Reseption Dress

lifeonthehill

We are having a casual reception with backyard BBQ. We expect about 115 guests and only the BMs and GM will be coming with us for the pictures off site. We plan on taking a few with the flower girls before hand. I have a reception dress that is short and yellow and not a wedding dress at all. Which is what I love about it.

Would it be a good idea to come back to the reception in my wedding gown so people can take pictures with me if they choose and then leave and change or should I just show up in my reception dress? I know I will want to change asap the dress is just too much for me and my short yellow dress is me to a tee. But would it be rude to eliminate any photo opps of the newly married couple?

AmJam04

(Hi fellow July 2013 knottie! )

Are you guys going to do anything like a first dance?
What if you kept the dress on for your entrance and first dance, and then change out of it after people get an opportunity for a few photo ops?

As a guest, I would love to see you in your dress! I personally would be sad if you immediately changed out of it -- but you should do what makes you comfortable. If you don't feel like yourself in the big poofy white dress, then change whenever you'd like. I doubt anyone is  going to be mad at you for it, especially at a casual BBQ reception.

Belle0720

First I'll say that I have no idea what proper etiquette would be for this. But I know that personally I really like to get a picture with the bride and I would be a little bummed out if you showed up at the reception already changed into your yellow dress. Of course I understand that you want to feel comfortable, but maybe wait to change until after table visits or when you've had some time to mingle a bit with at least your closest friends and family.

lifeonthehill

We are not doing a first dance at the reception we are having it privately with just the photographer.

I hate the idea of staying in the dress but I do think it would be best.

misshart00

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_reseption-dress?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:9Discussion:02797de0-5c05-44cc-98b8-cbc7058625adPost:a8be6860-e165-4d5e-8f61-b17e94143535">Re: Reseption Dress</a>:
[QUOTE]We are not doing a first dance at the reception we are having it privately with just the photographer. I hate the idea of staying in the dress but I do think it would be best.
Posted by alyssaames[/QUOTE]



I don't mean to sound snarky, but if you hate the idea of being in your wedding dress, why did you buy it?

WalkersFurMama

Ditto AmJam and MissKristen. Maybe do some of the more "photo op"-ish things in your dress and then change. I totally understand you wanting to be comfortable and feel like yourself, it is YOUR (and FH's) party after all.  

crysspears

I love how 99% of us are july brides! but i'd wear it to enter the reception for sure.. get pics with family and then go away for a moment to change! You might regret not having alot of pics with family in your dress 

JoanE2012

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_reseption-dress?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:9Discussion:02797de0-5c05-44cc-98b8-cbc7058625adPost:03a5d479-c605-40d2-a7df-a86cd762d955">Re: Reseption Dress</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: Reseption Dress : I don't mean to sound snarky, but if you hate the idea of being in your wedding dress, why did you buy it?
Posted by misshart00[/QUOTE]<div>
</div><div>This.  I mean, it's your wedding day.  The wedding gown isn't usually the most comfortable thing to wear, but heck, you're a bride.  It's a once in a lifetime event.   To me, wearing a short yellow dress isn't anything special......it's like you're one of the guests.
</div><div>
</div><div>Is it your dress or the idea of a wedding dress that you're not liking?</div>

jessicabessica

I would walk into the reception wearing the dress and greet your guests, and then you can change shortly after you arrive.

lifeonthehill

The wedding dress is everything I wanted. I have suffered with anxiety of groups of more than 10 or so since my father killed himself while I was in high school. I developed a few phobias and this is one I can't shake. I love my dress but it is drawing attention. I am happy to have all eyes on me for the ceremony but we designed the reception and got the reception dress so I could move freely without feeling confined and have an easy out if I need to get away for any reason. ( We live next door to the venue) 

Thanks for the advice ladies!

misshart00

I just wanted to add that I have no problem with you changing into a reception dress. It was just going to make me sad if you bought a wedding dress you hated. I'm glad you clarified.

winelover123

I'd enter the reception in the gown and change into the dress. If you're uncomfortable with that though, go ahead and change before. I don't think there's really an etiquette - just what you're comfortable with. If you aren't having a private ceremony (couldn't tell from your OP or I've had too much wine tonight), your guests will be able to see you in your gown at least.

lifeonthehill

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_reseption-dress?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:9Discussion:02797de0-5c05-44cc-98b8-cbc7058625adPost:363455fa-b555-421e-91f4-630b759f1f5d">Re: Reseption Dress</a>:
[QUOTE]Your post makes me sad. I loved my dress so much I didn't want to take it off. I wish you could feel that way. But I hope you have a wonderful day and marriage.
Posted by scribe95[/QUOTE]

Thank you! I am hoping I am just building it up in my head and it will be much better than I expected. Out of 110 guests of so I know all of them all very well. I just get anxiety wearing it when I think too much but if I just relax I feel beautiful and know the pictures will be so important.

[Deleted User]

Since you know all of your guests well I am sure they will be happy and be very supportive, and of course its your day so I say do what you want :) I'm sure they will love to take pictures with you too in a summery fun yellow dress!

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_reseption-dress?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:9Discussion:02797de0-5c05-44cc-98b8-cbc7058625adPost:53bd98c8-a6d7-4237-83e9-b143a2449aad">Re: Reseption Dress</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: Reseption Dress : Thank you! I am hoping I am just building it up in my head and it will be much better than I expected. Out of 110 guests of so I know all of them all very well. I just get anxiety wearing it when I think too much but if I just relax I feel beautiful and know the pictures will be so important.
Posted by alyssaames[/QUOTE]