22 Best Wedding Reception Dresses for a Second Bridal Look 2024
Every product on this page was chosen by a Harper's BAZAAR editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.
Courtesy of Markarian Spring
A Knee-Length Dress with Tinsel
Scanlan Theodore Tinsel Mini Dress Silver
A Knee-Length Dress with Tinsel
Scanlan Theodore 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
A Feathered Mini Dress
LaMarque Alena Ostrich Feather V-Neck Mini Dress
A Feathered Mini Dress
LaMarque 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
A Ruffled Maxi Dress
Staud Markie Dress
A Ruffled Maxi Dress
Staud Markie Dress
Now 60% Off
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
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
For the Glittering Bride
ML Monique Lhuillier Glittered Tulle Minidress
For the Glittering Bride
ML Monique Lhuillier Glittered Tulle Minidress
Now 40% Off
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
For the Bride That Loves Color
BERNADETTE Victoria Cutout-shoulder Taffeta Gown
For the Bride That Loves Color
BERNADETTE 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
A Mini Made of Duchess Satin
Markarian Scarlett Pleated Off-The-Shoulder Mini Dress
A Mini Made of Duchess Satin
Markarian 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
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
A Modern Mermaid Dress
Jacquemus La Robe Artichaut Maxi Dress
A Modern Mermaid Dress
Jacquemus 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
A Midi with a Plissé Effect
Rachel Gilbert Evana Coconut Dress
A Midi with a Plissé Effect
Rachel Gilbert Evana Coconut Dress
Now 40% Off
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
A Dress with Drama
Rotate Birger Christensen Asymmetric Appliqué Midi Dress
A Dress with Drama
Rotate Birger Christensen 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
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
For the Classic Bride
Galvan Santorini Halter Gown
For the Classic Bride
Galvan 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
A Dress that Screams Celebration
Selkie The Runway Puff
A Dress that Screams Celebration
Selkie The Runway Puff
Now 30% Off
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
A Sculptural Mini Dress
Sau Lee Blair Off-Shoulder Mini Dress
A Sculptural Mini Dress
Sau Lee 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
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
A Reception Mini Made of Tulle Layers
Danielle Frankel Wendell Tiered Ruffled Lace Dress
A Reception Mini Made of Tulle Layers
Danielle Frankel 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
For the Fashion Bride
Magda Butrym Appliquéd Silk-organza Mini Dress
For the Fashion Bride
Magda Butrym 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
A Modern Kaftan Dress
Taller Marmo Mrs Ross High-neck Dress
A Modern Kaftan Dress
Taller Marmo 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?
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
A Midi Covered in Sequins
Eloquii Sequin Column Dress
A Midi Covered in Sequins
Eloquii Sequin Column Dress
Now 69% Off
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
A Touch of Embroidered Pink
Clio Peppiatt Embellished Stretch-tulle Midi Dress
A Touch of Embroidered Pink
Clio Peppiatt 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
A Sultry, Draped Mini
Halpern Draped Satin Bustier Mini Dress
A Sultry, Draped Mini
Halpern Draped Satin Bustier Mini Dress
Credit: MODA OPERANDISome 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.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
A Silky, Backless Reception Dress
Norma Kamali Backless Satin Gown
A Silky, Backless Reception Dress
Norma Kamali 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
A DIY-Inspired Gown
Vivienne Westwood Luna Adjustable Hem Gown
A DIY-Inspired Gown
Vivienne Westwood 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
Cortne Bonilla is freelance writer who occasionally dabbles in party reporting. When she’s not writing, you can find her vintage shopping, sipping iced lattes, reading on the train, and indulging in Pilates.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
ncG1vNJzZmivp6x7qa3RqZyrq5KWx6Kt0WeaqKVfm660tMiopWisopq7pb%2BOoGtscWhngHKFjpucrKxdrLKlsMinnmaqlZiyscDIqKVmnKKawLSx0mg%3D