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Brides / Amelia Manley
A reception dress can transform your look entirely, and for many brides, it's the chance to change into an outfit that is not only fun and stylish but comfortable, too. While a second look might feel like an extravagance, there are plenty of budget-friendly dresses that practically feel and look like couture.
A second look is the perfect opportunity to wear something totally unexpected and different than your ceremony dress, while keeping with the theme and colors of your wedding, if you choose.
Whether you're throwing a casual backyard ceremony or a glamorous black-tie wedding, we've combed through countless styles and researched gorgeous dresses to suit every style, wedding aesthetic, and budget.
Read on for the best wedding reception dresses for every bridal style.
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Size Range: XS-XL | Materials: Nylon, poly, spandex | Length: Mini-Length
Who says a reception dress can't be a little extra? This mini dress features a dramatic bow train that can be detached when it's time to hit the dance floor. You'll feel fancy all night long but be ready to dance without a long train getting in your way.
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Size Range: XS-XL | Materials: Cotton, nylon | Length: Mid-calf length
Nothing says summer wedding quite like a floral lace midi dress. After the ceremony, slip into this easy, breezy number for a totally carefree and effortless look. The flared skirt will keep all eyes on you as you twirl around the dance floor.
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Size Range: 0-12 | Materials: Viscose | Length: Ankle-length
With loose-fitting, off-the-shoulder straps and a figure-flattering bodice, this Reformation dress is the epitome of relaxed elegance. Slip this style on for a completely effortless second look. We love the look for a laidback summer wedding.
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Size Range: XS-XL | Materials: Nylon, polyester, spandex | Length: Mini-length
Equal parts sweet and playful, this forthy tulle mini dress is sure to leave a lasting impression. It features a boned bodice for extra structure and support as well as a banded waist for a figure-flattering look. We love the idea of adding a veil or a modern headpiece to complete your ensemble.
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Size Range: XXS-XL | Materials: Rayon, nylon | Length: Mini-length
As pretty as it is versatile, this frilly cocktail dress could easily be worn to your engagement party, rehearsal dinner, or as a second look on your wedding day. A budget-friendly option, it will also keep you cool and comfortable in medium-weight stretch knit.
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Size Range: XS-XL | Materials: Nylon | Length: Floor-length
Jumpsuits are a popular reception look choice and with good reason. Not only are they sleek and modern but they're incredibly easy to move around in, making it a cinch to work the room and show off your signature moves on the dancefloor. We love this option for the bride looking to make a statement.
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Size Range: 14-28 | Materials: Polyester | Length: Mini-length
We love how this design lets you change into a mini dress for the reception, while still maintaining the drama of a cape. The cape is made from non-stretch organza with elastic at the top edge and puff sleeves. Even better, you can take off the cape and sleeves for a streamlined strapless mini look.
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Size Range: XS-XL | Materials: Polyester | Length: Mini-length
Nothing says celebration quite like an allover sequin mini. This sparkly number was born for the dance floor and made for an afterparty that goes late into the night (and morning!) We particularly love this high-shine number as an unexpected counterpart to a more traditional ceremony dress.
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Size Range: XS-L | Materials: Viscose, ostrich feathers | Length: Mini-length
Make an unforgettable entrance in this stunning feather creation from Cult Gaia. Not only will this mini dress look great in all of your reception photos, but it's also as light as air so it won't weigh you down on the dance floor. The ostrich-feather trimmed dress also comes in other colors if you'd like to shun tradition and don a bright shade.
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Size Range: 0-20; Short, Regular, Petite | Materials: Virgin wool | Length: Floor-length
More of a fashion-forward bride? Go for this ultra-cool wedding suit. We love the jacket paired with a silky camisole or a sexy bralette for a more daring look. The impeccably tailored wide-leg trousers feel modern and polished.
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Size Range: 2-12 | Materials: Polyester | Length: Floor-length
If you're searching for a formal reception dress that feels special but doesn't compete with your wedding gown, may we suggest this floor-length number? Timeless and supremely elegant, this pared-back dress makes for the perfect second look for a black-tie wedding.
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Size Range: 0-16 | Materials: Polyester dupioni | Length: Mini-length
Looking to show off your legs (and moves!) on the dance floor? This pearl-embellished mini is the ultimate party dress. Pair yours with matching white accessories or go bold with colorful strappy sandals, fun earrings, and a red lip.
