21 Wedding Reception Dresses For Every Type Of Bride

Imagine your wedding ceremony is over. You've completed the most nerve-wracking part of your day, and now it's time to party the night away. As you enter the reception, you take a moment to glance down, and you realize your wedding dress is not the right one to dance in. *Shudder* It's a nightmare no one wants to have, especially before a big entrance and a night full of partying. You have your comfy wedding shoes on, and now you need a second dress for the reception that emits a bit of your personality. It's why so many brides decide to change dresses for the second part of their big day. Now you have two stunning looks!A fabulous wedding reception dress is seamless, painless, and fun. And after months of planning, you deserve it. Maybe you want to switch up the traditional look of your ceremony dress and try a completely new style — party dresses and feathers are in this year. What better time to step out of your comfort zone? It's why we've compiled a variety of wedding reception dresses suited for every type of bride: sultry, minimalistic, whimsical, timeless, romantic, and luxe. We've even added a few bold mini-dresses for daring brides who want to make a jaw-dropping entrance and exude that main character energy. So sit back and have fun; we hope you find the one. At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. All product details reflect the price and availability at the time of publication. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.For more can't-miss shopping stories delivered straight to your inbox, sign up for our Most Wanted newsletter.The Sultry Bride Love is in the air. Exude flirty vibes as you dance with your partner in a figure-hugging embroidered midi, feathery mini, or strapless sequin gown with cutouts in the back. Shop Mac Duggal at AnthropologieMac Duggal Natalie V-Neck Beaded Embroidered Sleeveless Midi Dress, $, available at AnthropologieShop AlamourAlamour The Label Clematis Dress, $, available at Alamour The LabelShop La Femme at Nordstrom La Femme Strapless Sequin Gown, $, available at NordstromThe Minimalistic Bride Keep it classy with one of these no-fuss slip dresses or a midi dress with flowy texture and pearl straps. The best part about these minimalistic styles is that they're easy to style for other non-wedding events. Shop Intimately at Free PeopleIntimately Simply Biased Slip, $, available at Free PeopleShop Rihoas Rihoas The Water Ripple Textured Cami Dress, $, available at RihoasShop SkimsSkims Soft Lounge Long Slip Dress, $, available at SkimsThe Whimsical Bride To celebrate one of the best days of your life, dance all night long in a dress that embodies your playful side. There are fluttery sequined maxis, flowy one-shoulder minis, and even a pastel green floral number. Shop Asos Edition Curve at AsosASOS EDITION Curve Flutter Sleeve Sequin Maxi Wedding Dress, $, available at ASOSShop & Other Stories& Other Stories Buttoned V-Cut Midi Dress, $, available at & Other StoriesShop Show Me Your MumuShow Me Your Mumu Wonder Mini Dress, $, available at Show Me Your MumuThe Timeless Bride Choose from these graceful silhouettes for a style that will outlast any wedding dress trend. Each piece has its own subtle, sophisticated flair that makes it a classic you'll treasure forever. Shop Eloquii Bridal By Eloquii Shimmer Strap Gown, $, available at EloquiiShop Solace London at Net-a-PorterSolace London Dakota Off-The-Shoulder Crepe And Satin-Twill Gown, $, available at Net-A-PorterShop KhaiteKhaite The Bruna Dress, $, available at khaiteThe Romantic Bride Envision yourself in one of these ethereal dresses, as you glide into the reception with Taylor Swift's "Love Story" softly floating in the background. The delicate details of a corset bodice, lace, a tiered skirt, or floral embroidery make for a dreamy gown that your significant other and guests will swoon over. Shop LulusMelissa Sweet Removable Sleeve Corset Wedding Dress, $, available at David's BridalShop Lulus Weddings at LulusLulus Weddiings Fantasize About Forever White Tulle Lace A-Line Maxi, $, available at LulusShop Torrid Torrid White Lace Off Shoulder A-Line Wedding Dress, $, available at TorridThe Luxe Bride As the star of the show, a luxe dress is a given. We've found glamorous halter-neck satin gowns in white and champagne and an old-school Hollywood vintage-inspired silk maxi. Shop Birdy GreyBirdy Grey Monica Satin Dress, $, available at Birdy GreyShop ReformationReformation Ronda Silk Dress, $, available at ReformationShop Sau Lee at RevolveSau Lee Jillian Dress, $, available at RevolveThe Daring Bride Make room for the star of the show. Bring a little spunk to your second dress for the wedding reception. We've got you covered with dramatic minis and a satin silhouette with a thigh-high slit adorned with feathers. Shop Nookie at RevolveNookie Adore 2Way Dress, $

21 Wedding Reception Dresses For Every Type Of Bride
Imagine your wedding ceremony is over. You've completed the most nerve-wracking part of your day, and now it's time to party the night away. As you enter the reception, you take a moment to glance down, and you realize your wedding dress is not the right one to dance in. *Shudder* It's a nightmare no one wants to have, especially before a big entrance and a night full of partying. You have your comfy wedding shoes on, and now you need a second dress for the reception that emits a bit of your personality. It's why so many brides decide to change dresses for the second part of their big day. Now you have two stunning looks!

A fabulous wedding reception dress is seamless, painless, and fun. And after months of planning, you deserve it. Maybe you want to switch up the traditional look of your ceremony dress and try a completely new style — party dresses and feathers are in this year. What better time to step out of your comfort zone? It's why we've compiled a variety of wedding reception dresses suited for every type of bride: sultry, minimalistic, whimsical, timeless, romantic, and luxe. We've even added a few bold mini-dresses for daring brides who want to make a jaw-dropping entrance and exude that main character energy. So sit back and have fun; we hope you find the one. 

