The 30 Best Wedding Reception Dresses

Not to sound totally extra, but we’re all about the trend of wearing a reception wedding dress for your wedding party. If you’re the type of bride-to-be who can’t settle on a single wedding look (so.many.options.), a second dress for the reception is the perfect way to showcase your unique bridal style and to rock two looks you just can’t decide between.

When it comes to weddings, we believe that there are no rules–it's your wedding your way. So even if you're having a super casual backyard wedding and you feel like slipping into a second look for the reception–go for it! While a second look might feel like an extravagance, there are plenty of budget-friendly dresses out there that practically feel and look like couture.

A reception dress can transform your look entirely and for many brides, it's the chance to change into an outfit that is not only fun and stylish but comfortable too. Mini dresses crafted from body-hugging fabrics or embellished with allover sequins are a popular second look go-to as they look notably different from a wedding gown and are easy to work a room in (and dance in!). For the minimalist bride who covets clean lines and sleek silhouettes, a simple and chic slip dress never disappoints. A summer bride will appreciate a quick change into a style made from light and airy fabrics like linen and cotton. If you're headed to city hall for your nuptials, modern jumpsuits and structured sets are the perfect complement to any courthouse wedding. And lastly, for the bold bride looking to make a statement, there are plenty of styles to be found in pretty pastel hues and unexpected vibrant prints.

Whether you're having a black-tie wedding or casual at-home nuptials, ahead, we've curated the best wedding reception dresses for every bridal style and budget.

01

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Reformation Long Sleeves Twist Mini Dress

reception dress — Courtesy of Reformation

With slightly puffed shoulders and a figure-flattering bodice, this Reformation dress is the epitome of relaxed elegance. Slip this style on for a completely effortless second look.

02

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Nookie Strapless Dress with Detachable Bow

Who says a reception dress can't be a little extra? This mini dress features a dramatic detachable bow perfect for when it's time to hit the dancefloor.

03

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Floravere Silk Skirt and Top

If you love the idea of wearing a gown for your ceremony but want something a little different for your reception look, consider this silky skirt and top from Floravere. This versatile set can be worn over and over again long after you say "I do."

04

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Reformation Bow Shoulders Mini Dress

Warmer seasons call for shorter hemlines and feminine details like shoulder bows and flouncy skirts. Wear yours with a minimalist nude sandal or a pair of summer-ready espadrilles.

05

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16Arlington Strapless Crepe Midi Dress

Changing into a reception dress pretty much signals that it's time to really get the celebration started–so have fun with your look! We love this body-skimming midi dress complete with a unique feather hem to take you from the reception to the afterparty.

06

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Whistles Lace Two Piece

If you're a bride who wants to show a little skin and move about the dancefloor with ease you'll love this lace two-piece from Whistles with a slightly cropped top and a high/low hemline that barely grazes the floor.

07

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Danielle Frankel Double Breasted Jacket Dress

Known for its cool-girl aesthetic and androgynous vibe, bridal brand Danielle Frankel has been worn by celebrities from Zoe Kravitz to Erin Foster. Scoop up one of their coveted styles like this impeccably chic double-breasted jacket perfect for an ultra-modern wedding reception look.

08

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Galvan Silk-Satin Halter Neck Dress

All eyes will be on you when you make your entrance in this pearlescent and impossibly chic silk-satin dress designed with the minimalist bride in mind.

09

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Roland Mouret Bow-Shoulder Silk-Cloqué Gown

A reception dress by no means has to be more casual than your wedding dress. We love this structured gown featuring soft details like a shoulder bow and a gentle ruffle for a black-tie wedding.

10

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Retrofête Sequin Mini Dress

Nothing says celebration like an allover sequin mini. This sparkly number is born for the dancefloor and made for an afterparty that goes late into the night (and morning!). If a champagne hue isn't your vibe, this Retrofête dress also comes in white and silver.

11

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By Watters Swiss Dot Tulle Dress

Featuring retro details like a bustier bodice and a tea-length hem, this By Watters dress is perfect for the bride with a vintage-inspired aesthetic.

12

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Bardot Strapless Taffeta Mini Dress with Ruffles

Show off those curves in this strapless body-hugging number. We love the idea of adding a veil or a modern headpiece to complete the look.