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Size Range: 0-12 | Materials: Silk | Length: Floor-length
If you're a minimalist bride who covets simple silhouettes and clean lines, then opt for an effortlessly chic slip dress. This slinky Reformation number oozes sophistication and features alluring and unexpected details like a lace trim around the neckline.
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Size Range: 0-14 | Materials: Polyester | Length: Midi-Length
Changing into a reception dress pretty much signals that it's time to get the party started, so have fun with your look! We love this sparkly midi dress complete with pearls and a unique feather hem, perfect for taking you from the reception to the afterparty.
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Size Range: XS-XL | Materials: Polyeste | Length: Mini-length
If you're opting for an impossibly chic city hall wedding à la Bianca Jagger, this is the dress for you. Equal parts sexy and sophisticated, this blazer dress is for the bride who embraces a non-traditional look. It's also versatile, so practical brides will love the chance to wear it again.
Best Seperates
Ronny Kobo Foxxy Satin Tailored Bridal Vest and Carrine Pleated Tailored Bridal Pants
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Anthropologie
Size Range: XS-XL | Materials: Polyester | Length: Floor-length
If you love the idea of wearing a traditional gown for your ceremony but want something a little different for your reception look, consider this satin vest and pant set from Ronny Kobo. This versatile set can be worn over and over again long after you say "I do."
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Size Range: 2-12 | Materials: Viscose, Polyamide, Elastane, Polyester | Length: Midi-Length
This Alexis gown features soft pleats that move when you move. It's giving Marilyn Monroe in the best bridal way. Just watch out for any floor vents.
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Size Range: 2-12 | Materials: Polyester | Length: Midi-length
For brides who crave a little glitz and glam but at an affordable price, we've got you covered! This style from ASOS features a simple but beautiful silhouette embellished with allover sequins perfect for the summer bride looking for a little sparkle. This body-skimming, breezy pick will keep you comfortable while you twirl the night away.
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Size Range: XXS-XXL | Materials: Polyester | Length: Mini-length
For a swinging sixties look, we love this mini dress from Show Me Your Mumu. Cut on a bias, it has that perfect slip draping meant for dancing. The twist halter is ultra-flattering and the low back adds that touch of sexiness.
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Size Range: 0-14 | Materials: Polyester, Nylon, Spandex | Length: Floor Length
Come on Barbie, let's go party! The reception is the perfect occasion to add some Barbiecore to your wedding look, and we're digging this tulle pink dress. Not only does it come in the perfect shade of pink, but the semi-sheer tulle fabric adds a fun, playful energy. You can also opt for a orchid or black shade to switch it up.
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Size Range: 0-16 | Materials: Polyester | Length: Tea Length
Featuring retro details like a bustier bodice and a tea-length hem, this Showpo dress is perfect for the bride with a vintage-inspired aesthetic. You can't beat the price either.
What to Look for in a Wedding Reception Dress
Style and silhouette
When it comes to picking out a reception dress, many brides opt for a style and silhouette that's completely different from their ceremony dress, but still embodies the theme and aesthetic of the wedding. But there's no rule that says you have to stick to a particular style—your reception dress can range from clean and minimalist to short and sparkly, like Retrofete Claire Sequin Dress. Most wedding reception dresses are more casual in fit and style, which allows for more free range of movement (read: getting down on the dance floor).
Color
While tradition calls for wedding dresses to be in shades of white or ivory, the options abound with wedding reception dresses. If you're looking to make a statement with your second look, there are plenty of styles to be found in pretty pastel hues, like BCBGMAXAZRIA Corset Tulle Gown. A shade of white is also a great way to play off the wedding theme—just change up the look with a focus on embellishments and a more flirty, fun style.
Comfort
Since you'll most likely be wearing the dress throughout dinner and dancing, you'll want to consider your comfort. Think about the season and the temperature. A summer bride may want to change into a mini dress made from a light and airy fabric like linen or cotton (like Lulus Off-the-Shoulder Midi Dress), while a winter reception dress may feature rich velvets or sequins like ASOS Edition Sarina Dress.
Why Trust Us
Contributing writer Sophie Moore is a former fashion editor at Brides and is an expert in all things bridal attire, from couture wedding gowns to the perfect "something blue" accessory. She researches and sources the best fashion items for brides, grooms, wedding guests, wedding parties, and more.
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