Pros and Cons of Wearing Two Wedding Dresses (or Multiple Gowns!) (2024)

  • Inside Weddings
  • Wedding Fashion
  • Bridal Gowns

The perks and drawbacks of changing dresses after your ceremony... maybe more than once.

We’ve outlined both sides of the argument to bring you a list of the pros and cons of this opulent two-dress fad for wedding gowns. Find out which option is right for you!

By Megan Simpson & Kelcy Christy

Pros and Cons of Wearing Two Wedding Dresses (or Multiple Gowns!) (1)

Riding the line between innovation and tradition has become a staple of the modern day, 21st-century wedding. Some forms of traditional wedding etiquette have been replaced with more modern ways of doing things – from some couples sending out digital invites to others sending out traditional paper invitations but asking for RSVPs to come in via a wedding website instead of a postmarked envelope. Modern weddings have also transformed the traditional concept of saying "I do" in a wedding dress to having the opportunity to have not one, but two wedding dresses – and sometimes even multiple bridal gowns, a wedding dress for the ceremony and two dresses for the reception (one reception dress and a second dress for the after-party, for example).

When this trend first started to become fashionable, some guests may have thought a second dress to be an extravagant detail; however, as more and more brides wear two dresses on their wedding day, it's becoming more than a trend and instead a choice a bride must make leading up to her wedding day. Experts have debated back and forth about the potential merits and disadvantages of this trend of wearing two wedding dresses, so we’ve outlined both sides of the argument to bring you a list of the pros and cons of this opulent two-dress fad for wedding gowns. Take a look at the pros and cons of a bride wearing two or more wedding dresses below!

Pros of Wearing Two+ Wedding Dresses

No compromises on your wedding-dress style.

If you’re looking to wear a classic, conservative wedding dress for your church ceremony but you want a sexy, revealing wedding gown for your lively reception, good news: you can do both! Changing wedding dresses after the “I dos” and before the wedding toasts first became en vogue because brides wanted to honor their religious beliefs and feel like themselves on their big day.

You don't have to consider the weather as much.

Similar to the dress style versatility, donning a two wedding dresses affords you the luxury of going from indoors to outdoors, cold to warm, dry to humid relatively quickly. Putting on a dance floor-friendly dress after feeling somewhat restricted in a ceremony gown is a feeling unmatched by nearly any other. If you want a long-sleeve ball gown for an outdoor ceremony and a sleeveless style for an indoor dance-heavy reception, you're going to need two wedding dresses!

A show-stopping outfit change.

If we’ve learned anything from Broadway musicals, it’s that quick changes are undisputed crowd-pleasers. While thinking of your wedding as a performance isn’t always the best scenario, there’s no denying you want to entertain your loved ones on the big day. Of course, some people won’t even realize you’ve switched ensembles, but when you have a flair for the dramatic, all the world’s a stage.

Cons of Wearing Two+ Wedding Dresses

Financial compromises.

This comes as no surprise: two dresses are more expensive than one dress. There’s always a possibility you’ll need to rearrange your wedding budget allocation in order to make the second (or third) wedding dress a viable option. You may need to make a decision between the extra hand-laced masterpiece and the beautiful charger plates you've been eyeing, but if that's okay with you and your spouse-to-be, by all means increase your dress budget to do something you'll love.

Time allotted.

A wedding timeline can be quite intricate, so make sure you let your wedding planner know to pencil in extra time to make the change from your ceremony dress to your reception dress. If you want formal wedding photos of both gowns, you'll also need to factor in time for this. With all of these new things to consider, you’ll likely take time away from pictures, co*cktails, or a quiet moment alone with your new spouse. Not to mention the complications that come with taking off one wedding dress and putting on another; your bridesmaids will need to train with your intricate bodices for twice as long.

The cynics.

As with most matrimonial elements that stray from wedding tradition, you’re going to find some naysayers amongst your guests – and maybe even your partner. More than likely, you’ll encounter a few purists that strongly believe in the idea of “The Dress,” – similar to “The One,” as in, “The Only One.” It’s true what they say: you can’t please everyone.

If you’re considering a bridal gown transformation or two, make sure you weigh the factors: financial, climatic, and theatrical alike. For the bride who is on the fence about changing her wedding dress between events but likes the idea of having a different look for the reception, it's very popular to wear an overskirt or bolero for the ceremony, and then remove the accessory for the reception or after-party. As with every piece of wedding advice we provide, we want to encourage brides to make decisions that they won't regret after the wedding is over – be true to yourself, your spouse, and yourselves as a couple, and you'll have everything you could have dreamed of and the very best wedding day.

For more inspiration, viewwedding dressesworn by real brides in our photo galleries.