At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. All product details reflect the price and availability at the time of publication. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.

For more can't-miss shopping stories delivered straight to your inbox, sign up for our Most Wanted newsletter.

The Sultry Bride


Love is in the air. Exude flirty vibes as you dance with your partner in a figure-hugging embroidered midi, feathery mini, or strapless sequin gown with cutouts in the back.

Shop Mac Duggal at Anthropologie

Mac Duggal Natalie V-Neck Beaded Embroidered Sleeveless Midi Dress, $, available at Anthropologie
Shop Alamour

Alamour The Label Clematis Dress, $, available at Alamour The Label
Shop La Femme at Nordstrom

La Femme Strapless Sequin Gown, $, available at Nordstrom

The Minimalistic Bride


Keep it classy with one of these no-fuss slip dresses or a midi dress with flowy texture and pearl straps. The best part about these minimalistic styles is that they're easy to style for other non-wedding events.

Shop Intimately at Free People

Intimately Simply Biased Slip, $, available at Free People
Shop Rihoas

Rihoas The Water Ripple Textured Cami Dress, $, available at Rihoas
Shop Skims

Skims Soft Lounge Long Slip Dress, $, available at Skims

The Whimsical Bride


To celebrate one of the best days of your life, dance all night long in a dress that embodies your playful side. There are fluttery sequined maxis, flowy one-shoulder minis, and even a pastel green floral number.

Shop Asos Edition Curve at Asos

ASOS EDITION Curve Flutter Sleeve Sequin Maxi Wedding Dress, $, available at ASOS
Shop & Other Stories

& Other Stories Buttoned V-Cut Midi Dress, $, available at & Other Stories
Shop Show Me Your Mumu

Show Me Your Mumu Wonder Mini Dress, $, available at Show Me Your Mumu

The Timeless Bride


Choose from these graceful silhouettes for a style that will outlast any wedding dress trend. Each piece has its own subtle, sophisticated flair that makes it a classic you'll treasure forever.

Shop Eloquii

Bridal By Eloquii Shimmer Strap Gown, $, available at Eloquii
Shop Solace London at Net-a-Porter

Solace London Dakota Off-The-Shoulder Crepe And Satin-Twill Gown, $, available at Net-A-Porter
Shop Khaite

Khaite The Bruna Dress, $, available at khaite

The Romantic Bride


Envision yourself in one of these ethereal dresses, as you glide into the reception with Taylor Swift's "Love Story" softly floating in the background. The delicate details of a corset bodice, lace, a tiered skirt, or floral embroidery make for a dreamy gown that your significant other and guests will swoon over.

Shop Lulus

Melissa Sweet Removable Sleeve Corset Wedding Dress, $, available at David's Bridal
Shop Lulus Weddings at Lulus

Lulus Weddiings Fantasize About Forever White Tulle Lace A-Line Maxi, $, available at Lulus
Shop Torrid

Torrid White Lace Off Shoulder A-Line Wedding Dress, $, available at Torrid

The Luxe Bride


As the star of the show, a luxe dress is a given. We've found glamorous halter-neck satin gowns in white and champagne and an old-school Hollywood vintage-inspired silk maxi.

Shop Birdy Grey

Birdy Grey Monica Satin Dress, $, available at Birdy Grey
Shop Reformation

Reformation Ronda Silk Dress, $, available at Reformation
Shop Sau Lee at Revolve

Sau Lee Jillian Dress, $, available at Revolve

The Daring Bride


Make room for the star of the show. Bring a little spunk to your second dress for the wedding reception. We've got you covered with dramatic minis and a satin silhouette with a thigh-high slit adorned with feathers.


Shop Nookie at Revolve

Nookie Adore 2Way Dress, $, available at Revolve
Shop Mews Mews

Mews Mews Anwen Strapless Mini Dress, $, available at Mews Mews
Shop Retrofete at FWRD

Retrofete Priscilla Feather Dress, $, available at FWRD

The Romantic Bride




Shop Lulus

Lulus Flynn White Lace Maxi Dress, $, available at Lulus


Ieena For Mac Duggal Side Knot Jersey Gown, $, available at Nordstrom


J.ING White Lantern Sleeve Cold Shoulder Side Slit Maxi Dress, $, available at J.ING


Free People Flora Mini Dress, $, available at Free People


Amsale Rose Fil Coupe Fit-&-Flare Dress, $, available at Saks Fifth Avenue


A.L.C. Delfina Dress, $, available at Shopbop


Sabina Musayev Ray Tiered Satin Dress with Bows, $, available at Neiman Marcus


Karen Millen Premium Beaded Halterneck Column Midi Dress, $, available at KAREN MILLEN


Eveliina Vintage X J.Crew Limited-Edition Eveliina Vintage X J.Crew Hilkka, $, available at J.Crew

The Romantic Bride


Envision yourself in one of these ethereal dresses, as you glide into the reception with Taylor Swift's "Love Story" softly floating in the background. The delicate details of a corset bodice, lace, a tiered skirt, or bows make for a dreamy gown that your significant other and guests will swoon over.

V. Chapman Grace Dress, $, available at Anthropologie

The Minimalistic Bride


Keep it classy with one of these no-fuss slip dresses or a midi dress with flowy texture and pearl straps. The best part about these minimalistic styles is that they're easy to wear for other occasions.

AllSaints Betina Slip Dress, $, available at AllSaints


Fanm Mon Giamba Dress, $, available at Shopbop

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