Should I Buy Two Wedding Dresses or Buck This Bridal Trend?

More and more brides are wondering: should I buy two wedding dresses? Is this just a momentary fad? Or is it worth doubling up?

Today’s weddings are all about personal style and flexibility — and more brides are embracing this idea of two wedding dresses. As with all great bridal trends, this one started with celebs and social media: celebrity brides wanting multiple looks for their wedding album, Instagram posts, and TikToks. Usually, this looks like a traditional gown for the ceremony and photos, then something lighter, more playful, and perfect for dancing once the evening begins. But the question remains – is it worth it? In this guide, we break down the pros, cons, and practicalities so you can make the right choice for your big day.

The Growing Trend of Buying Two Wedding Dresses

If you’re one of the many brides npw wondering – should I have two wedding dresses – it’s safe to say you’ve been “influenced”. Some of our favourite celebrity brides have embraced the two-gown trend, including:

• Hailey Bieber, who wore a dramatic lace gown for her ceremony and changed into a sleek halter-neck dress for her reception.
  
• Meghan Markle, who had her classic Givenchy ceremony gown and later switched to a chic Stella McCartney halter dress for the evening.
  
• Chrissy Teigen, who famously wore three different dresses on her wedding day, and proved that multiple looks can be fun and glamorous.
  

And who can blame them? A second dress gives you freedom to move, lets you relax at the reception, and shows off statement shoes you might otherwise keep hidden. If you have more than one wedding event — like a rehearsal dinner, civil ceremony, or after-party — your second dress can make more than one appearance, too.

Breaking Down The Reasons To Buy Two Wedding Dresses

Comfort and Freedom to Dance

If you’ve ever tried on a traditional wedding gown, you know how heavy and restrictive it can be, so the question “should I have two wedding dresses” can actually be pretty logical. A second dress allows you to dance freely, eat comfortably, and enjoy the whole day.

Showcasing Two Styles

Choosing a wedding dress can be really overwhelming and many brides find themselves torn between modern and classic styles. If this is the case, then buying two dresses is the perfect solution. You can have the dramatic dream-gown for the ceremony and a chic, minimalist look for the party.

Stunning Photo Opportunities

Wearing two outfits means more variety in your wedding photos. Many brides also say they love the idea of surprising guests with a second look and capturing both elegant and relaxed styles on film.

Cost Considerations for Two Wedding Dresses

The main downside to having two wedding dresses is the price tag. Buying a second dress can mean additional costs for alterations, accessories, and cleaning. It’s likely that after the big day, both gowns will need specialist treatment — especially if you plan to keep them as heirlooms, resell to another bride, or wear again. 

One way to manage costs is to choose a more affordable reception dress or buy pre-loved. If you are on a budget for your wedding attire, bride2be offers hundreds of designer dresses at everyday prices, meaning your budget might stretch a little further. 

If you do have two wedding dresses, you’ll need to plan time to change outfits during the day. Coordinating hair, accessories, and shoes for both dresses also takes more thought. If this sounds like a drawback, but you still want two looks, consider a wedding dress with a detachable train or overskirt so you can switch looks without buying a second gown.

Choosing The Second Dress

Shorter wedding dresses are stealing the spotlight right now. From sleek, structured minis to playful party-ready styles, the second dress is usually bolder and more fashion-forward – designed for dancing and celebrating well into the night. A shorter hemline brings a fun, modern twist to bridal fashion and lets your personality — and your shoes — shine.

When To Change Into Your Second Dress

A quick outfit change can be the perfect reset in the middle of a long, exciting day. Slipping into a second dress, especially something lighter like a mini, brings a renewed burst of energy – like flipping the switch from formal “ceremony mode” to carefree “let’s celebrate” mode.

Some brides choose to make a statement by arriving at the reception in their new look, creating a “wow” moment as guests see the transformation. Others prefer to wait until after the meal and speeches, slipping away for a quick change before rejoining the party. Another popular option is to save the reveal for the first dance — turning the outfit change into part of the celebration itself. 

Many brides feel that changing into their second dress was the moment they truly relaxed on their wedding day. With the formalities behind them, they could focus on enjoying the party, dancing with guests, and soaking in every moment.  It’s also the perfect time to swap into more comfortable shoes, so you can stay on the dance floor all night long!

Making the Right Choice for You

So, back to the original question: should I buy two wedding dresses? There is no one right answer. For some brides, it’s the perfect way to express different styles and enjoy their reception in comfort – but you shouldn’t feel pressure to double up just because it’s en vogue. For others, the added cost, planning and faff on the day may not be worth it. Our advice? Don’t just jump on the trend. Think about your budget, timeline, and priorities before you decide. 

FAQs About Having Two Wedding Dresses

Is it common to have two wedding dresses?
Yes! It’s becoming increasingly popular, especially for brides who want to dance in comfort.

Can I have one dress and make alterations for the reception?
Absolutely. Some designers create detachable trains or overskirts so you can switch looks without buying a second gown.

How do I budget for two wedding dresses?
Set a clear budget early. Consider affordable second-hand or rental options and don’t forget to include cleaning costs.

When should I change into my second dress?
Most brides change after the meal or just before the first dance.