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FAQs

Pros and Cons of Wearing Two Wedding Dresses (or Multiple Gowns!)? ›

Versatility: Having two dresses allows the bride to wear a more traditional gown for the ceremony, followed by a fun or glamorous outfit for the reception. It's an excellent way to showcase different aspects of her style and personality without compromise.

Is it okay to have two wedding dresses? ›

Versatility: Having two dresses allows the bride to wear a more traditional gown for the ceremony, followed by a fun or glamorous outfit for the reception. It's an excellent way to showcase different aspects of her style and personality without compromise.

Why do people wear two wedding dresses? ›

One of the main reasons why some brides are choosing to wear two wedding dresses is the versatility it offers. The two-dress trend allows brides to easily transition from ceremony to reception, giving them the option to change into a second dress that is more comfortable or suitable for dancing and partying.

How many wedding dresses is too many to try on? ›

On average, brides try on about 4–7 dresses, but we recommend no more than 10.

Do you wear two different dresses to a wedding? ›

I would wear one dress suitable for both. I also wonder, is the reception black tie? Otherwise it will look like your trying to upstage the bride overdressing for the reception. Find one dress that's appropriate for both.

What color should a second wedding dress be? ›

For your second wedding, wear whatever you want. This is still your wedding day, and you should wear whatever makes you feel beautiful. You may choose to stick with traditional white, or switch it up for an ivory or blush color – or something even brighter! Whatever you pick, make sure it makes you happy.

How many wedding dresses should I wear? ›

Two dresses for the wedding are already standard for most brides – one for the registry office and one for the church or free wedding ceremony. The possibilities are endless and there are no limits to individuality. For every budget there are many alternatives now.

What is the trend in 2 wedding dresses? ›

Typically the 2 wedding dress trend is split into day and evening. The first gown, for the ceremony, vows and wedding breakfast, tends to be quite classic and more traditional , while for the evening reception or afterparty brides like to switch things up with something a little more fashion-forward and fun.

What is the superstition about wedding dresses? ›

Many believed that a bride making her own wedding dress would suffer an unhappy marriage. Every stitch made was thought to represent a tear that she'd shed during her marriage. Leaving a dress unfinished until the wedding day however could bring good luck.

Can a bride wear a white dress to second wedding? ›

You're free to wear a second marriage wedding dress in any color. While white certainly isn't off-limits, more and more brides (including lots of first-timers) are wearing alternative colors instead.

Is $3000 too much for a wedding dress? ›

Generally, the average cost of a wedding gown is typically between $1,800 to $2,500. Off-the-rack gowns may be priced lower than $1,800, while more luxurious gowns can sometimes fall in the $3,000 to $8,000 range. Customized dresses can even cost up to $10,000.

How many dresses can you try on at Kleinfeld? ›

Your stylist will initially select 3-5 gowns to present to you to ensure we understand your vision. You will have the opportunity to showcase the gowns to your guests seated in the viewing area. You will not be limited to try on a certain number of dresses.

Do most people keep their wedding dress? ›

Some choose to donate or sell their gowns while others repurpose their dresses into lingerie or co*cktail attire. Many women, however, want to simply hang on to that dress that represents so much love, happiness, and celebration. That's why wedding dress preservation is so important.

Can you wear a mother of the bride dress to another wedding? ›

There are no rules stating you cannot wear part or all of the same outfit if it still fits and suits you – but it is important to ask your son or daughter how they feel. My experience is that sons are practical and not overly concerned about what their mother wears to their wedding.

Is it rude to wear the same color as the bride? ›

The colour scheme, when it comes to what to wear, is designed for the bridal party i.e. the groom, groomsmen, bridesmaids, pageboys etc. Unless you're in that bridal party, you'd be best to steer clear of trying to match them. Think of it a bit like a stage show.

Do both moms at a wedding wear the same color? ›

Unless the bride asks both Mothers to wear the same color, make sure you avoid wearing the same color on the occasion. The mother of the bride and the mother of the groom's outfits must complement each other, especially for photos. Another thing that you need to remember is the formality of the dress.

Is it OK to have a double wedding? ›

A double wedding is a single marriage ceremony and reception for two couples. “As long as people want the same thing, a double wedding can more or less take on a 'normal' wedding format,” says event planner Jenn Laskey. “It's also a good way to save money.

Is it OK to wear a bridesmaid dress to another wedding? ›

- Wear it to another wedding.

A nontraditional bridesmaid dress (i.e. not floor-length chiffon, sequins, or satin) is obviously the easiest to get away with at another wedding, but many gowns will work at formal nuptials – as long as you don't match the color palette.

Can I wear the same dress at both my daughters weddings? ›

There are no rules stating you cannot wear part or all of the same outfit if it still fits and suits you – but it is important to ask your son or daughter how they feel. My experience is that sons are practical and not overly concerned about what their mother wears to their wedding.

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