Attire & Accessories Forum

Should I wear 2 Wedding Dresses?

This may sound rather self-indulgent.  However I found two steals--one dress was $450 and the other was around $350.  They were sample sales!  I honestly can't decide which one to wear!!  I bought the 2nd on an impulse. 
I love love the style of the first one I found, but it is a darkish creme color and not really my idea of a wedding dress.  The second one is a traditional ivory and is gorgeous lace as well.  
Only issue:  Both need to be altered for about $300-325 each.  I already began alterations on the creme dress and still deciding whether I should bring in the ivory one.

I've tried to figure out how to incorporate both:  I'd wear the ivory one during the church ceremony, take a few snapshots and then change into the creme one for the reception. 

I like this idea, but I'm still hesitant to spend extra money on alterations.   Maybe I could cut costs on something else that's not so significant?  Do you think guests will think the changing of dresses is self-indulgent? 

Re: Should I wear 2 Wedding Dresses?

  • I don't get why you'd need to wear two dresses. It sounds like a big waste of time and money.

    I'd just pick the one you like best and sell/donate the other one. It sounds like you like the creme one better ... why does it matter that it's a darker color? TONS of brides marry in a dress that isn't pure white or a light ivory.
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  • Agree with PP, unless you have the financial resources, it sounds like a waste of money to me.
  • It's your wedding day. It's the one day when you're allowed to be ridiculously self indulgent. I'm on a super-tight budget, but I'm still indulging in two pairs of shoes. I totally understand the appeal of two dresses. So long as the cost of two gowns and the necessary adjustments isn't going to impact on other parts of the day, then I don't see any reason why you shouldn't go for it. I've used this quote before and i will continue to use it - planning your wedding is like colouring when you're four, there's no right or wrong and going outside the lines is half the fun!
    Married! "I'm selfish, impatient and a little insecure. I make mistakes, I am out of control and at times hard to handle. But if you can't handle me at my worst, then you sure as hell don't deserve me at my best." - Marilyn Monroe
  • I agree with the others. Two dresses seems like a waste of money, that you could be using on something else.  Where the one that's your absolute favorite and that looks the best on you.
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  • I don't see the point in wearing two dresses. To me, the wedding dress is supposed to be a very special dress. I spent months looking through magazines to find the style I wanted, then even longer looking for the dress. 

    I also think it is ridiculous to spend the extra money to buy and alter a second dress. Why don't you sell the one you don't like as much and recoup some of your money? Or better yet, donate it so a bride that can barely afford one dress can have a dress. 
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  • Do what you want - I would wear one to the ceremony and one for the reception. If you're worried about being indulgent, consider donating both of the dresses afterwards. And, consider the fact that many girls spend 2 or 3K on their dresses! I mean, seriously, that's self-indulgent.
  • In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_attire-accessories_should-wear-2-wedding-dresses?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:15Discussion:fe47a152-68fd-4a58-b4d8-7dd6c25845edPost:92242112-9762-471e-bb7a-f771d8b347bf">Re: Should I wear 2 Wedding Dresses?</a>:
    [QUOTE]Do what you want - I would wear one to the ceremony and one for the reception. If you're worried about being indulgent, consider donating both of the dresses afterwards. And, consider the fact that many girls spend 2 or 3K on their dresses! I mean, seriously, that's self-indulgent.
    Posted by meenamoo[/QUOTE]

    Yea i agree with this. I thought about getting two dress too. But when I found mine it worked good for the ceremony and reception. If you have the money then do them both.
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  • I felt ridiculous enough spending so much money on a dress that I was only going to wear for about eight hours.  Why on earth would you spend the money on a dress to wear for THIRTY MINUTES?

    It's not a fashion show.  Pick one.
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    Sometimes I feel like people think that brides are delicate little flower princesses who get all dressed up and pretty for one special moment of their dreams, when really they're just normal people who just happen to be getting married. Things shouldn't have to be sugar-coated for grown-ass women. -mstar284
  • if you want two dresses and can pay for two dresses, then wear two dresses.  it doesnt matter what other people would do if they were you.  they aren't you.  do what makes you happy.
  • What are the styles of the dresses?  I only like the idea of a reception dress when it is more of a party dress or sexier/sleeker than the one for the ceremony.  If they both look like normal wedding dresses (apart from the color), I'd probably stick with one dress.  I personally wouldn't do this, but you got both at a good price.  If the styles aren't different enough, I think you should choose one and call it a day.
  • I think it is fine to do 2 dresses if for instance, one is really formal for hte ceremony and then the second is shorter, fun, easier to dance in for the reception.

    However, in your case, it sounds like 2 sort of similar wedding dresses (not a ceremony dress and reception dress).  If I were a guest, I woudl think you were nuts for changing into just a different dress.  It sort of seems pointless.  And yes, I think it is a lot to spend just to waer one dress for a short time (why are alterations so expensive???).

    I'd decide which one you liek better, wear it and sell the other one to recoup your money.  No point in 2 dresses.

    However, if you post a pic of each I might change my mind.  :)
  • Cat24Cat24 member
    10 Comments
    I'm thinking two dresses is the way to go for myself, however I'm probably going to wear my mother's longsleeved, very full gown for the wedding and change into a strapless tea length dress for the dancing as it's just easier/more fun....although to be honest the second dress I'm looking at it only about $150-$200 dollars after shipping and everything else.
  • I do think it's indulgent to wear two dresses, but I say go for it anyway!!!! Especially if they were both good deals.  It's your day - indulge away!!!!  I think that you are paying too much for the alterations though.  Is there a local seamstress in your area that can do the alterations for less?  Ask around...if you can get the alterations done for less then it would be worth it.
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