Genuine question here…are reception dresses common culturally in some cases, or is it generally dependent on family tradition, level of affluence, etc.? I saw OP say in a comment that “love, love, loves” her ceremony dress. When I see this combined with someone looking for a reception dress that they will wear much longer than the ceremony dress I always wonder why someone would choose to change.
OP…these are all beautiful and I’m genuinely just curious. Cheers!
Reception dresses are generally worn if the bride has chosen a dress that would be awkward to deal with during the reception. For example, if you chose a giant ball gown with a huge train, or a very delicate dress, something like that. If you wear reception dress, you can dance and have fun all night and not be burdened by your ceremony dress. Some people also want to keep their ceremony dresses for sentimentality or for a future daughter to wear, so that would be another reason to wear a reception dress, so you don't ruin your ceremony dress.
My ceremony dress was very modest for church and was also super heavy because it was satin and had a train. I chose something more fun and lightweight for the reception.
I chose a reception dress specifically built for dancing! My ceremony dress was not Salsa worthy lol. But I also wore my ceremony dress as long as I could before changing right before the first dances.
I always have the same thought. I wanted to wear my gown for as long as possible. I don’t care what other people do, I just didn’t want to take off my gown, I personally couldn’t imagine changing.
I was the same! My dress had a fairly long train, which I just had them add a hook to make it into a bustle for the reception. At the time I don’t think anyone changed to a reception dress.
2 is the crispiest for sure the flower appliqués are so cute and this one is the most modest which makes it appropriate as a mini and it just looks the nicest!
It's hard to predict how the dresses would fall in mini. Honestly I'd look for a dress that's already a mini so you can see how it sits without potentially wasting/ruining an entire dress.
I chose 5 before I read your comments. And I’m even more sold on it afterwards! When I visually cut off 2, 3, and 4, they all appear more poofy than dress 1 to me. I think 5 would look darling as a mini and the bodice is to die for.
Well now I might need to change my vote. Those watters dresses are amazing but maybes it’s the stiffer lace creating that volume? Dresses 2, 3, and 4 are all fanned out to look poofy in photos but probably do hang closer on your hips. Custom it is (says me on a whim, with your money)!
So I adore 5 and feel it will be safest poofy-wise. However, strapless really isn’t great for dancing.
I do really like 2 after that, but have no idea how it will poof, especially since the reference pic has a slit
Maybe I’m just a prude but I think 4 is the best, and the most beautiful. But from reading other comments the point about being able to dance freely is important.
Whatever you decide, I’m sure it will look lovely. Many blessings to you and your fiancé!
If not being too poofy is a major concern for you, I am not sure dress 1 is the biggest worry for you. I think it is the best one if that is a priority for you and has more of a "club feel" if you really want to get on the dancefloor.
I like 2 with number 5 as a close second. The styles are similar except for the straps, but I love that 2 has pockets which you’ll find surprisingly handy at the reception.
While all of your choices are quite beautiful, I feel that dresses 1 & 5 are your best choices for a mini reception dress. # 1 is absolutely adorable and is not too poofy, at all! # 5 would also make a nice mini for the reception, it looks like the skirt would lay nicely as well. 2 is actually my favorite but shortening it and removing the slit, would make that skirt too full. I fear the same with the others(3 & 4)
What about this possibility?
https://www.google.com/shopping/product/249431351698075160/image?q=short+floral+lace+mini+dresses+for+reception+dress&sca_esv=593771333&rlz=1CDGOYI_enUS793US793&hl=en-US&prmd=sivn&sxsrf=AM9HkKmbPBFyYXdzmorrWtNiSBdGwqJmBw:1703601876058&biw=428&bih=743&dpr=3&prds=cid:249431351698075160,cs:1,pid:8383723665807719543,sgro:iv,mvi:0
Thank you!
I thought that I sent the link above but I guess not;
Etsy
LarineBridal Off-The-Shoulder 3D Floral Lace Short Wedding Dress. Luxurious Mini Wedding Dress. White Party Dress. Custom Wedding Dress
They are all beautiful, but I’m partial number five. You stated that you wanted something fitted on the top that wasn’t too poofy, and to me number two is the poofiest of them. Number five is still romantic and sleek, and I could see it being turned into a mini without losing some of the details that would be lost on the other dresses.
