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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Lifestyle
Peter Bevan

15 best bridal reception dresses

It goes without saying that your wedding dress is the main event of your big day, but what’s to say you can’t level up your reception by having a second look that’s a touch more party-ready?

After the vows have been said, your nerves have calmed and you’re ready for a glass of something sparkly, you’ll want to change out of your beautiful yet potentially more cumbersome dress into something a little easier to wear - without compromising on style, of course.

You could choose a mini party dress that boasts crystal embellishments or a feather trim, a graceful silk gown that’s lightweight and contemporary, or even something as simple as a timeless slip. Either way, it needs to be a design you can wear to dance the night away without anything standing in your way.

Even better, if you’re anything like me, you’ll want to make an entrance at every point of the day. So, after a quick post-ceremony outfit change, you’re sure to get another round of ‘oohs’ and ‘aahs’ when you make it to the afterparty - after all, if you can’t be the main character on your wedding day, then when can you?

Now all you need is the bridal heels to match.

Keep scrolling for the best.

Self Portrait Bow-tie crystal-embellished crepe mini dress

A cute mini dress with a sparkly trim and bow detail, Self Portrait’s crystal embellished design is one for the party bride. Now, it’s time to celebrate.

Buy now £350.00, Matches

De La Vali White Cadillac Feather Trim Midi Dress

From the feather hem to the halterneck construction, De La Vali’s midi dress is a statement worth making - and would look great paired with some elegant drop earrings.

Buy now £455.00, Browns Fashion

Reformation Joana Silk Dress

Silk and strapless, you’ll shimmer your way from the first dance to the early hours in Reformation’s Joana dress. Amp up the glamour with a tennis necklace from the likes of Swarovski or Amina Muaddi.

Buy now £300.00, Reformation

Taller Marmo + Net Sustain Mrs Ross fringed crepe kaftan

Taller Marmo’s fringed dress is for those who like to make a statement. Inspired by the kaftans worn by Diana Ross, it’s a beautifully flowing design that’s guaranteed to turn heads - just make sure you’re entrance song is I’m Coming Out for the best effect.

Buy now £840.00, Net-A-Porter

Rixo Bridal Candice feather-trimmed minidress

Sixties-inspired, Rixo’s shift dress is a simple mini with a twist. With a roll neckline and an A-line silhouette, it’s equal parts extra and demure.

Buy now £695.00, Rixo

Mango Satin draped dress

Featuring a ruched waist and a high side slit, Mango’s dress is cut to a form-fitting silhouette that will see you through the shindig in style - and it looks much more expensive than its £149.99 price point.

Buy now £149.99, Mango

Raey Bust-cup silk crepe de Chine slip dress

This season, grunge is in. So, for brides who want to be on-trend, you could pair this with chunky jewellery and platform heels to channel the 90s look. Better yet, it’s a style you’ll wear beyond the day you say ‘I do’.

Buy now £180.00, Matches

Bernadette Tilly off-the-shoulder taffeta mini dress

All of Bernadette’s designs exude an ethereal fairytale elegance - as proven by this off-the-shoulder mini. Constructed using a crisp taffeta, it’s a voluminous style that‘s both dramatic and graceful.

Buy now £685.00, Matches

Galvan Pandora tie-detailed satin halterneck mini dress

Known for its amazing range of lustrous silk and satin designs, Galvan is a go-to for refined dresses - this mini included. From the sash tie detail to the halterneck construction, it is a masterclass in effortless elegance.

Buy now £850.00, Net-A-Porter

Loewe Twisted-drape woven maxi dress

She’s not a regular bride, she’s a cool bride. Loewe’s twist-detail dress will score you some serious points on the fashion front.

Buy now £2100.00, Loewe

SKIMS Soft Lounge ribbed stretch-jersey nightdress

Kim Kardashian’s brand SKIMS may be known for its impressive range of shapewear and underwear, but its collection of lounge dresses are not to be missed either.

While this stretch-jersey nightdress may look a little casual, with the right shoes and accessories, it can be elevated to new heights - and it’s so comfy you’ll never want to take it off.

Buy now £75.00, Selfridges

Norma Kamali Diana one-shoulder ruched stretch-jersey dress

For those who like a flattering, form-fitting design, Norma Kamali should most certainly be on your wishlist. With Grecian-inspired ruching and asymmetric single shoulder, you’ll feel like a goddess until the big day’s over.

Buy now £225.00, Net-A-Porter

Cos A-Line Short-Sleeved Shirt Dress

High street hero Cos is an expert in the minimal Scandi aesthetic. While the structured volume adds a certain je ne sais quoi, it’s super laid-back and effortless, making it perfect for a more relaxed dress code.

Buy now £79.00, Cos

Free People Look Into The Sun Gown

Crafted in a silky-feel textile, Free People’s deep-V flowing dress will make you feel like the belle of the ball. With a smocked waist, an exposed back and mini cut-outs to the side, it’s both sexy and sophisticated.

Buy now £188.00, Free People

Area NYC Embellished Mini Dress

Area NYC is a favourite amongst the celeb and fashion crowd. Inspired by the New York club scene in the 80s, you can expect high-octane glamour and OTT glitzy details - perfect for the fashion forward bride. The sparkling embellishments and tailored fit sets it a cut above the rest.

Buy now £662.00, Harrods

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