Fashion

35 Reception Dresses for Brides Who Want a Stunning Second Look

Published by
Sonja Henrikssen
Shop the Look: Feather Late Than Never White Strapless Feather Midi Dress

Choosing just one look for your wedding can feel almost impossible, especially if you really like fashion. We say, go all out on your big day and change into a second look for your reception!

Shop the Look: Aisle White Satin Cowl Neck Maxi Dress; Image via @monroesteele

Have fun choosing a look that compliments your formal wedding dress, or choose something completely different to switch up the vibe. Reception dresses can be elegant and classy, or a little more casual than your wedding dress so you can comfortably dance, eat, and socialize.

Shop the Look: Better Than Magic White Sequin Fringe Mini Dress

As a bride, you’re basically the star of the day, so if the ceremony is your Oscars, consider the reception your after-party! Slip into a festive, sparkly mini dress, a glam satin slip dress (super comfy for dancing!), a full, flouncy midi you can twirl in, or even a bridal jumpsuit.

Shop the Look: Radiant Romance White Tie-Strap Maxi Dress

The choice is yours–and oh, how many choices there are. Here, we’re gathered some of our favorite wedding reception looks to help you get inspired for your second wedding look.

Short Wedding Reception Dresses

Shop the Look: Pearson White Lace Short Sleeve Dress; Image via Kenya E.

Wearing a short dress for your wedding reception is a fun way to feel a little sexier once the real festivities start. You’ve made it through the ceremony and now it’s time to party, and a shorter dress will let you get down on the dance floor!

Wearing a mini dress to your wedding reception can also make the evening feel just a little less formal. You’re the bride, so if you’re not a formal person you don’t need to have a formal reception! With your mini dress on and a little leg showing, you’ll let your guests know they can let loose.

White Lace Tie-Strap Midi Dress

Shop the Look: Just My Love White Lace Tie Strap Midi Dress

Ivory Off-The-Shoulder Mini Dress

Shop the Look: Always Celebrating Ivory Satin Off-the-Shoulder Mini Dress

White One-Shoulder Ruffled Tulip Midi Dress

Shop the Look: Love You Best White One-Shoulder Ruffled Tulip Midi Dress

White One-Shoulder Dress

Shop the Look: Dinah White One-Shoulder Dress

White Swiss Dot Tiered Ruffled Midi Dress

Shop the Look: Dear To My Heart White Swiss Dot Tiered Ruffled Midi Dress

White Lace Midi Skater Dress

Shop the Look: Love Swept White Lace Midi Skater Dress

Ivory One-Shoulder Midi Dress

Shop the Look: Hold Your Attention Ivory One-Shoulder Sleeveless Midi Dress

Long Wedding Reception Dresses

Shop the Look: Luxe To Be Loved White Embroidered Lace Trumpet Maxi Dress; Image via Zulema G.

If you still want to embody the princess fantasy of a long dress but don’t want to eat or dance in your formal wedding dress, change into a maxi dress for your reception! Your second look doesn’t need to be drastically different from your first look, so you can even choose a slightly more casual version of your ceremony dress.

White Lace Backless Maxi Dress

Shop the Look: Love of Details White Lace Backless Maxi Dress

White Puff Sleeve Maxi Dress

Shop the Look: No Greater Love White Puff Sleeve Maxi Dress

Champagne Satin Maxi Dress

Shop the Look: Love All of Me Champagne Satin Maxi Dress

White Maxi Dress

Shop the Look: Heavenly Hues White Maxi Dress

White Satin Flutter Sleeve Maxi Dress

Shop the Look: Eternal Bond White Satin Ruffled Flutter Sleeve Maxi Dress

White Lace Ruffled Tiered Sleeveless Maxi Dress

Shop the Look: Molinetto White Lace Ruffled Tiered Sleeveless Maxi Dress

White Satin Sleeveless Mermaid Maxi Dress

Shop the Look: Forever Type of Love White Satin Sleeveless Mermaid Maxi Dress

Sparkly Wedding Reception Dresses

Shop the Look: Splendorous Love White and Beige Sequin Trumpet Hem Maxi Dress; Image via Katherine H.

