Strut Your Stuff in Style
Every bride wants their fairytale gown for their wedding, but the reception dress is just as important! With so much food, wine, and dancing, you’ll want a breathable outfit without sacrificing style—and we’re here to help.
1. Slip-On Satin
Sometimes simple is best, and nothing says elegant simplicity like a satin slip. They come in various styles and lengths, so brides have plenty of affordable options for dancing and drinks. Talk about slipping into something more comfortable—literally!
2. Ruffled Dress
Whether it’s a ruffled two-piece (more on those later) or several stylish tiers, ruffles throw caution to traditional winds. Semi-formal occasions work best for this, but ruffles can still thrive in more formal events, making it a fun and timeless look.
3. Leg Slit
There’s nothing wrong with showing a little skin at your reception. Leg slits show off those gorgeous curves and help keep you comfortable on the dance floor. It’s a bold look that’s perfect on dresses and pantsuits alike, and with so many options available, you control how much you want to show off.
4. Off-Shoulder Dress
One shoulder, both shoulders—it doesn’t matter! However you style it, an off-shoulder dress displays your stunning neckline and opens the door for knockout jewelry. Even if you go bare, it’s still an elegant look with a daring splash.
5. Lace Midi Dress
Nothing says wedding quite like lace. From trims to full-blown dresses, any bride can rock this material in various styles to capture their vision. Lace is especially sophisticated for summer weddings when you need to breathe.
6. Strapless Tulle
You nailed the princess garb at the ceremony, but your reception’s the time for ballerina-chic! Not only is tulle surprisingly comfortable but it’s also an elegant style that won’t weigh you down at party time. It’s the ultimate flirty, vintage ensemble.
7. Unique Pantsuit
Reception pantsuits are just as beautiful as the dress. Cropped jackets, lace trousers, and sleeveless sequins barely scratch the surface of available styles—break tradition and look good doing it!
8. Sequined Midi
As if all eyes weren’t on you already, sequins add a sparkly flair that ensures you’re the belle of the ball. It might seem too loud on the surface, but you don’t need more than a modest touch for a flashy addition. Of course, fully sequined dresses are always on the table too.
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9. Dress Bows
Whether it’s in your hair or on your dress, bows belong at weddings! The best thing about them is that plenty of dresses come with detachable bows, allowing you to make a dramatic entrance without tripping over fabric all night.
10. Homage to Heritage
Multicultural weddings open the door to tradition and beautiful looks that pay homage to heritage. If you opted for a classic wedding dress for the ceremony, your reception is the perfect time to show off your roots (or your partner’s).
11. Feather Trim
Are you interested in something truly vintage? Feathers are your friends! They’ll keep you cool on the dance floor—temperature and style-wise. Wear a full dress embroidered with them or stick with feathers on the trim.
12. Wide-Leg Pantsuit
We may have spoken about unique pantsuits, but we have to toss in a traditional one. Wide-leg options maintain a polished look and give brides the chance to pair them with sexy corsets or silk blouses.
13. Long and Flowing
Who said long dresses belonged at the ceremony? There’s still space for flowing gowns at the reception, and in fact, many of them provide enough space to dance the night away in style. You don’t need to wear a gown, but a maxi dress brings the chic!
14. Gold Dress
Though we love a good maxi dress, we can’t get enough of a bride's unique style. Instead of sticking to traditional white or cream, shake things up with a gold maxi dress sure to wow guests. If gold’s a bit too bold, opt for dresses with gold accents instead.
15. Retro Polka Dots
Retro reception, anyone? Polka dots mark a timeless look for any dress, including after-party attire. Whether they adorn a cute midi dress or dazzle a shawl, loved ones will appreciate the classic getup.
16. Little Black Dress
On the other hand, no one said you had to stick with tradition at all! Everyone loves a little black dress and wedding receptions are the best spot to show off. They come in dozens of various lengths and styles, so you’ll undoubtedly find the perfect one for you.
Kari Bjorn Photography on Unsplash
17. Open-Back
With all that dancing and champagne, you’ll need something to keep you comfortable. Look no further than an open-back dress. With its daring combination of sexy and elegant, it’s something you won’t want to change out of.
18. Elegant Corset
If you’re rocking a pantsuit, corsets make a gorgeous top beneath a blazer or as standout pieces. Corseted bodices or sheer material bring a bold touch to an otherwise modest outfit, and it’s not a style to ignore.
19. Two-Piece Ensemble
Crop tops, corsets, pantsuits—two-piece ensembles give brides more flexibility to shed layers as the night progresses. It’s not only fashionable, but it’s also a fresh and modern take on reception attire.
20. Asymmetric Dress
If you want to keep things classy but still dress down, asymmetric dresses get the job done. They’re terrific options for more formal receptions, but they also add that pop of individuality to match your personality.
