One of the things that sets the tone for a wedding is the dress. It often dictates where the wedding is held and the type of dress code that follows for the guests. Recently, we've seen a flood of weddings where the wedding dress is just one of the looks that is worn throughout the wedding weekend. With the rise of the reception look, more people are opting for after-party dresses to change into following the ceremony. Often, they're pieces that are less traditional, infuse current trends and shorter hemlines, and feel primed to get the party portion of the wedding going.
If you're looking for a dress to change into for your wedding reception, I've pulled together a list of the best after-party looks to shop. There are options for every style, from '90s-inspired satin minidresses and ornately embroidered sequin styles to halterneck silhouettes and dresses finished in a soft pastel for your something blue. Ahead, shop the best reception dresses to add to your wedding weekend wardrobe.
Christopher Esber
Opaline Sequined Lace-Trimmed Minidress
Christopher Esber has so many great options for the fashion person.
Significant Other
Lucile Halter Dress
This halterneck dress has a cool-girl feel.
SIEDRÉS
Zaye Lace-Trimmed Crepe Mini Dress
A twist on a classic.
Rodarte
White Hand Beaded Tulle Ruffle Mini Dress
Peak cool.
CLIO PEPPIATT
Bluebell Bead-Embellished Stretch-Tulle Mini Dress
Something blue.
BEVZA
Satin Bustier Maxi Dress
An incredibly chic option from Bevza.
DES_PHEMMES
Beaded Satin Mini Dress
This would look gorgeous with simple strappy heels.
TWP
Josephine Silk Maxi Dress
TWP is the brand the NYC set is talking about.
THE GARMENT
Tanzania Pointelle-Knit Organic Cotton Maxi Dress
For a beach setting.
SELF-PORTRAIT
Appliquéd Satin Mini Dress
If you're shopping for a sophisticated take on a minidress, look no further.
Christopher Esber
Floating Lace Cotton Mini Dress
Yet another beautiful design by Christopher Esber.
ABADIA
Ora Gathered Tencel Lyocell and Cotton-Blend Poplin and Jersey Midi Dress
This ruching, though.
Rabanne
Ring-Embellished Sleeveless Minidress
This is sure to get the after-party started.
The New Arrivals Ilkyaz Ozel
Claudie Dress
A similar idea executed in a maxi version.
MAGDA BUTRYM
Ruched Polka-Dot Silk-Blend Chiffon Mini Dress
A minidress you can wear beyond the wedding.
TOVE
Erin Gathered Silk-Crepe Maxi Dress
A minimal, sophisticated choice.
DELPOZO
Architectural Silk-Satin Mini Dress
Soft pink adds a bit of romance.
Reformation
Zenni Dress
Finished with a micro hemline.
KHAITE
Mags Silk-Gazar Mini Dress
Khaite has never done us wrong, and this gazar dress is a prime example of that.
Tove
Tova Gathered Crêpe Maxi Dress
Switch into something you can dance in.
BERNADETTE
Winnie One-Shoulder Sequin-Embellished Taffeta Mini Dress
For the person who prefers a pop of color.
Saint Laurent
Lace-Trimmed Silk Minidress
An updated take on a slip dress.
PRADA
Double Satin Mini Dress
Someone needs to snap up this past-season Prada find.
Francesca Miranda
Fenix Silk Long Sleeve Maxi Dress
For a modest look.
Liberowe
Nava Strapless Cocktail Dress
Chic.
DES_PHEMMES
Embellished Tulle Halterneck Midi Dress
A showstopper.
STAUD
Casey Embellished Sequined Maxi Dress
The embroidery!
Reformation
Maves Dress
Reformation always has new arrivals designed with weddings in mind.
Christopher Esber
Draped Latticed Lace Maxi Dress
Another fun way to incorporate something blue.
Stella McCartney
Sheer Sequined Maxi Dress
Minimalistic sequins are a great choice.
Prada
Guipure Short Dress With Dahlia Embroidery
Beyond.
Bernadette
Sacha Dress
Designed with a rosette and a bow.
ALAÏA
Fringed Draped Open-Knit Maxi Dress
A great excuse to wear Alaïa.
Reformation
Ecru Dress
Finished with a built-in scarf.
EMILIA WICKSTEAD
Murielle Off-the-Shoulder Cloqué Mini Dress
Classic.
OSCAR DE LA RENTA
Halterneck Grosgrain-Trimmed Guipure Lace Mini Dress
Kristen Nichols is the Associate Director, Special Projects at Who What Wear. She oversees luxury and runway content, and covers fashion within the luxury market, runway reporting, shopping features, trends, and interviews with leading industry experts. Kristen has worked with brands including Prada, Chanel, and Tiffany & Co., and her style has been featured in publications including The New York Times, Vogue.com, Vogue France, WWD, and the CFDA. Kristen began her career at Rodarte and Allure. She graduated from the University of Southern California, where she studied art history and business, and currently lives in New York.