Your Guide to Wedding Outfit Changes

As a wedding illustrator with a fashion design background, one of my favorite things about weddings is the incredible outfits. From elaborate ballgowns to classic tuxedos and everything in between, I always love seeing the thought and detail that couples put into their fashion choices. I’ve loved the trend of second wedding day looks in recent years. After all, this day only comes once in a lifetime, so why not squeeze in a second dress? If you’re planning a wedding outfit change on your big day, keep reading for everything you need to know!

Second Looks 

Your second wedding day look can be absolutely anything you want it to be! In 2024, we saw a lot of mini dresses and jumpsuits, which are perfect for getting down on the dance floor. Grooms have opted for customized t-shirts or just a vest with no button-down underneath. Or, for those incredibly chill couples, you can even change into matching sweatsuits with customized text to really get comfy. Don’t limit yourself to black and white either - second looks are a great time to bring in color and sparkle to your dance floor! 

And of course, we couldn’t forget to talk about a second pair of shoes. If you’re someone who plans to be on the dance floor all night, you’ll want to make sure your feet are comfortable! We’ve seen couples with matching sneakers or even fun Crocs on their big day. 

When to Change 

There are a few different times throughout the wedding day that make sense for your outfit change. Some couples prefer to change at the end of cocktail hour so they can make their reception entrance in their new looks. This is a great option if you’re still wearing a formal or semi-formal outfit as your second look, and it allows you to have more movement during your first dance. 

If you prefer to do your first dance in your main wedding attire, you can change into your second look at the end of dinner. This allows you to make a grand entrance in your new outfits to open the dance floor. Or, if your outfit change doesn’t involve getting completely undressed (think a mini dress with an overskirt), you can even do a grand reveal right on the dance floor! 

Finally, if you love your wedding attire and aren’t quite ready to change out of it during the main wedding reception, you can change before your after party! After-party changes are a great option for more comfortable and casual looks. 

The Logistics of Wedding Outfit Changes 

Although an outfit change may seem like a minor detail, it’s important that you include it in your wedding day timeline and let your vendors know. First, it’s essential to make sure that nothing important happens when you’re out of the room. Second, your planner or coordinator can help make sure that there is an appropriate space for you to change. Venue bathrooms are often far too small to get in and out of a wedding dress, so you’ll need to use some sort of bridal suite or other private space. 

Additionally, your team will want to ensure you’ve allotted enough time for your change. If your dress has a lot of buttons or you need to change shapewear, you may need more time than you expect. Plus, will you want photos of your partner helping you into your new outfit? What about photos of your second entrance? Having all of your vendors on the same page is key to a smooth transition. 

Weddings with SamiaLynn Designs 

If you and your guests love wedding fashion as much as I do, there’s no better favor than live wedding illustrations! Let me memorialize everyone’s incredible looks with digital or marker illustrations for them to take home at the end of the night. I travel anywhere and would love to be a part of your big day! Head over to my contact form to reach out so I can hear all about your wedding.