Having multiple bridal looks is trending in a big way right now. But is there a way to switch up your look from ceremony to reception, without needing multiple dresses?
And the answer to that is YES. In todays post we are going to cover 8 ways to switch up your bridal look, while still having just one dress. Because there are so many transformations that you can make to your wedding day look, without needed to buy multiple dresses. So if you are a bride who loves the idea of switching up your style throughout the day, but isn't wanting to buy multiple dresses, then this list is for you!
01. Detachable Skirt/Train
Detachable skirts and trains are everywhere right now, and it is easy to see why. Having an overskirt or train that you can easily remove, allows you to completely transform your bridal look, without ever having to change out of your dress. Wear a more voluminous overskirt or long train for your ceremony, and then ditch it for your reception.
Viktor Rolf: Texture Transformation
When you are looking for a removable skirt or train, remember that playing with different textures can lead to an even more dramatic transformation. Take this look from Viktor Rolf for instance. A sleek strapless column gown is paired with a detachable tiered volant skirt which transforms the sleek gown into a dramatic ball gown. So have a ball gown for your ceremony and a sleek column dress for your reception - without ever actually changing your dress!
Kelly Faetanini: From Ball Gown to Fit-and-Flare
Kelly Faetanini demonstrates how to transform your bridal look with a detachable train in a dramatic way with this stunning look. A sleek strapless fit and flare gown is paired with a ruffled tulle ball gown train which can be added or removed to switch up the look in a dramatic way.
02. Bridal Separates
Bridal separates have taken off in the past few years. And separates give you the option of switching up your style in a big way, without having completely separate looks. For instance, you can swap out your top, but stick with the same skirt. Or the reverse, wear a fuller ballgown skirt for your ceremony, and then switch to a sleeker style for your reception. You can completely transform your look with just 3 bridal separates pieces - instead of needing two completely separate dresses.
Anna Campbell: Sophisticated Ceremony
Anna Campbell shows us how to mix up bridal separates like a pro. Start off with this gorgeous sequined long sleeve crop paired with a sleek ivory crepe skirt with a dramatic train. This sophisticated style will have you looking elegant and glamorous for your ceremony. And then see how you can transform the look below for your reception.
Anna Campbell: Glam Reception
For your reception look, stick with the same sequin top and swap out the crepe skirt for a matching fully glammed out style. This takes you from a very sophisticated ceremony look, to an ultra glam party-ready reception style with just the switch of your skirt. And remember that you can swap out your tops instead for an even easier transformation on your big day!
Watters: Sassy Second Look
Another way to work with bridal separates to switch up your look is to find a chic cropped top like this one, and pair it with a voluminous skirt for your ceremony, and then swap out the skirt for chic white pants for your reception. This is such a sassy second look and we are loving it!
03. Optional Sleeves
Removable sleeves are another trend that make switching up your bridal style easy as can be. Wear some dramatic full length sleeves for your ceremony to add some more modest drama. Then ditch them for your reception so that you are ready to dance the night away.
Rue de Seine: Voluminous Sleeves
The "cash sleeves" from Rue de Seine are a larger than life bridal accessory that have the ability to completely transform the look of a gown. Take this combination above for instance. These sleeves add so much drama and volume to this look, that when they are removed, there is a rather dramatic transformation. This look also features a matching overskirt, so when you remove both of these elements, you reveal the stunning lace gown beneath for a very dramatic unveiling.
Lee Grebenau: Tulle Blouson Sleeves
Lee Grebenau shows how you can transform a bridal look with the addition of some bold sleeves. This chic strapless floral wedding dress is transformed into a fairy-tale ready style with the addition of some tulle plissé blouson sleeves. This look also includes a matching removable overskirt for even more drama. When you combine multiple transformational pieces from our list like this look does - it makes the switch even more dramatic.
Savannah Miller: Dramatic Waterfall Sleeves
Simple, yet dramatic. These removable waterfall sleeves from Savannah Miller make a massive impact on the overall style of this bridal look. Wear these sleeves for a more dramatic ceremony style. And then ditch them for your reception to put all of the focus on this chic strapless gown. In this instance, you could also lose the headpiece and even put your hair up to make for a more drastic change.
04. Bridal Capes
Bridal capes have been having a moment over the past few years. It may be because they make every bride feel like a fairytale princess. But also, bridal capes are a great alternative to a veil, and they mix up your style in a more dramatic way. Wear a bridal cape for your ceremony to have that more traditional "unveiling" feel. But then ditch it for your reception to reveal a completely different look that was just hiding beneath the cape all along.
