Double the Glamour: Why Second Looks are Becoming a Bridal Staple

Once upon a time, the dress was THE dress. One breathtaking gown to take you from floating down the aisle to belting out Summer Nights with your nearest and dearest.  A team of helpers got you into it in the morning and you didn’t step out of it until you were halfway to your honeymoon.    But like everything, things are a-changing!  The idea of wearing just one dress all day is giving way to a much more relaxed, versatile and personal approach:  the second dress.  Sometimes even a third.   

It’s not about being flashy (although we’ll admit, it’s all kinds of glamourous for the bride to go for an outfit change), it’s more about feeling that you can be totally, fully, 100% you during your big day.  

A new standard 

If you’re planning a wedding, there’s no doubt that your social media algorithms are throwing reels, stories and videos your way showing exactly this trend.  More and more brides are sharing their big outfit reveal moments to the resounding cheers of their wedding party.  The ceremony look might be dramatic trains and cathedral veils…seeing that same bride change into a reception dress that might be lighter, sleeker and a whole lot easier to move (and relax) in is just brilliant.  

We had one incredible bride who said her vows in the biggest black ball gown we could find her and switched to a classic ivory wedding dress for the evening do. Another of our brides went for a detachable train: making a grand entrance at the altar and then slipping it off to dance the night away.  

We say so much through our clothing choices by day, why shouldn’t brides be able to do the same throughout their wedding day?  

Popular combos 

Some brides choose two completely different dresses for maximum transformation.  Others go for clever designs with detachable skirts, sleeves or overskirts so you get a big reveal without the full outfit change.   

And then there are the bold ones who take it even further.  One of our lovely brides Gemma is planning three different looks for her big day, including a high-low hem dress made purely for dancing.  We’re going to need to see those pictures!  

Timing is everything 

Your wedding schedule plays a big part in how practical a second look will be.  If you’ve got a late-afternoon ceremony that roles straight into the reception, you might not have time to disappear for a big costume change.  But if your wedding runs from midday into the night? That’s hours of celebrating and plenty of time for a quick switch.  

Longer celebrations, especially those with a break between ceremony and dinner, make the perfect stage for multiple looks.  Your guests get the thrill of a surprise and you get to enjoy different styles without feeling rushed.   

Budget and planning  

Yes, more outfits can mean a bigger budget but it’s really worth thinking about how each look will showcase your personality and serve you during the day. Your ceremony might be all about impact while your reception outfit could be lighter and more comfortable (hello pockets and higher hemlines).  The key is making each choice work for the moment it’s worn.  

If you’re considering a second or third look, build it in from the start.  Plan the timing and logistics with your wedding coordinator – or your most organised bridesmaid – so the change feels effortless and doesn’t break the flow of the day.  

Final thoughts 

A second (or third) look isn’t about excess; it’s about wearing your personality all day long.  One dress can be a dream but two? Double the glamour, double the confidence and double the fun!    

Brides: think about your timeline, venue and how you want to feel at different stages of your day.  Your dress should suit you in every moment.  

Planners: build a specific, well-timed outfit-change break into the schedule so it feels part of the celebration, not a disruption.  

Guests: if a bride goes for an outfit change, be ready to capture the moment and give her a whole lot of love for her bold choices.  

If you’re planning an outfit change and need a little guidance, make an appointment with our friendly team.  There’s nothing we love more than helping brides find the perfect combo for their big day.