LaPointe Reception Dresses, Bridal Separates and Second Wedding Looks

The best LaPointe reception dresses for a bride are the cream sequin skirt with a feathered top, the short satin shift with feathers in Cream, and white satin separates; for a second wedding, the cream bias satin gown and the white satin suit are the strongest choices. A reception dress, sometimes called a second look, is the outfit a bride changes into after the ceremony so she can dance, sit and move freely. LaPointe is built for exactly this moment: party fabrics such as sequins, feathers and fluid satin, cut in cream and white.

This guide covers reception and after party looks, bridal separates, and what to wear for a second wedding, a civil ceremony and a courthouse wedding. For the ceremony gown and veils, see our LaPointe bridal guide.

Quick answer: three reception looks

• The party look: Sequin Cropped Top With Feathers in Cream with the Sequin High Waist Slit Skirt in Cream.
• The short dress: Satin Shift Dress With Feathers in Cream, easy to dance in and loose enough for a long night.
• The trouser look: Satin Button Down With Feathers in Cream with the Satin Belted Pant in Cream.

Why change for the reception?

A ceremony gown is designed for a walk down the aisle and the photographs. It is rarely designed for six hours of dinner, speeches and dancing. A reception look gives the bride a second moment, a lighter dress, and a fresh set of photographs. It is also the outfit most brides say they enjoyed wearing most.

The change usually happens after dinner, before the first dance. Choose something you can put on quickly, ideally without help, and in a fabric that tolerates movement.

Sequins and feathers for the dance floor

Sequins catch every light on the dance floor, which is why they are the classic reception choice. The Sequin Cropped Top With Feathers in Cream is a sequin top finished with feathers, and with the matching high waist slit skirt it becomes a full white party look. The Sequin Cropped Boatneck Top in Cream is the plainer version, with a boat neck. For a long look, the Mesh Sequin Longsleeve Gown With Side Tucks in Ecru is a sheer sequin gown with long sleeves, worn over a slip.

For feathers without sequins, the Compact Viscose Tube Top With Feathers in Cream is strapless, with a feathered trim, and pairs with the Satin Asymmetric Skirt With Feathers in Cream for a full feather look. Our guide to LaPointe feather skirts explains each skirt.

Short white dresses

A short dress is the opposite of the ceremony gown, which is exactly why it works. The Satin Shift Dress With Feathers in Cream is loose and comfortable. The Lightweight Satin One Shoulder Dress in Cream is sleeker and suits a summer wedding. For a bride who loves sparkle, the Mosaic Crystal Embroidery Sleeveless Bodysuit in Cream with a cream satin skirt is the most embellished look in the range.

Bridal separates

Bridal separates mean a top and a skirt, a top and a trouser, sold as separate pieces rather than as one dress. They are popular because each piece fits better, and because the bride can wear the top again. LaPointe separates are particularly strong because so many pieces come in Cream.

See our LaPointe matching sets guide for more combinations.

The after party

An after party is looser still, often in a bar, on a terrace, at home. Feathered denim is the most LaPointe answer: the Stretch Cotton Twill Denim Pant With Feathers in Cream is a cream jean with feathers at the hem. Wear it with the Jersey Cape Tee in Cream and flat shoes.

What to wear for a second wedding

A second wedding is often smaller, often a civil ceremony, and the bride usually wants a dress that feels elegant rather than traditional. Cream, ivory and champagne are all appropriate, and so are soft colours. The Satin Drape Neck Sleeveless Gown in Cream is a bias satin column that reads bridal without a train. The Satin Tab Gown in Washed Silver is a pale silver that suits an evening ceremony.

A white suit is the modern answer for a courthouse wedding. The Satin Double Breasted Blazer in Cream with the Satin Belted Pant in Cream is a full satin suit. Our LaPointe satin suit guide covers how to wear it.

Accessories

A short veil works with a reception look as well as with a ceremony gown: the Tulle Veil With Feathers in Cream has a feathered edge. Feather cuffs, such as the Large Feather Cuffs in Cream, add drama to a plain satin dress.

Frequently asked questions

What is a reception dress?

A reception dress is a second outfit a bride changes into after the ceremony, usually for dinner and dancing. It is typically shorter, lighter and easier to move in than the ceremony gown.

When should the bride change into her reception dress?

Most brides change after dinner and before the first dance, so the ceremony gown appears in the formal photographs and the reception dress appears on the dance floor.

What are bridal separates?

Bridal separates are a top and a skirt, a top and a trouser, bought as separate pieces. They fit better than a single dress for many brides, and the top can be worn again after the wedding.

What should I wear for a second wedding?

Choose an elegant dress rather than a traditional wedding gown: a cream bias satin column, a pale silver gown and a white satin suit all suit a second wedding and a civil ceremony.

Can a bride wear a suit to a courthouse wedding?

Yes. A white satin suit, such as the LaPointe Satin Double Breasted Blazer and Satin Belted Pant in Cream, is a modern and practical choice for a courthouse wedding.

Are sequins comfortable for dancing?

Yes, when they are sewn onto stretch mesh as they are on LaPointe sequin pieces. The fabric moves with you, and a high waist skirt with a slit allows a full stride.

Read next

• LaPointe bridal
• LaPointe bridal shower dresses
• LaPointe feather skirts
• LaPointe sequin tops and pants

Written by Gemma Deeks, Fashion Editor at Coveti.