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Are you changing into a reception dress after the ceremony? Or perhaps at the end of the night, right before your grand exit? You’ve come to the right place! A reception dress isn’t a requirement, but there are a few tips to consider before you pick the perfect one. Here are seven essential reception dress tips PLUS a few hand-picked dresses from Etsy we know you’ll love as much as we do. Enjoy!

Reception Dress Tips

1. Go short!

When you’re picking the perfect reception dress, look to length. Most reception dresses are short and white (or ivory) in color. You’re the Bride all night, so you’ll want to look like one!

2. Don’t spend too much.

A reception dress shouldn’t cost an arm and a leg. Most reception dresses cost anywhere from $100 to $300, but it really depends on what you’re comfortable spending. There’s no right or wrong here, as long as you love the dress you pick!

3. Get the most out of your reception dress.

We recommend buying your reception dress well ahead of time so you can wear it to other wedding events, like your bridal shower or bachelorette bash. It’s one thing to wear your wedding gown one time, but having two dresses you’ll never wear again? Not necessary. :)

4. Don’t change too early.

Make sure you enjoy your bridal gown as long as possible. When you’re ready to change, you’ll know it– you’ll be ready to get into something comfortable and go all out on the dance floor. We recommend you wait until then. If you change into your reception dress too early, you’ll miss out on some crucial gown time. After all, you won’t be able to wear it again, so enjoy it!

5. Get photos taken with both.

If you’re planning a sparkler exit or plan to dance the night away, be sure your photographer gets some extra pics of your reception dress in action.
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6. Make sure it’s comfortable.

A reception dress is designed to be comfortable! Don’t get one that is going to be too tight or that is hard to dance in. Also, don’t forget comfy flats.

7. A reception dress is not a requirement.

If you prefer to wear your wedding dress all night long (I did!), then don’t worry about a reception dress. It’s really the bride’s preference and is not a requirement.

Great places to shop handmade wedding dresses:

– JoanShum
– Barzelai
– PureMagnoliaCouture