A lot of women ask themselves the question: should I change after my reception? And the truth is that there is no right or wrong answer. Many women intentionally go out shopping for a lovely dress that they feel comfortable keeping on for as long as possible, while other women choose a beautiful dress for the reception but slip into something more comfortable after the ‘I do’s. The type of wedding dress that you choose may also be a determining factor; for instance, a puffy and heavy dress may be difficult to sport all evening long, while a light or even short dress may be easier to move around in for hours. Regardless of your dress, whether you change or not is completely up to you. If you do decide that you want to be more dressed up for the reception, there are several options for getting into more suitable dancing gear afterward. Here are ways to get more comfortable after your reception…
Changing Out of Your Dress
Every bride has her reasons for wanting to stay in or change out of her dress. If your dress is heavy, puffy, particularly long or strapless, you want to be sure that you are comfortable walking around in it. If you fall in love with a dress that is perfect for your reception but not as great for dancing, you can buy an additional cute and comfortable dress to change into. Many women don’t want to spend a bunch of money on a dress just to take it off half way through the big celebration… that’s why shopping for a pre-owned dress may be a great option not only for your budget, but also if you plan on switching out of it after your reception. If you are not sure what to change into, consider light and perhaps short-sleeved dresses that will allow you to comfortably move around and dance. Although they give a slightly more casual look than gowns, short dresses may allow for maximum movement. Even if you don’t go short, you will likely want to avoid long trains. Since you’ll probably want to keep that ‘beautiful bride’ look, shop for an affordable white bridal dress.
Photo Credit: Simply Bridal
Changing Out of Heels
You’ll spend so long choosing your perfect dress that you may not want to ever take it off. Your wedding dress is an investment and you may find yourself quite attached to it. Many women choose to keep their wedding dress on throughout the entirety of the event, but this doesn’t mean you can’t get more comfortable after the reception. Consider kicking off your heels and putting on a pair of cute, comfortable wedding flats. While keeping on your beautiful wedding attire, you may be more comfortable walking around your venue and dancing the night away in more walkable shoes.
Photo Credit: Nicole Dixon Photography
Your Guests
Although your and your partner’s comfort are top priority, you may also want to consider whether your guests, specifically your bridal party, should also slip into something more comfortable after the reception. Of course, if you are choosing a wedding dress code, you may have an idea of how formal or casual your guests will be dressed already. If you are not having a wedding theme or the wedding dress code is formal, you will want to consider whether the bridesmaids should also change into flats or the groomsmen may feel more comfortable changing into short sleeve. Just like your wedding dress, it is completely up to you whether or not you want your bridal party staying in their wedding attire throughout the celebration, or switching into something lighter after the reception.
Photo Credit: David’s Bridal
Other Things To Keep In Mind When Shopping
When shopping for your wedding attire, you will want to keep every piece of the puzzle in mind. If you are planning on keeping your wedding dress on throughout the whole day especially, be sure to buy comfortable undergarments to wear with your wedding dress. What to wear under depends on the type of dress, however regardless of what your dress looks like, you want to be comfortable underneath it as well. Furthermore, whether or not you plan to change out of them, there are important tips to keep in mind when buying your wedding shoes that will help prevent blisters and cramps on your big day. While staying within your budget, be sure to pick out the right pieces to your wedding attire.
Photo Credit: Polyvore Fashion
At the end of the day, whether or not you change out of your wedding dress or your wedding shoes is completely up to you. There is no right or wrong way to go about it—you just need to do what feels right! If you do choose to switch out of your dress after the reception, manage your budget so that you feel comfortable buying a dress that you’ll love to change into. As long as you find ways to stay calm during your wedding day and the planning leading up to it, things will turn out great no matter what you choose!
