorite reception dresses worn by brides at real weddings! Be sure to click on each image to get further inspiration from the celebrations. 

light chiffon layered reception dress
After walking down the aisle in an opulent ball gown, the bride took a load off by changing into this significantly lighter chiffon number. Photo by John Solano Photography

short, ruffled reception dress
In a clever design, the bride’s wedding dress featured a high-low hemline with a removable six-foot train, making it a perfect party dress for her to dance all night. Photo by Kris Kan

ines di santo crystal embellished metallic reception dress

With a jaw-dropping mermaid gown with a feather skirt, this bride lost the length and kept the drama by changing into a crystal-embellished metallic mini dress. Photo by Paul Barnett Photographer, Dress by Ines Di Santo

sleek vera wang sheath, reception dress

Once the first dance was complete, the bride changed from a traditional lace gown to this sleek sheath frock. Photo by Denis Reggie Photographers

short reception dress
The bride’s ceremony gown featured a gorgeous mermaid silhouette with ruffles, but because it restricted movement, she chose to change into a shorter number during the reception so she could dance. Photo by Jay Lawrence Goldman Photography

dramatic red reception dress
A reception dress does not just have to be for comfort level. This bride made a dramatic entrance by changing into a scarlet gown. Photo by Jared Platt Photography

To see more wedding dresses worn by real brides, browse hundreds of images in our photo galleries and be sure to follow Inside Weddings on Instagram and Pinterest!

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