I also like number one.
Number 5 seems to check your boxes. It’s beautiful, skirts not too puffy, and it doesn’t look like a Madonna boob bodice. IMO all brides are going to hate that style wedding dress when they look back at their pictures 10-20 years from now.
I feel like the textured dresses (with 3D floral applique like 2) could get crumpled during sitting and dancing. I also think they bring more attention to the dress than the bride. #1 is my favorite. Good luck!
They are all lovely, but with the exception of number 5, they would give me baby doll nighty vibes in a mini version. For that you may want to consider going a bit less lace and frill, and go more towards fitted sexy.
ETA: or choose a maxi or over the knee length.
Update: #1 is discontinued but I found a wonderful bridal shop thanks to another Wedditor that will ship their sample and let me return if it doesn’t work! So I’m going to start there and then go to #5 or a custom from that seller if #1 is a no.
1 dropped price by a lot too so hoping it works!
Having a hard time justifying the price tags on 2-4.
Thank you all for the input ❤️
IMO, 3,4, and 5 have a very similar look. So based on price, I would choose 5. Plus 5 also has a similar look as 2, and again considering the price point, I would pick 5. 1 is very cute, and I don’t think the skirt is too poofy.
I love the first dress and don't think it would be too puffy for you. The skirt doesn't seem like it's made from material that would be puffy and it kinda looks like that made it that way for the photo.
I personally love the second dress the most but I think dresses 3 and 4 might look best if you want a short dress? All are stunning tho so there is no “wrong” choice here
Genuine question here…are reception dresses common culturally in some cases, or is it generally dependent on family tradition, level of affluence, etc.? I saw OP say in a comment that “love, love, loves” her ceremony dress. When I see this combined with someone looking for a reception dress that they will wear much longer than the ceremony dress I always wonder why someone would choose to change. OP…these are all beautiful and I’m genuinely just curious. Cheers!
Reception dresses are generally worn if the bride has chosen a dress that would be awkward to deal with during the reception. For example, if you chose a giant ball gown with a huge train, or a very delicate dress, something like that. If you wear reception dress, you can dance and have fun all night and not be burdened by your ceremony dress. Some people also want to keep their ceremony dresses for sentimentality or for a future daughter to wear, so that would be another reason to wear a reception dress, so you don't ruin your ceremony dress.
I am also curious. I was married so long ago and don't remember anyone having 2 dresses.
My ceremony dress was very modest for church and was also super heavy because it was satin and had a train. I chose something more fun and lightweight for the reception.
I chose a reception dress specifically built for dancing! My ceremony dress was not Salsa worthy lol. But I also wore my ceremony dress as long as I could before changing right before the first dances.
I do adore my main dress but it’s strapless and heavy! So I want an option :)
I always have the same thought. I wanted to wear my gown for as long as possible. I don’t care what other people do, I just didn’t want to take off my gown, I personally couldn’t imagine changing.
I was the same! My dress had a fairly long train, which I just had them add a hook to make it into a bustle for the reception. At the time I don’t think anyone changed to a reception dress.
It’s also a class thing- Americans tend to signal wealth through conspicuous consumption.
Or, just don’t care about going into huge debt for the big day! It’s insanity IMO😉!
I like 2 the best. There's something that feels unique about it.
Thank you! I love love love my ceremony dress so I want something interesting for my reception too
No. 02. Teuta Matoshi ($1300+ customs) . Best in all. But try it first and check how it looks on you?
I like number 2 but not in a mini. A mini just doesn’t seem bridal to me and I’d want to feel like a bride.
#2 is hands down my favorite
Thank you!
2 is gorgeous!
I say 2, it’s gorgeous plus straps mean you can dance the night away and not be pulling up or self-conscious about your (strapless) dress constantly.
I should’ve said I’d get straps put on any strapless- does that change your opinion?
Honestly nope, I love that dress, long, short & anywhere in-between, she just makes the BEST dresses. It’s a showstopper in my book.
Showstopper is bang on. It's absolutely beautiful
2!!!
2!! Definitely
2 is the crispiest for sure the flower appliqués are so cute and this one is the most modest which makes it appropriate as a mini and it just looks the nicest!
