We’re not sure where the trend started, but it could be the royal influence with Princess Eugenie, Meghan Markle and Kate Middleton wearing two different dresses on their wedding days.
Singer/songwriter Ellie Goulding wore four dresses. Hailey Bieber, Chrissy Teigen and Serena Williams each had three wedding outfits, and Princess Diana’s niece, Lady Kitty Spencer, wore not one or two but five custom Dolce & Gabbana dresses on her wedding day.
If you are thinking of following suit (or gown, as the case may be!) on your own special day – read on!
Apart from it being hard to choose just one dress, there are many reasons for opting to wear multiple wedding outfits. You may want different vibes throughout the day; and, having different bridal looks offers the chance to show off your personality. It could even be for a practical purpose such as changing into an outfit you can dance in for the reception.
Perfect dress to suit every part of your special day
If your ceremony vibe is stylistically different from your reception—such as a church wedding followed by a night of partying hard—an outfit change will help set the tone for each.
Keep in mind that the dress you choose for the ceremony is going to be the one most photographed, and the one worn for the most important part of the day – exchanging vows.
Many brides like to honour tradition AND be themselves – with two dresses you can go from classic and conservative for your church ceremony, to a wedding gown that shows a bolder side of your personality for your reception.
Easy to Dress for the Weather
Having two wedding dresses allows you to transition from indoors to outdoors, or cold to warm, relatively quickly. If you want a long-sleeve ball gown for an outdoor ceremony and a sleeveless style for an indoor disco-style reception, it helps to have two wedding dresses.
Double (or triple) the drama!
A show-stopping outfit change can really add some WOW factor! Make the day even more memorable by embracing outfits that truly express the atmosphere and personality of yourself and your big day.
Here are some tips if you have decided to have more than one bridal ensemble:
- It could be expensive … But there’s no need to blow the budget
You may need to rearrange your wedding budget to make the second (or third) wedding dress a viable option OR consider wearing a worn-once, borrowed or upcycled outfit for one of your style changes.
- Plan the where and when of your outfit changes
Ensure you plan time, and an adequate private space, to change outfits on your wedding day timeline.
Most brides switch outfits between formal photos taken after the ceremony, and appearing at the reception.
If you want formal wedding photos of both gowns, factor in extra time. Also consider that your bridesmaids may need to be coached to best help you undress and redress.
- Don’t forget your partner
You are in this together – even if it’s something simple like removing a tie or switching shoes, this will help you both look like you are ready to celebrate.
The most important thing is this is YOUR day
Be true to yourself, your spouse, and yourselves as a couple, and make the choices that ensure that your wedding day is all you ever dreamed it would be – whether that takes one, two or more outfits is up to you.
Special Weddings 