The Classy Reception Dress

One of the wedding trends that we love most is the appearance of reception dresses.  Wedding gown styles differ dramatically, but many of today’s designers are including fuller skirts, soft, flowing lines, and elaborate embellishments.  While these are ideal for walking down the aisle and saying, “I do,” they are not designed to dance the night away.  The reception dress comes to the rescue.  With a slimmer silhouette, this dress can go the distance.  The reception dress has to be ready to handle a variety of duties; it has to allow you to move and be comfortable, help you achieve the look you want, and be affordable.  How do you choose the best one for you?

• Think about length.  Short or long is perfectly fine, but make sure you can walk, move, and dance comfortably.  Long reception dresses with a sweep or one inch train are trendy items at the moment.
• What color?  You could go with classic white, but many brides are tying their reception dress in with their wedding theme or colors.  If your main color is light tangerine, for instance, a darker shade of that same color will tie into the theme while helping you stand out.
• Complement or contrast your theme. If your wedding was very formal, you could either continue that theme with a prim and proper reception dress, or you could use the opportunity to loosen up with a Grecian-inspired frock, for instance.  Remember, your comfort is key.
• Stand out.  The risk that comes with wearing a reception dress is that you may be mistaken for a dress.  That will not do!  While it may be simpler than your wedding gown, you may want to inject some style and embellishment.
• Be you, and have fun.  It is your wedding, and since reception dresses are a relatively recent trend, there are not a lot of “rules” to worry about.  Worry, instead, about what works for you.  Above all, make sure you look and feel fabulous.