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13

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Floravere Blazer and Skirt

If you're drawn to clean lines and sleek designs, opt for a look that feels a little more tailored. This architectural blazer from Floravere is paired with a soft and ethereal skirt for a combination that looks both structured and soft.

14

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Marchesa Notte 3D Floral Tea-Length Dress

Who says you have to wear white to your wedding or to any of your other parties? Whether you choose to wear a colorful gown down the aisle or for your reception this Marchesa Notte dress in a soft lavender hue is perfect for a spring or summer wedding.

15

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Carolina Herrera Gathered Silk-Poplin Mini Dress

If anyone knows their way around a wedding dress and a party look, it's Carolina Herrea. This modern yet feminine style is just the reception dress you need for your formal wedding. Wears yours with statement-making shoes or keep accessories simple for a more pared-back look.

16

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Monique Lhuillier silky charmeuse jumpsuit

Jumpsuits are a popular reception look choice and with good reason. Not only are they sleek and modern but they're incredibly easy to move around in, making it a cinch to work the room and show off your signature moves on the dancefloor.

17

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ASOS Edition Embellished Mini Dress

For brides who crave a little glitz and glam but at an affordable price, we've got you covered! This style from ASOS features a simple but beautiful silhouette embellished with allover sequins perfect for the summer bride looking for a little sparkle.

18

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Bardot Button Front Long Sleeve Blazer Dress

For a totally unique and 80's inspired look, opt for this long sleeve blazer dress. Retro details like puff sleeves and gold buttons will stun in every photo op.

19

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Zimmermann Lace Eyelet Linen-Blend Midi Dress

Nothing says summer or warm weather quite like eyelet lace and linen and this Zimmermann style has both! After the ceremony, slip into this easy, breezy dress for a light and carefree look.

20

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Theia Sequin Mini Dress

If you're a bride who's looking for a little whimsy when it comes to your bridal style, check out this fun sequin mini that says it all.

21

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Carolina Herrera Bridal Off-The-Shoulder Bow-Embellished Silk Midi Dress

For the bride who leans towards a classic and traditional aesthetic we've found this midi dress from Carolina Herrera. Featuring a subtle bow on the bodice and crafted from light-weight silk, this style is perfect for a summer or city wedding.

22

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White by Vera Wang Sequin Plus Size Mini Dress

This White by Vera Wang plus size mini dress is from the designer's "Party" collection making it a no brainer choice for the bride who's looking for something especially fun and sparkly for their wedding day.

23

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Floravere Cocktail Dress

Feminine with a modern twist, this versatile cocktail dress could easily be worn to your engagement party, rehearsal dinner, or as a second look on your wedding day.

24

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Philosophy di Lorenzo Serafini V-Neck Sequin Dress

If it's subtle sparkle that you're craving, this v-neck number features allover sequins of a more muted and less metallic variety. This dress was designed with hidden pockets perfect for stashing your lipstick and phone!

25

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Noel and Jean by Katie May Halter Wedding Dress

If you're a minimalist bride who covets simple silhouettes and clean lines, then opt for an effortlessly chic slip dress. We love this high neck gown that dips beautifully at the back.

26

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Amsale High Neck Sheath Dress

You can never go wrong with a modern sheath dress. This style from Amsale features a sexy high slit and a unique back crafted from delicate mesh panels.

27

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Tadashi Shoji Long Sleeve Lace Dress

Show off those legs in the body-hugging mini dress complete with a plunging neckline and graphic floral lace.

28

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Fame and Partners Peplum Hem Dress

A peplum hem provides a dress with movement making it perfect for dancing. Unique details like an asymmetrical neckline and a ruffle bell sleeve sets this dress apart from the rest.

29

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Alexis Pleated Paneled Georgette Maxi Dress

This Alexis gown features soft pleats that move when you move. Crafted from a glossy georgette fabric this style exudes old Hollywood glamour.

30

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Badgley Mischka One-Shoulder Floral Dress

If you're getting married in the spring or summer where floral motifs are a must of if you're looking for something that is anything but bridal white, then this vibrant one-shoulder gown is the perfect fit.

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30 Stunning Wedding Reception Dresses for Every Bridal Style

From casual slips to modern minis to allover sequin styles.

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