Bridal Jumpsuit by Theia - via brides.com

Planning & Inspiration

From Runway to Real Way: Reception Bridal Looks You Have Got To See

You love your wedding dress and can’t wait to wear it down the aisle. But if we are going to be honest, it is not comfortable and the thought of wearing it all through the reception is almost unbearable. Well you are definitely not alone! More and more brides are changing into a second outfit for the reception. These looks are still head-turners with a bridal vibe. But they are also a little less formal, offering freedom to relax, move around with ease, and dance the night away!

We had so much fun choosing our favorite gowns from New York Fashion Week Fall 2018. Showcasing a plethora of gorgeous creations, many designers turned out ensembles that would be perfect to wear as a second number and we bookmarked them all!

But let’s get real. Wedding budgets are tight and you’ve already shelled out a lot of money on that dream dress. Spending any more at this point seems out of the question! Well, we put together a From Runway to Real Way lookbook with affordable options to inspire the bride who wants to make a quick-change for the reception without completely breaking the bank!

Bridal Jumpsuit

Just about every designer included a jumpsuit or two in their collection this year. This striking look by Theia has an old Hollywood feel to it. The silky, flowing fabric, high waist, and plunging neckline make this jumpsuit worthy for the closet of Rita Hayworth!

 

Bridal Jumpsuit by Theia - via brides.com

Bridal Jumpsuit by Theia – via brides.com

 

With its deep V-neck, fitted waist, and wide-leg silhouette, the Mara jumpsuit by Jill Jill Stuart evokes a similar vintage glamour. Go all out and accessorize with a feather bolero and flashy heels. The price tag of $280 is a bit steep, but we see this becoming a foundational piece that can be worn for many occasions to come.

 

Bridal Jumpsuit by Jill Jill Stuart - via bhldn.com

Bridal Jumpsuit by Jill Jill Stuart – via bhldn.com

 

Bridal Romper

Viktor & Rolf have perfected bridal attire that is marked by avant-garde minimalism with a hint of femininity. With its architectural silhouette, heavy weight satin material, and sculptural bow accented train in back, this romper caught our eye! A perfect look for the contemporary bride who wants to express her passion for high fashion!

 

Bridal Romper by Viktor & Rolf - via vogue.com

Bridal Romper by Viktor & Rolf – via vogue.com

 

Very similar in style, but much more affordable at $116, this romper from Keepsake shows off the bow motif in the front. It’s glamorous, flirty, with a little bit of edge. We would love to see it paired with a simple satin cape or kimono!

 

Bridal Romper by Keepsake - via revolve.com

Bridal Romper by Keepsake – via revolve.com

 

Sequined Dress

Doesn’t this trumpet-hem slip dress by husband and wife designers Sachin & Babi make you want to kick off your heels and hit the dance floor?! The exquisite sequin embellishment combined with a sexy, yet relaxed silhouette make it a great choice for the bride who has a tango planned for the first dance!

 

Sequined Dress by Sachin & Babi - via vogue.com

Sequined Dress by Sachin & Babi – via vogue.com

 

This dazzling sequined shift from J.Crew also hits all the marks when it comes to the ideal dance dress. Though a little pricey at $298, it’s definitely an item you’ll be able to wear after the wedding. The dress is available in silver, but we are really into the lux desert canyon hue.

 

Sequined Dress by J.Crew - via jcrew.com

Sequined Dress by J.Crew – via jcrew.com

 

Bridal Pantsuit

The wedding pantsuit is here to stay and this sleek outfit by Monique Lhuillier made our overall top bridal looks for Fall 2018. The streamlined tailoring combined with crepe material make it an instant classic. How amazing would it look accessorized with a white studded pump and slicked back, low ponytail?

 

Bridal Pantsuit by Monique Lhuillier - via vogue.com

Bridal Pantsuit by Monique Lhuillier – via vogue.com

 

As the cooler temps set it, this velvet pantsuit by Banana Republic will have you looking posh and feeling warm. We love the lux gray hue, glossy finish, and slim silhouette. The jacket ($178) and pants ($128) can each be worn separately, which means you’ll certainly get good wear mileage out of this suit after the big day.

 

Pantsuit by Banana Republic - via bananarepublic.com

Pantsuit by Banana Republic – via bananarepublic.com

 

White Leather Jacket

Many designers paired gowns with outerwear of every style. Leave it to Monique Lhuillier to take this trend next level by accessorizing an ultra-feminine lace gown with a silver studded leather jacket.

 

Dress and White Leather Jacket by Monique Lhuillier - via vogue.com

Dress and White Leather Jacket by Monique Lhuillier – via vogue.com

 

We are really inspired by the idea of offsetting high romance with a bit of edge in bridal attire. Get the look for much less by slipping into this cami maxi dress from ASOS ($151) topped with a faux leather moto jacket from Guess ($89.60).

 

 

You’ve spent months planning for your wedding. The day is going to be full of excitement, but will also involve a lot of running around that would even Wonder Woman would be left feeling a little drained. Go ahead and reward yourself for all your hard work with a chic reception outfit that is both comfortable and expresses your personal style!