Long-sleeve Wedding Dresses You’ll Love
Dresses | December 21, 2024
Why Wear A Reception Dress: An Inside Look At Erin’s Bridal Outfits
DressesReal WeddingsTips and TrendsWedding Inspo | November 23, 2024
Newsflash! The bridal world is in its reception dress era. We’re seeing so many brides opt for a second wedding dress, put together more bridal outfits than ever, and even curate an entire wedding wardrobe for their time in the spotlight! Needless to say, we’re totally on board. Why not embrace the drama and be totally extra? This time of life is all about embracing what you love, who you love, and (of course) your unique fashion sense! Not quite sure what that is yet? No worries! Take our style quiz and we’ll help you get a sense of what dresses work best for you! Now on to all things reception dresses!
What Is a Wedding Wardrobe?
Your wedding wardrobe encompasses all of the bridal outfits you’ll wear to the different wedding events you’ll attend! They include everything from your bridal shower dress to the gown you’ll walk down the aisle! Here are a few pieces you might want to add to your wedding wardrobe:
- Engagement photos outfit
- Bridal shower dress
- Bachelorette party outfit
- Getting ready outfit
- Rehearsal dinner dress
- Wedding luncheon outfit
- Cocktail hour dress
- Wedding dress
- Second wedding dress
- Reception dress
- Getaway outfit
Basically, you can choose to wear different bridal outfits to whatever wedding events you’d like! Keep in mind that you don’t have to wear a new outfit to each event or multiple in one night, it’s totally up to you! Some brides find planning their wedding wardrobe out to be a super fun opportunity to dress up for events that don’t come around every day and have fun soaking in the spotlight. If that’s you, more power to you! Let’s get you some inspo!
First of all, here’s a great article from The Knot on How To Create Your Wedding Wardrobe Capsule.
Why Wear a Second Wedding Dress?
PC: Mark McCullough Photography
There are lots of reasons why a bride might choose to wear a second wedding dress! For one, brides who like more sophisticated styles for their ceremony might want to slip into something more comfortable for their reception dress. Another reason a bride might want two wedding dresses is if they’re planning a warm-weather wedding and wants something lighter and more breathable to dance in all night.
Another possibility is a bride just loves two dresses or is torn between different aesthetics. Some brides might want more opportunities to show off their unique sense of style and what better time to be extra than your wedding? After all, a bride only has so much time to be the center of attention, might as well take advantage of it! Maybe you’re a sucker for a romantic boho wedding dress, but can’t help but want something that shows off your playful, sultry side as well. Why compromise? Get both!
Use Detachable Accessories to Add A 2-in-1 Look to Your Bridal Outfits!
PC: Mark McCullough Photography
If you’re after 2-in-1 look but don’t want to deal with the hassle of both a wedding dress and a reception dress, you’re in luck! You can totally use detachable accessories to create two different bridal looks with only one dress! Want billowing long sleeves to add a little romance and drama to your ceremony but want to cool off for your reception? No worries! Obsessed with a train but want to dance the night away without worrying about tripping on it? You’ve got it! And, of course, you’ve got to have that traditional veil for your bridal photos! But… you’re trying to show off your stunning hair extensions and don’t want to commit. That’s exactly what these accessories are for! Browse our selection of bridal accessories and mix and match with the help of your bridal stylist to create two – or as many as your heart desires! – wedding looks!
Love this idea? Check out Your Guide to All Things Bridal Accessories!
Don’t Take It from Us, Just Ask Erin!
Erin is one of our real Maggie brides who married the love of her life, Jessica, wearing two different Maggie Sottero wedding dresses! We interviewed Erin about her love story, wedding dress shopping experience, bridal gowns, wedding details, and more! Read on to hear all about it and check her out on Instagram!
Tell us your love story! How did you and your partner meet and fall in love?
PC: Mark McCullough Photography
“We met on Tinder, but our paths have crossed since we were kids. From my auntie living next door to her nan, going to many birthday parties & then also attending the same high school.”
We’d love to hear about the proposal! How did you get engaged?
“Jessica proposed to me on the rooftop of Merchant Hotel. It was a complete surprise because it was just as COVID was ending and it was a few days after my Birthday. I proposed back a year later & threw a surprise engagement party.”
You had two Maggie looks at your wedding! Which dresses did you wear and what made you choose them?
PC: Mark McCullough Photography
“I wore Drew by Maggie Sottero & Zoe by Rebecca Ingram as my reception dress. We went to Eden Bridal in Belfast as my cousin recommended her. I saw Drew on her website and was in love. Drew was to first dress I tried on and instantly knew. My mum also teared up. (Which is shocking because my mum never cries). Then when you guys reached out I was so grateful because I had my eye on Zoe, which was the second dress I tried on, and I knew they were both for me.”
What made you decide you wanted to have two wedding day looks? Would you recommend it to others?
“I wanted two looks because I knew it would be a summer wedding. I wanted to have a shorter dress to enjoy the dancing!”
Did you have an idea of what you wanted before you went dress shopping? Did it line up with what you got?
PC: Mark McCullough Photography
“I wanted a corset style dress, with shoulder cut & a bit of sparkle. Which both my dresses ended up having!”
How would you describe the feeling of knowing you’ve found “your dress” to soon-to-be brides?
“It feels very exciting & emotional. I have modeled for wedding dress companies and never felt a connection to a dress. But once I wore my two Maggie Sottero dresses, I knew they would be the dresses on our wedding day. It was such a high feeling.”
What bridal aesthetic were you going for with your overall wedding theme and what inspired it?
PC: Mark McCullough Photography
“We wanted to have a classic-style wedding with a black tie theme. We wanted it to feel grand & have lots of entertainment!”
Tell us about your wedding day! What thoughts and emotions were going through your head?
“The day was amazing and filled with so much joy. It was so nice to have both of our families come together to celebrate us.”
What was your favorite moment from your wedding day?
PC: Mark McCullough Photography
“My favorite part was when Jessica and I snuck off to our room just to have 15 minutes to ourselves and had such a laugh hiding from the wedding staff who couldn’t find us.”
What advice would you give to other brides approaching their big day?
“I recommend hiring a wedding content creator. It’s the best thing I did.”
Was there anything special that you incorporated into your wedding that you’re glad you did?
PC: Mark McCullough Photography
“We had a humanist wedding. It was so personal to us, our story, what we love about each other etc. It wasn’t boring, it was full of laughs and tears!”
Our Fav Reception Dress Options for a Second Look!
Think you’ve found your reception dress? It’ll be such a fun addition to your wedding wardrobe! If you have your heart set on a certain second wedding dress, try it on IRL at one of our Authorized Retailers today! We can’t wait to see all your stunning bridal outfits!
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