“Wedding reception dress – Where did everyone find theirs?! Ive spent countless hours scrolling, searching for one and for the life of me, I just can’t! Sometimes ill find a cute dress but then its way short” – Facebook user from ‘Wedding Discussion Group – New Zealand’.

This is a little bit of a hot topic right now because having 2 dresses for your wedding day is becoming more and more of a thing. But why should you have a ceremony dress and a reception dress? How much should you spend? And what are the things that you need to consider for your second wedding dress?

Take a look through this bride’s gallery HERE and see how she wore her second wedding dress

Two Wedding Looks in One Wedding

You only get married once! And on your wedding day (if you have hired a photographer), you are going to be photographed hundreds of times. So why not add some variety to your photos and showcase 2 different looks? This way, it adds to the variation in your gallery. Not only this, but if you are torn between 2 different dress styles, here is a great solution… wear both!

I have heard the argument that as a bride, you spend so much money on your wedding dress and therefore you want to maximise the amount of time you are in it. And this makes sense. However, in the future when looking back on your photos, the hundreds that there are, wouldn’t it be nice to have the 2 dresses to reminise about?

Buy a Reception Dress That is Easy to Dance In

Yes! The main reason for a second wedding dress is this! Wedding dresses are not always easy to move in, let alone dance in. So make you first dress all about the looks! Beautiful, long, bulky, whatever you like. And find a second dress that you still love but can move around in easier? This is part of the reason why short dresses are a popular style for brides. Remember also, a shorter, lighter reception dress will be cooler if you want to really let loose on the dance floor, and it will be easier to go to the bathroom in. Whilst we are here, consider a second pair of shoes for the dance floor, ones that are comfortable to keep on for the rest of the party.

Your Reception Dress Doesn’t Have to Cost the Earth

Buying a second dress doesn’t have to break the bank. There are a lot of cute options for white wedding dresses on Etsy as well as second hand options.

Etsy is a treasure trove of affordable wedding dresses. There is a plethora of options that cater to various styles, budgets and sizes. Etsy is a hub for independent designers, meaning you’re more likely to find unique and one-of-a-kind wedding dresses that stand out from the crowd. By purchasing from Etsy sellers, you’re supporting small businesses and artisans, making your wedding shopping experience more personal and meaningful.

Buying a second hand reception dress is another great option. There are many options in New Zealand for second hand wedding dresses. Trade Me and Facebook market place/groups are a good starting point. But there are also some really great stores that on-sell pre-loved wedding dresses. Still White is a one of New Zealand’s largest pre-loved wedding dress sellers and offer a really great range.

Other retail stores like Asos, Zara and Shein sell a range of affordable white dresses that can be used as reception wedding dresses.

You Don’t Even Need A Wedding Dress

The beauty of having a second wedding dress is that it doesn’t have to specifically be a wedding dress! It doesn’t have to be white and it doesn’t even have to be a dress. You have the ability to let your unique and personal style come out here so why not find something that is completely and utterly YOU!

I hope this has helped you to think a little more outside the traditional box. Weddings are about you and celebrating your love and who you are as a couple. So take it as an opportunity to express yourself as you are. And happy shopping.