When to Change Into Your Second Dress for the Reception

When a bride walks down the aisle it's her big grand entrance. Most guests are seeing her wedding dress for the first time and it's a special moment of the day. But what if you could have TWO grand entrances? If you change into a second reception dress you definitely can. Reception dress changes give brides an opportunity to wear something a little more practical (nobody will trip on your train if you're wearing a short wedding dress), allow you to wear two outfits (if you struggled to decide between two you loved) or give you the chance to change the whole vibe of your look. We talked to two experts to get their advice on changing into a reception dress. Read on for their tips.

In this article:

• Should You Change Into a Second Reception Dress?
• When to Change Into Your Reception Dress
• How to Pull Off an Epic Reception Dress Change

Should You Change Into a Second Reception Dress?

As with most things when it comes to wedding planning, changing into a second dress for the reception is totally up to you. You'll want to consider the flow of your reception, whether there's an available changing area, if you want to take the time to change mid-party and, of course, how badly you want to show off a second look. Read our list of pros and cons below.

• Pro: It's a fun way to incorporate a cultural tradition

"Changing into a different reception dress at a wedding can be rooted in both cultural traditions and modern practicality," explains Trish Peng, creative director of wedding dress brand Trish Peng. "When I was growing up, it was common to see brides switch into a Chinese Qi Pao as a nod to their Chinese heritage, blending cultural significance with the day's celebration."

• Con: It can be overwhelming

"Deciding on one wedding dress is already a big decision. Adding the decision of a second outfit might have you feeling overwhelmed by the extra choice," says Tina Wong, founder and lead designer of Grace + Ivory.

• Pro: You can get creative

"You can create a totally different look and style from your ceremony dress, you don't have to stick to just one gown for your whole wedding day," Peng explains.

"You can get creative with your reception attire. A lot of brides take it a step further than just changing their dress and also swap out their shoes, jewelry and even hairstyle."

• Con: Cost

"A second dress increases wedding costs. Even though a reception dress is typically simpler, it's still an extra investment for something worn only part of the day," Peng says.

• Pro: Photo opportunities

"Fun photo opportunities! Wearing two different looks adds variety to wedding photos, giving you more diverse, memorable shots," Wong adds.

Think a second reception dress is for you? Check out our top reception dress picks for every style.

When to Change Into Your Reception Dress

Timing is everything when it comes to ensuring a smooth wedding day, and the same goes for when you want to change into your bridal second look. You might think deciding spur of the moment is a good idea, but having a planned outfit change ahead of time ensures you won't miss a moment of the action. There are a few opportunities throughout your reception timeline when you can change.

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Option 1: Before Dinner Begins

"Dip out early from your cocktail hour (or if you chose not to do a first look and are taking your cocktail hour to take photos, be sure to stay on schedule so that you can wrap up a little early), so that you can change into your second dress before you make your entrance into your reception," Peng recommends. "This option allows you to truly distinguish between your ceremony dress and your reception dress with a clean break between the two parts of the day."

Option 2: Following the VIP Dances

"Naturally your band or DJ will open up the dance floor to your guests right after these dances happen, so it's easy to slip away and get changed to then re-emerge and dance the night away in your second dress," Peng says. "We especially love this option if you're choosing something more 'party-mode' for your second dress, like a jumpsuit, a mini dress, etc."

Option 3: Right After the Ceremony

"You might want to change immediately after the ceremony, especially if you want to be more comfortable for photos or if the reception space feels less formal than the ceremony," Wong recommends.

Option 4: During Cocktail Hour

"This is a common time to change, as it gives you a chance to mingle in your second look while guests enjoy drinks and hors d'oeuvres. It's a natural break between the ceremony and reception," Wong says.

How to Pull Off an Epic Reception Dress Change

So, you've decided you want to change wedding dresses for your reception. How exactly can you pull this off? Make sure you don't leave your reception dress shopping to the last minute. "Just like your wedding gown, it's a good idea to plan ahead and give yourself time to find something you truly love. This way, you won't feel rushed into choosing a dress that doesn't align with your vision," Wong advises. You'll also want to think about your accessories. "Will you need to change your shoes, jewelry or hairpiece to match the new look? Plan this out to avoid any last-minute scrambles," Wong adds. You'll also want to recruit some people to help you physically change into your second reception dress. "Doing a dress change does require a bit of coordination since you'll need to spend a little time away from your wedding to get changed (and potentially also freshen up your hair and makeup)," Peng explains. "So you'll have to keep this in mind when it comes to your timeline and work with your planner or maid of honor to help with your change."