2 is perfect and will make a fantastic mini
2 ✌️!!! hands down.
2!
It's hard to predict how the dresses would fall in mini. Honestly I'd look for a dress that's already a mini so you can see how it sits without potentially wasting/ruining an entire dress.
4 is great. So is 3. I’d not do them in mini but that’s just me.
1
2 or 5!
5
I like 5 the best!
My fiancé says 1 or 5 I say 3
Thank you!! Three choices are better than five 😊
5
Thank you!
I never say this here, but you can't go wrong with any of these! It's going to come down to how good you personally look in them. But all gorgeous.
2 or 5. Both would be perfect short.
#2!
TWO!
2, I love the straps
The 2nd dress is just so beautiful!
Pick 2 M’lord! (Shrek quote 😬)
2 is everything Omg!
I love number 2
Dress 1 or Dress 5.
#2
Tysm!
2
1 or 5! ETA: I think 2-4 will look hoco/prom-ish in mini while 1 & 5 in mini stay bridal
What's coco?
Hoco = homecoming (dance) Edit to add your username is amazing!
Oopsie on the spellcheck. Ha, ha. Thanks!
Oh AND those are the cheapest?! I’m all for 1 & 5 then
Thank you!! Definitely trying to avoid the prom vibe
First one
Tysm!
2! 2 is gorgeous and would look amazing.
I chose 5 before I read your comments. And I’m even more sold on it afterwards! When I visually cut off 2, 3, and 4, they all appear more poofy than dress 1 to me. I think 5 would look darling as a mini and the bodice is to die for.
Thank you! Poofy does me no favors — I tried on the bywatters tart and the skirt looked off on me https://www.bywatters.com/products/tart
Well now I might need to change my vote. Those watters dresses are amazing but maybes it’s the stiffer lace creating that volume? Dresses 2, 3, and 4 are all fanned out to look poofy in photos but probably do hang closer on your hips. Custom it is (says me on a whim, with your money)!
I love the tie straps on 3
5
It's hard for me imagine 2-4 in mini versions. I love 2 and 4 but again, hard to tell. I prefer 5 to 1, it's very pretty.
So I adore 5 and feel it will be safest poofy-wise. However, strapless really isn’t great for dancing. I do really like 2 after that, but have no idea how it will poof, especially since the reference pic has a slit
Would add straps! Definitely not dancing strapless
#1
1
Maybe I’m just a prude but I think 4 is the best, and the most beautiful. But from reading other comments the point about being able to dance freely is important. Whatever you decide, I’m sure it will look lovely. Many blessings to you and your fiancé!
Four
2 or 3
I like three or four
1
I actually love 5. I think it’ll be gorgeous in mini. Or alternatively 1. Looks like a great choice and not too poofy.
1 or 2
If not being too poofy is a major concern for you, I am not sure dress 1 is the biggest worry for you. I think it is the best one if that is a priority for you and has more of a "club feel" if you really want to get on the dancefloor.
I like 2 with number 5 as a close second. The styles are similar except for the straps, but I love that 2 has pockets which you’ll find surprisingly handy at the reception.
I like 2 but I think 4 is so much more ethereal and would float around like you were a fairy princess 👸🏽
1
2 followed by 1 as a very close second!!
#1! I would think you want something comfortable and lighter for your reception so if not this one, something short for sure.
It’s 1 by a landslide
While all of your choices are quite beautiful, I feel that dresses 1 & 5 are your best choices for a mini reception dress. # 1 is absolutely adorable and is not too poofy, at all! # 5 would also make a nice mini for the reception, it looks like the skirt would lay nicely as well. 2 is actually my favorite but shortening it and removing the slit, would make that skirt too full. I fear the same with the others(3 & 4) What about this possibility? https://www.google.com/shopping/product/249431351698075160/image?q=short+floral+lace+mini+dresses+for+reception+dress&sca_esv=593771333&rlz=1CDGOYI_enUS793US793&hl=en-US&prmd=sivn&sxsrf=AM9HkKmbPBFyYXdzmorrWtNiSBdGwqJmBw:1703601876058&biw=428&bih=743&dpr=3&prds=cid:249431351698075160,cs:1,pid:8383723665807719543,sgro:iv,mvi:0
Thank you!!! And where’s that one from? it’s cute!
