27 best evening wedding dresses, according to two recent brides who shop for a living
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So you've spent most of your life wondering what your wedding dress might look like, but now you're actually shopping you're tempted by endless evening wedding dresses too… Does that sound about right? In the immortal words of David Beckham, “Be. Honest.”
After all, you're being told almost weekly by someone new that this will be the ‘biggest day of your life!’, and something you'll ‘look back on forever!’You don't want to look back and wonder what on earth you were thinking with that dress, right?
Opting for two is surely the only sensible option; therefore, giving Future You an insurance option of wedding photos to display. Who really has the conviction and the assurance to commit to loving one thing for the rest of their life anyway? You can save that sort of bold assertiveness for the vows.
And let's be honest, if you can't have an outfit change at your wedding, then when can you? Your main gown will serve you right up to the cake cutting, but it's your pick of the best evening wedding dresses that'll come to your rescue when it's time to dance the night away. At least, that's how we felt as a bride-to-be.
It's what all the recently-married celebrities are doing these days, too. From Alex Cooper and Vanessa Hudgens to Leigh-Anne Pinnock and Sofia Richie-Grainge, they've all had a second wedding dress, so naturally, many of us mere mortals are considering the same.
All that said, it goes without saying that purchasing a second dress is a luxury and absolutely not necessary. Charlie actually ended up designing her own wedding dress and making sure it would work for both the big day and the night, which, luckily, worked a dream.
So don't be pressured into thinking you absolutely must have one. If you've found a gown that does it all then stop looking – you've already hit the jackpot, you lucky thing. But if you are struggling to settle on ‘the one’, and you have the funds to buy an evening piece, there are plenty of affordable wedding dresses that are worth taking a look at.
Window shopping never hurt anyone… right?
Choosing your dress is arguably the most difficult task when it comes to planning your nuptials, especially when there are so many wedding dress trends to choose from; long-sleeve wedding dresses, short wedding dresses, square-neck wedding dresses and boho wedding dresses, for example.
So, without meaning to state the obvious, opting for two somewhat halves the stress behind the decision-making. For many brides, evening wedding dresses also provide the opportunity to change into something that's not only stylish but that's a hell of a lot more comfortable, too.
The best thing about evening wedding dresses (or reception wedding dresses) is that you can really switch the theme around. Up the ante in something swathed with sequins; go for a shorter hemline and avoid tripping on your train on the dance floor, or change into something floatier when you're ready to wind down for the night.
The minimalist brides among us will love the simplicity of silk and satin dresses like the above Chloe design from Pretty Lavish or Alex Perry's strapless Elyse mini silhouette, but, for a touch of glamour that'll sparkle or swish all night long, then look to something like this Lara sequin dress from RIXO or this heavily-embellished mini from Nadine Merabi.
For more from Glamour UK's Senior Commerce Writer, Georgia Trodd, follow her on Instagram @georgiatrodd. For more from freelance Fashion Editor Charlie Teather, follow her on Instagram @charlieteather.
Find Glamour's favourite evening wedding dresses below.
- Size range: 4-18.
- Our favourite features: The gathering drape across the hips and the warm ivory hue.
Save when you shop evening wedding dresses with these ASOS discount codes at checkout.
- Size range: XS-XL.
- Our favourite features: The contrast of the mini hemline with a high neck.
Save when you shop evening wedding dresses with these Reformation discount codes at checkout.
- Size range: 4-18.
- Our favourite features: The powerful simplicity.
Save when you shop evening wedding dresses with these Nobody's Child discount codes at checkout.
- Size range: XXS-XL.
- Our favourite features: The cool-girl silhouette and affordable price point.
Save when you shop evening wedding dresses with these H&M discount codes at checkout.
- Size range: XS-XL.
- Our favourite features: The asymmetric silhouette and relaxed fit.
Save when you shop evening wedding dresses with these Free People discount codes at checkout.
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- Size range: US 0-8.
- Our favourite features: THOSE black bows and the capped short sleeve.
Save when you shop evening wedding dresses with these Net-A-Porter discount codes at checkout.
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- Size range: UK 6-20.
- Our favourite features: The contrast bow at the back.
Save when you shop for the best evening wedding dresses and occasionwear with these RIXO discount codes at checkout.
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- Size range: UK 8-20.
- Our favourite features: The empire waist.
Save when you shop for the best evening bridal dresses and occasionwear with these Ghost discount codes at checkout.
- Size range: US 0-10.
- Our favourite features: The corset bodice and super playful embellishment.
Save when you shop evening wedding dresses with these Net-A-Porter discount codes at checkout.
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Why you can trust us
You won't be surprised to hear that the fashion team at Glamour has researched, shopped, tried-on and road-tested more than a few dresses. It is our job, after all. We also both got married over the last couple of years, meaning bridal trends are still very much on the top of our radar.
Neither of us ended up with a separate evening wedding dress, but if we had, then Georgia would've looked to either Galvan or Nadine Merabi, while Charlie wouldn't be able to resist Rodarte, if the budget allowed, or ASOS Design's draped halter gown for a much more affordable option. All of which could easily be dyed a new colour for a romantic update every anniversary thereafter… That's how we'd justify a slightly pricier option, anyway.
How we test the best evening wedding dresses
As we said, we both opted for one style for our own weddings, but we do know a good dress when we see one. Having each spent a decade discovering brands, analysing fabrics, sitting front row at fashion shows, attending press days and grilling designers, we'd like to think that our trained eye is more accurate than ever. So we've put together our ultimate guide of options that we truly believe nail it across the board. What makes them so great? Chic styles, sure, but also short delivery times, varied silhouettes, broad size ranges, thoughtful fabrics, stock availability and product quality.
So after well over a decade of both professional and personal research, we can confidently say that the dresses in this edit are not only worth your consideration, but are also ones you'll genuinely love forever, long after all the wedding excitement has settled…
Read more about how we test and choose here.
More Wedding Content
If you're after more wedding content, head this way for alternative wedding dresses, in this direction for ASOS wedding dresses and over here for white hen party dresses. There are also maternity wedding dresses (in case you're expecting), where to buy bridesmaid dresses online, mother of the bride dresses, and the best wedding guest dresses if you're just a member of the wedding party.