Make a major impact at your reception in a sparkly dress! Don sequins, glitter, and embellished fabrics to set the tone for a glamorous evening of celebration. A sparkly reception dress is perfect for almost any wedding vibe, but we especially love them for a winter wedding or an outdoor wedding under the stars.

White Backless Sequin Mini Dress

Shop the Look: Force of Fashion White Backless Sequin Mini Dress

Rose Gold Sequin Lace-Up Maxi Dress

Shop the Look: Endless Festivities Rose Gold Sequin Fringe Lace-Up Maxi Dress

Cream Iridescent Sequin Long Sleeve Midi Dress

Shop the Look: Stay Radiant Cream Iridescent Sequin Long-Sleeve Midi Dress

White Sequin Mermaid Maxi Dress

Shop the Look: Endless Enchantment White Sequin Mermaid Maxi Dress

White Sequin Embroidered Bodycon Dress

Shop the Look: Spread Your Shine White Sequin Embroidered Bodycon Dress

Blush Sequin Asymmetrical Maxi Dress

Shop the Look: Gleaming and Gorgeous Blush Sequin Asymmetrical Maxi Dress

Silver Sequin Fringe Long Sleeve Wrap Dress

Shop the Look: Puttin’ on the Glitz Silver Sequin Fringe Long Sleeve Wrap Dress

Wedding Reception Jumpsuits & Rompers

Shop the Look: Enamored With You White Lace Wide-Leg Jumpsuit; Image via Elisa L.

We love the impact of changing from a traditional wedding dress into a gorgeous bridal jumpsuit for your reception. Undeniably comfortable and so, so chic, you’ll be able to celebrate your marriage to the fullest in one of these gorgeous wedding jumpsuits. If you feel most comfortable in pants, a jumpsuit can also be an easy way to create a sleek wedding look without wearing a wedding dress.

Ivory Lace Long-Sleeve Two-Piece Jumpsuit

Shop the Look: Level of Love Ivory Lace Long-Sleeve Two-Piece Jumpsuit

White Strapless Wide Leg Jumpsuit

Shop the Look: Won a Heart White Strapless Wide-Leg Jumpsuit

Champagne Satin Cowl Neck Culotte Jumpsuit

Shop the Look: Perfect Night Champagne Satin Cowl Neck Culotte Jumpsuit

White and Beige Sequin Romper

Shop the Look: Catch a Spark White and Beige Sequin Romper

White Strapless Jumpsuit

Shop the Look: Total Confidence White Strapless Jumpsuit

White Sequin Long Sleeve Wide-Leg Jumpsuit

Shop the Look: Magical Muse White Sequin Long Sleeve Wide-Leg Jumpsuit

Are you planning on a second look? Show us your wedding reception dresses on Instagram or TikTok @lulus using #lovelulus–-and hit our Bridal Shop to outfit yourself from head to toe!

This post was published in February 2021 and has been updated with new content.

Recent Posts

  • Fashion

Wedding Guest Guide: What to Wear When the Invite Says Black Tie Optional

As a guest at a wedding, you want to dress your best to celebrate the…

7 days ago
  • Fashion

These Are the Summer Dresses You Should Own in 2026, According to Lulus Girlies

We’re kind of always dress shopping, but summer is when it really hits. The options…

2 weeks ago
  • Fashion

What To Wear To A Beach Wedding: The Complete Guest Attire Guide

Beach weddings are some of the most fun nuptials to attend–the ocean breeze, the vacation…

2 weeks ago
  • Fashion

What to Wear on a Beach Vacation: 16 Outfits to Put You in a Getaway Mood for 2026

Packing for a warm-weather trip means striking the right balance between comfortable and chic, and…

3 weeks ago
  • Fashion

The Devil Wears Prada | Lulus Has Arrived: Shop the Exclusive Collection Now

The most iconic collaboration of the season is finally here: introducing the exclusive The Devil Wears Prada | Lulus collection. Just…

4 weeks ago
  • Fashion

Summer Wedding Guest Guide: What to Wear for Every Dress Code

By the time summer arrives, it can feel like your calendar is completely booked with…

1 month ago