Elie Saab: Dramatic Floral Texture
Elie Saab is taking the idea of using a bridal cape to transform your look to an entirely new level. This dramatic hooded dimensional floral cape covers a chic matching bridal mini. This gives you the appearance of a full length gown for your ceremony, but then you can ditch the cape and you are reception-ready in a chic mini dress.
Bo and Luca: Embellished Fairy Tale
This next bridal cape from Bo and Luca will give you a sophisticated woodland fairytale look for your ceremony. And then you can remove the dramatically embellished cape to reveal a chic and sophisticated satin slip dress for your reception. The cape adds a bit more formality to an otherwise more casual bridal gown - without the necessity of having two completely different dresses.
05. Outerwear
That's right, outerwear. Along with bridal capes, you can also use other alternative outerwear pieces to change up your wedding day look. A great example would be with a romantic winter wedding day. Wear a lavish fur jacket over your dress for your ceremony, and then ditch it for your reception to reveal a slinky silk slip dress.
Anthropology: Fur Jacket
Like we said above, we love the idea of wearing a chic fur jacket for your ceremony for some major romantic winter vibes. Then ditch the jacket for your reception to reveal your stunning dress underneath. This is just like switching up your top with bridal separates, but it only requires two pieces. Plus, a jacket will keep you warm while moving between locations, and it will make for some amazing winter wedding photos!
Sanyukta Shrestha: Vintage Outerwear
If you are a vintage loving bride, then you can completely transform your wedding day look with a chic vintage inspired outwear piece like this one. This jacket adds a sophisticated feel to your ceremony style. And then you can removed the jacket to reveal the dress that was hidden underneath for your reception.
06. Bridal Gloves
Gloves have been a traditional bridal accessory for as long as anyone can remember. And this simple and sophisticated accessory has the ability to really switch up your style if chosen wisely. Dramatic, full length gloves act just like removable sleeves. Wear during your ceremony, and then ditch then for a more casual reception style.
Vera Wang: Black Leather Gloves
Vera Wang shows us just how impactful bridal gloves can be when it comes to transforming your look throughout the day. This gorgeous gown is paired with dramatic black leather gloves, and a black headpieces. When these edgy accessories are removed, this gown has an entirely different feel.
Viktor Rolf: Bowed Gloves
One thing we love about bridal gloves, is that the right pair can give the appearance of a full length sleeve wedding gown. Like these dramatic long mikado gloves from Viktor Rolf. Their long length and oversized bow accents add coverage and drama. When you remove them the focus then shifts to the dress, which alone has a completely different look.
07. Hair and Makeup
Now this may seem like a subtle shift. But by changing up your hair and makeup in a drastic way - for instance from hair up to hair down - you can massively transform your bridal look. You can always pair this with a few other subtle swaps that we cover on this list and you will have everyone in awe of your transformation. Remember to focus on big shifts. Add a bold lip, drastically change your hair, or swap your veil out for a dramatic headpiece. You may not feel like you made much of a shift, but to others, you will look completely transformed.
Bo and Luca: Updo and Hairpiece
If you are looking to switch up your look throughout the day, you can do so by just changing your hair. Start with your hair up for your ceremony with a bold hairpiece. Then ditch the headband and let your hair down for your reception. This will drastically change up your look, and give you a more casual vibe.
Vera Wang: Dramatic Hair Transformation
You can also do the opposite, and start with your hair down for your ceremony. Like this dramatic tousled hairstyle which is paired with a very dramatic headpiece from Vera Wang. Start with this look for your ceremony, and then for your reception: slick back your hair and pair with a bold colored lip. Remove any other accessories like these oversize bow accents and you will completely transform your style.
08. Add a Pop of Color
Another easy transformation is to add a pop of color to your look between your ceremony and reception. Pair your wedding dress with some killer bright red shoes, or a bright colored belt that adds a dramatic touch to your look.
Watters: Colorful Straps
These blue straps from Watters are completely removable. So they are an amazing way to add a pop of color - especially for a more sassy reception style. You could lean into this blue theme even more with a blue belt, blue hair accents, and even some sassy blue heels. Everyone will be so surprised by the added color, that they won't even realize you are wearing the same dress!
By Kathryn Schrotenboer
Rodricka, Indianapolis
LaTanya, East Greenville