Brides Love the Second Dress Trend
Brides are embracing a new trend that lets them have the best of both worlds—wearing a stunning, elegant gown for the ceremony before switching to a fun, stylish party dress for the reception. This wardrobe change not only allows for more comfort and movement but also gives brides the chance to show off their personality in two distinct looks. Whether it’s a classic ball gown followed by a chic mini dress or a flowing boho design swapped for a chic jumpsuit, this trend ensures brides feel both glamorous and ready to dance the night away. Explore our gallery of breathtaking ceremony gowns and fabulous reception outfits for the ultimate wedding fashion inspiration!
Kristen & Jack | Captured by Bird & Boy Photography
Kristen and Jack exchanged vows by the Point of the Lake at the Gold Coast Farm House. With a backdrop of stunning white and blush coloured roses, the romantic and elegant scene was mirrored by Kristen’s gorgeous gown – a stunning strapless dress with a sweetheart neckline, cheeky side split and full skirt. A full length tulle veil completed the look adding a touch of tradition to an otherwise modern design. Her pearl drop earrings were a focal point and the connecting element that took her into party mode.
When the sun went down and the music turned up, Kristen changed into a fun party dress with details of a traditional bridal gown. The white, silk satin mini featured pearl trimming along the neckline and sides of the skirt. Detached puff and sheer sleeves added a romantic fairytale feel. When the dance floor heated up, Kristen removed the sheer sleeves and danced the night away. This stunning change up made Kristen feel more like herself at the reception, but still very much the bride and deserving centre of attention.
Isabella & Jono | Captured by Daniel Chafer Photography
One of our favourite transformations was served by Isabella. Isabella and Jono were wed in a beautiful ceremony under the Gazebo, surrounded by native foliage and wildflowers, with a stunning forest backdrop. Isabella was a vision of effortless chic in a bias cut, silk satin sheath dress with a high neck. The gown was floor length with a simple and elegant train. A tulle and lace veil draped behind her adding a traditional bridal feel, beautifully complementing her sleek wedding gown.
Once the formal events of the day were complete, Isabella changed into her party dress. She hung up her veil, slipped out of her gown and stepping into a cute, white linen mini dress. Continuing with her effortless and chic style, Isabella’s reception dress was a one shoulder design that gathered at the neckline to create a full skirt effect, perfect for dancing the night away with her new husband, Jono. We adored Isabella’s day to night transformation and feel inspired by her stunning yet simple dress choices.
Maria & Daniel | Captured by Marina Emerald
While technically not a second dress, Maria did change up her bridal style for the reception and we loved it! Daniel and Maria became newlyweds under the Tallowwood tree in a boho style wedding ceremony on a perfect Gold Coast day. Maria wore an elegant satin gown with dramatic features that showed off her natural beauty and free spirit. . For the ceremony, she wore a simple veil set into her stunning curls that were pinned up effortlessly. The veil was cast aside after the formalities, to show off the open back of the bridal gown. This gorgeous feature was framed by a romantic train and exaggerated bell sleeves. With all of this fabulous detail happening at the back, the front remained simple and chic with a V neckline and cinched waist.
Festivities began quickly after the bridal portraits with Maria dancing to live music at cocktail hour and partying into the night. Her stunning gown remained on but she wrapped a fringed scarf around her hips and let her curls fall down. Maria was in her element, embracing the fluidity and freedom of the dress and making it her own. Her unique style shone through as she celebrated her new life alongside Daniel.
Zach & Anju | Captured by Nikolas David Weddings
From princess to party girl, we couldn’t get enough of Anju’s outfit change. Anju and Zach were married under the Tallowwood tree in a modern style with a nod to old Hollywood glamour. Zach’s satin trimmed tuxedo was a perfect pairing to Anju’s cutout gown with its full skirt and stunning neckline. Her romantically tousled hair was swept up and pinned with a full length trailing veil. She was the perfect princess bride and the pair looked stunning together.
Anju knew she was going to be centred on the dancefloor for the evening and changed into a more party appropriate dress. Jaws dropped as she entered the marquee wearing a fun white mini dress with with a puffed trim that wrapped around and sat off her shoulders. Anju let her hair down literally and figuratively as she partied into the night with her new beau, friends and family. You can tell from the photos that she was feeling fabulous and confident wearing a party dress that she could enjoy herself in. We love to see brides being their authentic selves and making every wedding moment count.
Your wedding day is a once-in-a-lifetime celebration, so why settle for just one look? Embracing the second dress trend allows you to enjoy the best of both worlds—romantic elegance for your ceremony and effortless fun for the reception. Whether you choose a sexy slip dress, a playful mini, or a bold jumpsuit, your second look should reflect your personality and let you dance the night away in style. No matter what you wear, the most important thing is feeling confident, comfortable, and ready to make unforgettable memories. So go ahead, make that outfit change, and own every moment of your big day!