Best Reception Looks for the Extra Bride
As the Taco family would say, "Porque no los dos?" or why not have both?
Another reason that you might want a second look is the comfort factor. If you are not super into wearing dresses or you still want to wear that big 'ol ball gown in the middle of your destination wedding in a hot climate - then having a lighter, smaller more breathable dress is a great idea!
I know a lot of the time this isn't financially possible or the thought of spending all that money just to change after a few hours is absolutely bonkers - but this one is for my extra brides who love the idea of having separate looks!
(For those wanting other options than a whole second dress - delve into the "2 Looks, 1 Wedding Dress" post)
When do you change into your second look?
There really isn't any rule regarding this or when the perfect time is so here are a couple of options!
1. Change into the second look before you make your entrance into the reception as husband and wife. This will be a huge surprise to all of your guests and really get things moving.
2. Just before your first dance. This is really sweet especially if your new spouse does.t know about it. The first dance is announced and they get to see you and have those feelings of seeing you walk down the aisle all over again and be in awe as you dance your first dance.
3. After the first dance but before your cake cutting. A good option if your main dress would look better or move better in the first dance rather than the second look. It would be perfect timing to do it after all of the formalities are done to get the party started and people up on the dance floor.
If you LOVE your second look just as much as the ceremony dress, don't forget to tell your photographer to hang around so that you can have a little mini shoot with your second look.
(FYI for all short dress recommendations, please refer to "The BEST short dresses for your big day" post)
Zavana Couture - ZC8248
Hooley dooley starting off with a bang! The amount of love I have for this dress is probably unhealthy (so much so that the owners of the store I work at ended up calling her "Laura"). In truth, a lot of brides try this one on as a suggestion of one of their more outgoing friends, trying it on as a "joke" or trying it on to freak poor Mum out. Either way I just like seeing it on and it just looks so so good on. The dress itself is more of a body suit with draping which is great because the dress part is actually sheer. The golden colour and full on sequins and beading, the dramatic slit, the shorts/leotard make it the PERFECT second look for my brides wanting to party but wanting to remain glam. The best thing about this dress is that you could easily wear it again. Wear it to a ball, a hens, your anniversary or even at Sunday church...maybe not that one.
Alca Line Bride - Margot
I love everything about Alca Line Bride and would go as far as to say that it is one of my all time fav bridal lines. They are different, edgy, unique and colourful. As they are not super traditional it takes a lot for a bride to commit to their one and done wedding dress. But my gosh you need to consider them for AT LEAST an amazing second look/reception dress. I love, love LOVE the Margot dress as this option. Just look at her! The beautiful silhouette is still quite modest and traditional but the texture and detail is spectacular. I always imagine this dress being in a chic hotel reception with a classy glass of bubbles as an accessory, a low bun and some killer heels.
Miss Scarlett - Everly
A more understated look but still giving reception dress, party but a little classy and sexy vibes is the Everly dress from the brand new Anniversary collection by Miss Scarlett. I've had the pleasure of putting this dress on and boy did I feel like a saucy minx! The super soft satin hugs every curve and the sexy slit ensures comfortability and mobility out on the dance floor. I love this option as a second dress especially if your ceremony dress is a ball gown or a more classic, conservative look. Imagine being all sweet, angelic and innocent at the ceremony and BOOM in walks a sexy bombshell! After dark photos in this dress smooching your new hubby would be unreal and obvs super hot.
Anna Campbell - Luna Topper & Bowie Skirt
What better way to have a second look than having separates?? Not only is it a showstopping option but it's also super versatile in the sense that you can absolutely wear the pieces again either together or separately. This set from the new Anna Campbell is BEAUTIFUL. I want it. I can't have it but I want it. What an amazing way to show off your fun side or the inner part girl side than this set? Even just the topper with either pants or a plain skirt would be unreal! Shining from head to two, this look would be amazing under the stars or in an indoor reception. Anna Campbell has some really gorgeous options for second looks, especially in the new collection so be sure to check them out.
What better way to celebrate YOU than wearing your favourite colour on your wedding day? Not game enough (or not wanting to severely disappoint your parents by not wearing white) to wear colour as your ceremony dress? Then chuck it on as your second look! It doesn't have to match your bridesmaids or your decor. Think back to the wedding of Barbara Pavlin and Dylan Sprouse where she wore the most gorgeous bright red mini dress for the reception. Keeping it still a gown - this dress from Madi Lane would be unreal and amazing in photos at the reception. But wouldn't you have your ball gown/fuller skirt option as your ceremony dress? No..who said that? I think that the change of colour is just as good as a change of silhouette! The Kinsley gown still gives off a lux feel and structure of a wedding dress just with the added bonus of a cool colour!
Nadine Merabi - Alexa White Jumpsuit
As a jumpsuit enthusiast, of course I was going to include a killer jumpsuit option! And not just any jumpsuit but one that has sparkle, feathers and flares - More is more baby!! This Nadine Merabi jumpsuit is going to be such a cool, unique reception look and gives you a really good chance at busting out the splits when Shania Twain says Let's Go Girls. The sequined top is perfectly offset with plain crepe trousers and flared so you are going to look super skinny as well. Such a fun and playful option for people that aren't necessarily a "dress" girl and is just wanting a dress for the ceremony for the sake of tradition. Just imagine your grand entrance into the reception with this bad boy on!
There are no rules when it comes to the second look but I would take it as an opportunity to really represent yourself and show your personality to your loved ones. Whether that be the opposite of your ceremony dress, the same silhouette but different pattern, same pattern but different silhouette, colours, textures - it all comes down to you and what YOU want!
