Reception dress: decadent?

mediacy

Hi there--I have two dresses (?!) right now--an all-lace Vera Wang Luxe from the sample sale (cannot return; definitely the ceremony dress), and a silk goddess-style draped Prabal Gurung. I bought both for less than the price of many single dresses. Question: would it be decadent and look silly if I wore the Wang for the ceremony, cocktails, and photos, then switched to the Gurung for the reception? I would then sell the Wang and keep the Prabal cause I could wear it again (like every night on the honeymoon!) Will it seem weird? I heard a lot of girls wear reception gowns now so they don't have to destroy their main gown or get weighed down for dancing, etc. thanks!! Also--already bought a Toni Federici cathedral veil on sale that matches the Alencon lace of the Wang--would resell that too.

reese511

personally - if i were at a wedding and the bride changed into a 2nd dress...i wouldnt care AT ALL.  i don't judge people like that.  but thats just me. 

Sue-n-Kevin

I think it's OK to do whatever you want........I found silk dipioni fabric with pearls sewn on it on sale at Joann's about the same time I got a nice but more informal wedding dress at a sample sale. I'm changing my dresses and jewelry because the ceremony is more "old school", and I want to have run at my reception.

Do what you want. The wedding is yours & your fiance's.

mgietler76

I would personally not be able to tell if the dress was designer or not or even who the designer was for that matter (unless its a Maggie since I stalk her dresses)

I would not wear a second dress because I don't see the point, I am in love with my dress and I want to wear it as long as possible.

However, as a guest I would not think any less of you for changing if you so desire. Unless you had a cash bar or skimped out on something else important for the guests, because that would make me think you did that for the second dress. If that's not the case than more power to you!

mediacy

Thanks everyone--the thing is, Vera Wang dresses have great resale value. Prabal Gurung is a CFDA winning up and coming designer; the first lady often wears his dresses. Two really different looks; I figure if I destroy the Wang during the reception (a dress I could never wear again), it's a loss, while if I keep it pristine and sell it, and keep the Gurung forever, I could actually come out ahead financially!

Tanq&Tonic

I would  worry less about designer, resale value, etc and more about which dress I felt best about myself in, and enjoyed spending time in.  If for you, that means showcasing both dresses, go ahead and do it.  If for others, that means prancing the night in one gown, that's fine too.

Maybe it's different in your circles where people might recognize the designer & that makes you feel special (which is also fine!).  I for one would be clueless on the 2nd dress, and probably wouldn't even recognize the Vera, and it wouldn't matter to me either way what you did as long as you were happy.

shortee426

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_attire-accessories_reception-dress-decadent?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:15Discussion:d464e807-5937-44f3-9631-d6a5e1d9c533Post:38061502-e610-485e-9de2-a3481cefda6e">Re: Reception dress: decadent?</a>:
[QUOTE]Thanks everyone--the thing is, <strong>Vera Wang dresses have great resale value.</strong> Prabal Gurung is a CFDA winning up and coming designer; the first lady often wears his dresses. Two really different looks; I figure if I destroy the Wang during the reception (a dress I could never wear again), it's a loss, while if I keep it pristine and sell it, and keep the Gurung forever, I could actually come out ahead financially!
Posted by mediacy[/QUOTE]

<div>That's great that Vera has a great resale value. FOR YOU.</div><div>
</div><div>I am not a fan of 2 dresses, but since you have them both, wear them both.  However, don't then serve your guests a cake and punch reception.  Or have a cash bar.  Or skimp on anything that make your guests think "wow. She spent so much money on having 2 dresses that she had to skimp on the food/beverage/insert item here/"</div><div>
</div><div>Your guests won't know that you got the Vera at an amazing price.  Nor will they know that about your other dress.  All they will see is that you are wearing 2 dresses, and everyone knows wedding dresses aren't cheap.</div><div>
</div><div>If you're going to wear 2 dresses, have the wedding to back it up.</div>

Beachy730

I'm not a fan of changing dresses.  To me it just seems ridiculous to pay money for 2 dresses.  Even if you got the dresses at great prices, your guests don't know that.  As others said, my wedding dress is the most expensive attire I've ever worn, so I wanted to wear it all day. 