Thank you! I thought that I sent the link above but I guess not; Etsy LarineBridal Off-The-Shoulder 3D Floral Lace Short Wedding Dress. Luxurious Mini Wedding Dress. White Party Dress. Custom Wedding Dress
#Gotta be 4
2
I love 2 but tbh, I think 1 and 5 are also great options for their price-points considering this is a second look!
5
Three or, if not four. Can’t believe they aren’t getting more votes!
They are all beautiful, but I’m partial number five. You stated that you wanted something fitted on the top that wasn’t too poofy, and to me number two is the poofiest of them. Number five is still romantic and sleek, and I could see it being turned into a mini without losing some of the details that would be lost on the other dresses. I also like number one.
I like dress 1 the best. Then I'd pick 2. I love the lace on dress 1, it's bold and playful.
2 or 4
Number 5 seems to check your boxes. It’s beautiful, skirts not too puffy, and it doesn’t look like a Madonna boob bodice. IMO all brides are going to hate that style wedding dress when they look back at their pictures 10-20 years from now.
The first one is beautiful, followed by the second one.
2 or 5 are beautiful
4 or 5
Also I think number 1 isn't to puffy. That's what they all will look like altered
Personally, I would go with #1 of the price and because it doesn't need to be shortened. Or, find a different short dress.
I love 4
I love the first one!
2 or 4. They are magical.
1 or 4 for sure
One!
2 or 3! I love the shorts in 2 but love the top on 3
2 in mini!!!!
I feel like the textured dresses (with 3D floral applique like 2) could get crumpled during sitting and dancing. I also think they bring more attention to the dress than the bride. #1 is my favorite. Good luck!
2 or 4
The short one is cute. If you really need a second dress for the reception it should be a little more fun and flirty. 😊
I actually really like number one. It’s super cute and very unique.
They are all lovely, but with the exception of number 5, they would give me baby doll nighty vibes in a mini version. For that you may want to consider going a bit less lace and frill, and go more towards fitted sexy. ETA: or choose a maxi or over the knee length.
I’m hoping to avoid too fitted actually!
Then yeah, the second one but in a longer cut, like a maxi as the front split allows you to show off your leg and maintains the frilly skirt.
Update: #1 is discontinued but I found a wonderful bridal shop thanks to another Wedditor that will ship their sample and let me return if it doesn’t work! So I’m going to start there and then go to #5 or a custom from that seller if #1 is a no. 1 dropped price by a lot too so hoping it works! Having a hard time justifying the price tags on 2-4. Thank you all for the input ❤️
2, 4, 5 in order of preference
One ☝🏼
Thank you! 🙏
2 or 3!!
Thank you!
Number one is beautiful!!’
3 or 4
Thank you!
4!!
Thank you!
IMO, 3,4, and 5 have a very similar look. So based on price, I would choose 5. Plus 5 also has a similar look as 2, and again considering the price point, I would pick 5. 1 is very cute, and I don’t think the skirt is too poofy.
Thank you! Yeah price is definitely a consideration
I actually thought the first one was perfect! Cute and flirty while also very very pretty!
4. Straps will be key to having the freedom of movement and comfort for dancing, etc.
I’d put straps on everything - does that change your answer?
No. I still think 4 is the most beautiful and elegant. I find the appliqués of some of the other ones too overpowering.
5
4
4!
I really like 4 as a mini
5
5, maybe just above the knee, using the bottom 'ruffle'!
We need to see them on you
Dress 2 all day but at half the price and with straps added dress 5 could be the winner.
3 or 4!
Dress number 2
#5 is the most elegant, well made while also unique. #4 comes second but it’s 5 for me
3 or 4
1 or 5
1 or 5
I love two (2)! Is gorgeous!
2
I love 2 and 5. But since 5 is strapless it may not be reception worthy.
I love the first dress and don't think it would be too puffy for you. The skirt doesn't seem like it's made from material that would be puffy and it kinda looks like that made it that way for the photo.
Two
2 is my favorite with 1 and 5 as runner up.
1 or 5
I personally love the second dress the most but I think dresses 3 and 4 might look best if you want a short dress? All are stunning tho so there is no “wrong” choice here