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Photo by KT Merry
Wearing multiple dresses on your wedding day has become somewhat of a new norm amongst brides in recent years. Instead of one dress for the big day, brides are opting for one formal ceremony look, and another (or several) fun and nontraditional look for the reception. While this is a great concept, buying and changing into multiple pieces can seem like a daunting task.
Luckily, the vast emergence of convertible wedding gowns has made the transition from one dress to the next easy, by combining several looks into one with just a few quick alterations. The beauty of this style is that you don’t have to spend time getting changed, which is time that can be spent with your partner and guests. It also allows you to mix traditional and modern looks throughout your day.
Perhaps you are dreaming of a ballgown for your ceremony, but you want something you can dance in for your reception. Convertible wedding dresses will give you the best of both worlds without the stress of an entire outfit change. Not to mention, this option is extremely budget-friendly too!
To help ease you into this trend, scroll on for a list of our favorite convertible dresses that you can shop for right now.
Best Mini Dress
Alexia Maria Blair Dress with Convertible Skirt
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Courtesy of Alexia Maria
Size: 0-16 | Materials: Silk faille | Length: Floor, mini
For two equally fun and daring looks, consider this Alexia Maria gown. The first look hints at a mini dress style, with a partial overskirt that is open in the front. Then, take the skirt off to reveal a party-ready mini dress for you to dance the night away in.
Price at time of publish: $1,475
For the Modern Bride
Safiyaa Ivory Catalina Convertible Midi Dress
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Courtesy of Net-a-Porter
Size: FR 34-46 | Materials: Ivory stretch-crepe, silk-organza | Length: Midi
If you want to stay away from the traditional bridal look, consider this chic convertible midi gown. The silk organza bolero can be removed to reveal a strapless sweetheart neckline.
Price at time of publish: $1,535
Most Statement-Making
Amsale Memphis Gown
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Courtesy of Amsale
Size: Contact brand | Materials: Silk faille | Length: Floor
All eyes will be on you during your wedding day regardless of what you are wearing, but this gown will undoubtedly make your guests’ jaws drop. The convertible piece? The dramatic, ruffled train is detachable.
Price at time of publish: $8,595
Most Regal
Rita Vinieris Penelope Gown
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Courtesy of Rita Vinieris
Size: Contact brand | Materials: Eco-sustainable satin crepe | Length: Floor
This structured gown from Rita Vinieris is fit for royalty. The bubble shoulders make a statement while the rest of the gown remains sculpted. The sleeves can be taken off to create a strapless neckline for an entirely different look.
Price at time of publish: Not listed
Best Jumpsuit
Alexia Maria Silk Faille Twisted Bow Jumpsuit With Convertible Skirt
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Courtesy of Saks Fifth Avenue
Size: 0-14 | Materials: Silk | Length: Floor
Go from dress to jumpsuit with this convertible option from Alexia Maria. When the overskirt is taken off, a crisp, fashion-forward jumpsuit is revealed. It’s perfect for the bride looking to mix tradition with modernity.
Price at time of publish: $373
For the Glamorous Bride
Galia Lahav Quinn Gown
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Courtesy of Galia Lahav
Size: 34-48 | Materials: Tulle, beading | Length: Floor
If sparkle is your top priority for your wedding dress, we have the gown for you. The Galia Lahav number features a completely beaded bodice with a tulle overskirt. Take the overskirt off, and you have a sexy mermaid-style dress encrusted with crystals.
Price at time of publish: Not listed
Best Allover Sparkle
Galina Signature Embellished Bridal Jumpsuit with Overskirt
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Courtesy of David's Bridal
Size: 0-14 | Materials: Polyester | Length: Floor
This embellished bridal jumpsuit demands attention. The subtle detachable overskirt is a romantic touch to this glittering look.
Price at time of publish: $999
Most Romantic
Odylyne The Ceremony Mini Cosmos With Wrap Skirt
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Courtesy of Odylyne the Ceremony
Size: 2-20 | Materials: Silk | Length: Floor, mini
It’s impossible not to fall for this modern, fairytale-esque gown from Odylyne The Ceremony. The dress has romantic elements such as the dramatic puff sleeves, the sweetheart neckline, and the oversized bow. The wrap skirt can be easily removed to transform this look into a sweet mini.
Price at time of publish: $2,750
Most Stylish
Reem Acra One-Shoulder Mini Dress
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Courtesy of Saks Fifth Avenue
Size: 2-12 | Materials: Polyester | Length: Mini
Fashion risk-takers will love this modern draped mini from Reem Acra. The side train is detachable to make the dress a true mini option—perfect for dancing the night away.
Price at time of publish: $2,295
Most Party Ready
Galia Lahav Ellie Gown
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Courtesy of Galia Lahav
Size: 32-49 | Materials: Silk, satin, organza | Length: Floor, mini
This contemporary gown from Galia Lahav will take you from the ceremony to the dance floor at a moment’s notice. We especially love the beaded and pearl-encrusted accent belt.
Price at time of publish: $5,295
What to Look for in a Convertible Wedding Dress
Convertible wedding dresses are made to help you seamlessly transition through different bridal looks on your big day, so when searching for this style of gown, focus on the transition itself. If the detachable pieces are fussy or hard to work with, it may be frustrating when you are trying to change at a quick pace. The goal is to have your outfit change be as stress-free as possible because that is the purpose of a convertible wedding dress. Also, make sure you are easily able to disguise any loops or hooks that may be visible once you take pieces off your gown.
Why Trust Brides
Contributing writer Melony Forcier is a recent graduate starting her career path in beauty and fashion journalism. Before graduating, she interned with both Boston Magazine and Foundation PR. Additionally, she served as a fashion editor for Boston University's lifestyle magazine, The Buzz.
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