Just some advice though, if you are really planning on selling the Vera Wang dress after, I wouldn't wear it to cocktail hour.  That to me is the most common place for spills with people walking around with drinks in their hands as well as food. 

mm133123

Do what you want, its your day!  If you want a dress change, go for it!  I think its a bit ridiculous to say that your guests would judge you for that.  They're there because they love you and want to be apart of your day, no matter what you wear.  I don't plan on changing my dress, only b/c I love it so much. 

stephasuasu

I wore two dresses, I say do it! I changed into a short dress late in the evening, about 11:00 when the dancing was in full swing. 

Summer2011Bride

I love my dress so much I want to wear it all night and it's not super heavy for dancing or what not, but I can see why you would want to change. As a guest, I really wouldn't think much of it honestly. I say do what you want, esp. since you already have both dresses.

mediacy

Thanks! No worries--it's a full open bar, sit down dinner--even buying extra time for the cocktail hour, so the guests will be well taken care of. I just hate the idea of being stuck with a huge lacy dress I can never ever wear again--I live in NYC, and don't have the closet space! but I would like to have something I could wear forever...it's also a matter of comfort and mobility

Ana_2985

Well, at first I was thinking you should just let your FI wear the Wang to the ceremony. On the other hand, if you wear the Wang to the reception you run the risk of having too many diicks on the dance floor. Tough call.

Seriously, though, I think you should wear two dresses if that's what you want to do. As PP said, as long as your guests are treated well it shouldn't matter how much you spent on your dress or dresses.

sb9411

Go for it! It sounds like you are really into fashion, and it is something that you WANT to do. It's not hurting or insulting anybody, so do it.

futurepivko

its your day........do what you want. i personally love my dress too much to change out of it.

or i say just wear the one dress and wear the other dress everyday on the honeymoon, like you said

cruise160

I say the same! Its YOUR day! Personally, I cannot make up my mind about dresses (I ALWAYS have this issue with everything) Soooooo I probably will end up doing to same. Go for it, if it makes you happy, no one else should care! They are all there to celebrate your union and your happiness. :-)

AwayWeGo08

I say if you want to do it then go for it. I wouldn't think twice about a bride changing into a reception dress.

mgietler76

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_attire-accessories_reception-dress-decadent?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:15Discussion:d464e807-5937-44f3-9631-d6a5e1d9c533Post:414c47b4-ba8f-4c2c-950f-e28a4537c79b">Re: Reception dress: decadent?</a>:
[QUOTE]Thanks! No worries--it's a full open bar, sit down dinner--even buying extra time for the cocktail hour, so the guests will be well taken care of. I just hate the idea of being stuck with a huge lacy dress I can never ever wear again--I live in NYC, and don't have the closet space! :) but I would like to have something I could wear forever...it's also a matter of comfort and mobility
Posted by mediacy[/QUOTE]

If's that's the case, than I say GREAT, go for it!

dkgilly

As a guest, I wouldn't think anything of a dress change.  And, unless you went around flaunting that you're wearing 2 designer gowns, I would have no idea. 

It seems that your guests are taken care of, so why not do what you want. 

soontobeschooley

Go for it!  Your loved ones won't be judgemental of it and it makes you happy.

I'm changing into a second dress after the ceremony and reception for the after party.  I don't want my beautiful dress in a bar!

lalap69

I don't see any reason not to change.  I agree with dnb about changing before the cocktail hour, however, if stains are a concern.

mediacy

Thanks! The only reason I mention the designers is cause I'm an editor (retail, apparel, footwear) and figured it would give a clear idea of the two very different styles (the Vera Wang is ivory, traditional, strapless, all Alencon Lace, 5' train) and Prabal Gurung (small puddle train, off-the-shoulder, draped Greek-goddess style sheath). And I'm clearly obsessed with clothing! I would not mention the designers unless someone asked, but then of course I would mention the good deal so nobody thought I was out of my mind and spent $10,000 on a Vera Wang!! Which is fine for those who can afford it like Ivanka Trump--but not in my budget!