Dress Change Inspiration for Your Wedding or Elopement

Choosing a wedding dress comes with a lot of pressure—it’s a big moment, and understandably, most people want to get it just right. But here’s the thing: if one dress doesn’t quite check all the boxes, why not go with two? A dress change is a great way to bring a fresh look to your reception and lean into a different vibe, especially if your ceremony outfit isn’t exactly dance floor–friendly. We’ve seen some fantastic second looks lately, so we pulled together a few favorites from brides who made the switch.

Wedding Reception Dress

Julia + Brandon 

 

Julia started her Morris Arboretum wedding day off in a strapless gown with beading and floral embroidery. Once the party began, she changed into a show-stopping short celestial beaded dress. The details were gorgeous and something we’ve never seen before!

 

Venue: Morris Arboretum and Gardens

Florals: We Are Wildflowers

Coordinator: The Styled Stem

Caterer: Power Events Catering

Hair: Jay Michael Salon

Makeup: JKO Beauty

 

Sarah and Scott 

 

We loveeed Sarah’s  bridal looks. She started the day in a deep v neck fit and flare gown with floral embroidery and top heavy beading. Sarah went on to change during her reception into a long sleeved, two piece outfit from Kinfolk Bridal in South Philly. 

..

Vendor: Morris Arboretum & Gardens

Planner: The Styled Bride

Florist: Flower Clvb

Hair: Rebekah Sattler

Makeup: Shimmer And Spice

Wedding Gown: The Wedding Factor

Two-Piece Reception Look: Kinfolk Bride

.

.

Sylwia + Eddie 

Sylwia began the day in a strapless, form-fitting gown with a cowl neckline from Daydream Bridal. She made a quick change into a short strapless dress covered in pearls that complemented her perfectly and made dancing a breeze.

..

Venue + Caterer: Terriain Gardens at Delval 

Wedding Coordinator: Terrain Events

Florals: Design by Terrain

Hair: Hair Styled by Kristen

Makeup: Underground Artistry

..

..

Matt + Alissa 

Alissa’s first dress was a pure white, cowl neck, a-line gown with a high slit. Every time she kicked her foot out, her pale blue heels made the perfect appearance. For her wedding reception dress, Alissa changed into a flowy dress that moved with her as she danced around. 

..

Venue: Curtis Arboretum

Wedding Coordinator: Gina Sole, The Wedding Planner

Catering: Jeffrey A. Miller Catering

Florals: Anne Schmitt Florals

Hair & MUA: Aleksandra Ambrozy

Wedding Dress: Jenny Yoo

..

..

Nikki + Peter

Not only is Nikki and Peter’s wedding one of our favorites, but Nikki’s bridal look is one of our favs too! She started the day with a slip dress with long sleeves and an illusion neckline that had lace details. For her reception, Nikki changed into a white cocktail length strapless dress. 

..

Venue: Radnor Hunt

Planner: KPW Productions

Florals: Valley Forge Flowers

Caterer: Max Hansen

Makeup: Beke Beau 

Haie: Aleksandra Ambrozy

..

..

 

Bridget + Jonathan 

Bridget found the perfect way to honor both her heritage and her partner’s—by embracing two dresses that each told part of the story. She began the morning in a stunning red qipao, a traditional Chinese dress that felt both powerful and deeply personal. For the ceremony and cocktail hour, she changed into a modern white gown, simple and elegant, before slipping back into her qipao to close out the night. 

..

Venue: Washington Crossing Inn

Florals: Flowers by David

Hair & Makeup: Daneene Jensen & Associates

..

..

Alex & Madison

This intimate winter wedding look was beautiful. Madison began her day in a strapless white slip dress then changed into an oversized ivory button up which was perfect for her speakeasy bowling alley reception at Harp & Crown. 

..

Venue: Harp & Crown

Caterer: Schulson Collective

..

..

Jessie & Naomi 

Naomi started off the day in a tulle V neck gown. After dancing around her Filmore reception in that gown for a bit, she switched into an Anthropologie v neck jumpsuit- it was EVERYTHING. The fabric reflected the lights in such a beautiful way, bringing out her eyes even more. Plus, the photo of her and Jesse cheering as the ticker tape fell from the ceiling is one of our favorites to this day!

..

Venue: The Fillmore

Event Designer/Florist: Papertini Events

Hair Stylist: Alexis Burkhardt Hair

MUA: Victoria Roggio Beauty

Wedding Gown: Anthropologie Weddings

..

..

 

Marissa & Mike

Marissa had one of the most unique dress changes we’ve seen. She had her mother’s wedding dress turned into a short signing ceremony dress that she started the day in. After that, she changed into a spaghetti strap, floor length, tulle a line gown for her Waterworks wedding reception dress.

..

Venue: Waterworks

Caterer: Cescaphe

Florist: Beautiful Blooms

Hair: Natalie Bridal and Co. 

Makeup: Isabella Lucia

Gown: Alena Leena 

..

..

MJ + Kate

Kate’s Longwood Gardens wedding began with her in a thin-strapped ball gown that carried just the right mix of refinement and ease. It moved effortlessly as she walked the garden paths, the skirt catching bits of sunlight between the trees and glasshouse windows. It was a dress meant for wide stone steps, lush greenery, and that first deep breath before saying I do.

When the evening shifted from toasts to dancing, Kate stepped into a long sequin Art Deco gown. It was still a floor-length silhouette, but the change in texture and tone completely transformed the energy. The gown shimmered under the reception lights, picking up every bit of glow from Longwood Gardens’ grand interiors. Surrounded by arches, intricate woodwork, and a sense of history in every corner, the dress felt like it belonged there. It was less about switching into something lighter and more about matching the mood of the space as the night unfolded.

..

Venue: Longwood Gardens

Planner: Jacyln Fisher Events

Photography: Sweetwater Portraits

Videography: Archer Wedding Films

Hair + Makeup: Jaclyn Grosso Hair

Personal Florals: Devon & Pinkett

Wedd..

Wedding Reception Dress

Check out some unique and non-traditional dress inspiration to help you hone in on your reception look.