22 Modern Reception Dresses for Your Second Bridal Look

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For brides, the wedding dress may be the cornerstone of a bridal wardrobe, but the wedding reception dress (or after-party dress) will certainly convey the most delight. Brides have lately begun to experiment with their wedding arsenals—choosing feminine, lively, and fashion-forward pieces and accessories for everything from the initial engagement party to the last evening of a honeymoon stay. And who can blame them? It's the time to celebrate with fashion.

To find the best wedding reception dress for your event, focus on comfort, practicality, and details—but make it fun. As bridal curator Sheila Adetiba of Unlike Bride explains, a wedding reception dress doesn’t have to relate to the conventional parameters of bridalwear. That makes it the perfect celebratory occasion for self-expression. "Ensuring all eyes are still set on you when you make that entrance, choose a reception dress that is incredibly special to you and shows a different side of your style and personality while making you feel confident and comfortable," Adetiba advises. "Look for intricate couture-like finishes, embellishments, adorned crystals, lace appliqués, or embroidery that adds texture and visual interest. Consider unique necklines, open backs, dramatic bows, or voluminous puffed sleeves to create a big impact." But most importantly, "Ensure the dress allows for ease of movement and dancing," she says. This is a party, after all.

Below, shop the 22 best wedding reception dresses from classic brands like Markarian and Galvan, to out-of-the-box options from Rachel Gilbert and BERNADETTE.

Tinsel Mini Dress Silver

A reception dress is an ideal time to get playful with a bridal wardrobe, and a high-impact dress clad with tinsel is one way to achieve it. Made from a silk blend, this glittering mini dress shines with silver tinsel fringe details and a boned silhouette.

Sizes: 2-8

Alena Ostrich Feather V-Neck Mini Dress

LaMarque specializes in luxurious leather attire and modern garments that add a twist to classic structures. Case in point: the Alena dress, an A-line mini with a plunging neckline and feathers all over.

Sizes: XS-XL

Markie Dress

Simple, yet not boring. Elegant, but modern—this cascading ruffled Staud dress hits all the marks for a reception dress that's fun to dance, sip cocktails, and celebrate in.

Sizes: XS-XL

Glittered Tulle Minidress

If your upcoming nuptials are fit for a princess, look no further than Monique Lhuillier. The label itself is the epitome of elegant girlishness in all the right ways; just take this mini dress, adorned with tulle and sparkling embellishments.

Sizes: 0-16

Victoria Cutout-shoulder Taffeta Gown

Not all brides prefer white, and that's becoming more apparent as the wedding industry breaks traditional codes. Pink, bubblegum, and rose-colored volume define the Victoria gown—a piece crafted from frothy taffeta in foot-skimming length.

Sizes: 2-14

Scarlett Pleated Off-The-Shoulder Mini Dress

For a coastal wedding dripping with sunlight, look to Markarian's Scarlett dress. The off-the-shoulder silhouette is marked by satin ruffles and all-over pleating.

Sizes: 0-16

La Robe Artichaut Maxi Dress

Jacquemus has mastered the art of a warm-weather occasion: All his pieces evoke the feeling of a getaway along the Almafi Coast. Linen materials, frayed ruffles, and a statuesque structure combine artistically with the fishtail-inspired hemline.

Sizes: 0-10

Evana Coconut Dress

After a garden-themed wedding, lean into the look by changing into a dress that modernizes the tune. The oversized floral detail is the showstopper here, with a flattering allover texture coming in at a close second.

Sizes: 1-6

Asymmetric Appliqué Midi Dress

Rotate Birger Christensen loves to make a statement, and for the bride who appreciates a touch of drama, stop here. This midi dress has floral appliqué detailing (with a hint of shimmer) and is shaped with a high neck and an asymmetric ruffled hem.

Sizes: 2-12

Santorini Halter Gown

Minimal and understated, Galvan's Santorini dress is constructed with a classic bride in mind. The twisted halterneck and plunging open-back call for a sleek, dapper updo and dangling earrings.

Sizes: 2-12

The Runway Puff

The perfect festivity dress, event dress, or champagne-drinking dress—basically, the ideal dress for a reception. A tight bust, flouncy skirt, and off-the-shoulder silhouette make this Puff a flattering choice for late-night partying.

Sizes: XS-6X

Blair Off-Shoulder Mini Dress

Show off your bridal bliss with a dress that emphasizes a bare décolletage. The Blair is a mini crafted from lustrous fabric, a fitted bodice, and flattering internal boning for a snatched silhouette.

Sizes: 0-14

Wendell Tiered Ruffled Lace Dress

Danielle Frankel has become synonymous with brides who prefer fashion over tradition and wish to wear their bridal pieces long after the wedding ends. Cut from layers of tulle, this mini will provide all the movement wanted for after-party photos.

Sizes: 0-10

Appliquéd Silk-organza Mini Dress

Magda Butrym's eponymous line is defined by careful hand-finished details, like the notes evident in this mini dress. It's it's appliquéd with a large silk-organza rose and a halterneck silhouette that shows off some skin.

Sizes: FR34-42

Mrs Ross High-neck Dress

Taller Marmo finds inspiration in the styling sensibilities of icons like Sophia Loren, Diana Ross, and Diana Vreeland, nods you'll notice in this modernized kaftan dress. Don't you feel the '70s oozing from the fringe?

Sequin Column Dress

All-over sequins are an easy way to create a moment—one that won't escape the memories of all your guests post-wedding weekend. A close-fit bodice, column silhouette, and narrow shoulder straps are a winner for any bride.

Sizes: 14-28

Embellished Stretch-tulle Midi Dress

No detail is missed when it comes to this brand—Clio Peppiatt's captivating designs are all embroidered by hand, and you can tell. This midi is cut from stretch tulle and garnished with a deft display of beads, crystals, and pearls.

Sizes: XXS-XL

Draped Satin Bustier Mini Dress

Some dresses are too short, but Halpern's mini hits the right balance. Modern glamour punctuates this piece, made from lustrous satin and a crossbody sash detail that plunges to the floor.

Backless Satin Gown

Norma Kamali creates balance with a gown that's both demure and sexy—just take a look at the plunging back of this dress. A biased cut gives a nod to her past designs.

Sizes: XS-XL

Luna Adjustable Hem Gown

Endless styling possibilities exist in this dress, where the hemline is detachable. Puffed sleeves and ruffles add a girlish tone to the modern silhouette.

Sizes: 4-12

Waterfall Tiered Dress

Lela Rose calls herself a "girly girl" and we'd expect nothing less from her dreamy designs. A unique, flouncy shape and layers of classiness function jointly to define this tiered mini.

Sizes: 0-20

Embroidered Spaghetti Strap Sequin Midi Dress

Carolina Herrera puts her all into every collection, and it's why the house has been able to dress various First Ladies, including Jacqueline Onassis, Laura Bush, and Michelle Obama. Show-stopping, bold, and glamorous, this dress is for the bride who wants to remember every moment.

Sizes: 0-10

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