My wedding dress is very heavy and hurts my back, but is it tacky to change into another dress for reception?

Question

I chose my wedding dress because I thought it was beautiful. I didn't think about the technicalities of wearing it however. I have a small frame, and this dress is big with a long train. When I had alterations done for the first time, I realized how much it hurt my lower back. My friend says to just get another dress for the reception, but I hate the thought of having paid money on this dress only to wear it for 15 minutes during the ceremony? Plus my wedding isnt going to be super glitzy or over the top and I don't want to look like I'm putting on a fashion show by changing. Is this a tacky thing to do? Would you just grin and bare the original dress for the night?

Answer 1

When is the wedding? Is there any way to alter it -- I've heard of removable skirts and what not... (maybe too elaborate, I don't know)... that way, you could have the bodice without all the extra weight. Or, there are some good core exercises for strengthening your lower back, again, if you have the time.

How about this idea? Wear the dress through the ceremony, dinner, and the first dance/daddy-daughter dance... then make your exit and come back in with something else for the rest of the reception.

Or, you could just load up on ibuprofen to make it through the night. Those are my ideas. But I would NOT put up with being in pain all night -- that will ruin the day. Do NOT grin and bear it if it really hurts. Then you won't be able to enjoy being a bride and your husband won't be feeling the love if all you're thinking is "I hate this heavy dress..." Though, it might motivate you to take it off, which I doubt he would mind... ;)

Answer 2

Has the shop begun the alterations yet? If not, can you exchange it for something more comfortable?

If they have, ask if there is a way to change it so that the train is detachable. It may be a bit of an expense, but probably not as much as a 'reception' dress.

I'm kind of a little surprised that for a 'no super glitzy or over the top' wedding you went with a style that seems to be very formal. I am sure you fell in love with though and for that reason you will want to wear it as long as you can, I would think.

Good Luck!

Answer 3

I understand it sux to think of how much you have paid for the wedding dress...but whats the difference, it would still be a one night thing...you can always save the dress for a best freind, a sister, a daughter, etc...weraing something else during the reception is not tacky...i mean, hello...you wanna be comfortable right...so i say, buy a lighter less expensive dress...a shorter dress would be nicer...its not a fashion show...its YOUR wedding...you can do what you want...and wearing a more comfortable dress would be better...if you continue to wear the wedding dress throughout the ceremony and reception, you will not have a good time, because you will keep thiking about how much your back hurts....so just go on and buy yourself a nice dress...

Answer 4

Around here, it's traditional to change into a different nice outfit for the reception. This is showing respect for the wedding dress by 1) keeping it sacred to the ceremony and 2) not risking ruination by food/drink stains or dancing rips. It's not tacky - it's expected!

Don't ruin your whole experience by wearing an uncomfortable and impractical dress to the reception. You will have nothing but miserable memories and won't enjoy yourself.

The reception outfit is considered the "going away outfit" or the "honeymoon dress" or simply the "reception dress" and is meant to still show you off while allowing for happy memories and full enjoyment of being a hostess and dancing with your father and husband, etc.

The reception outfit should be dressy and beautiful, but not elaborate and impractical. If you are still uncomfortable with the idea, try to find something that resembles your wedding dress as much as possible (color, cut, details) without being impractical. Many women purchase dresses with removable parts, such as removable trains, sleeves, jackets, etc for this very reason. If it is too late to alter something to be removable, try to find a very closely matching reception dress and claim it to be part of a wedding/reception set.

Answer 5

Depends on the atmosphere of your reception and wedding. The great part about not changing your clothes is that everyone who wants to have a photo with the bride gets a photo with the bride in her wedding gown, not her reception dress. That being said, if you do choose to opt for a less formal reception dress, make sure everyone gets all the photos they'd like to have before you get changed. As for the style of the dress, be yourself and be comfortable. All of your accessories should match the style of the dress so if you have a formal wedding gown, you may need different shoes for the reception dress if it is more casual, etc.

Answer 6

I am having two. My ceremony dress is Sophia Tolli dress with a long train, full gown in white. I am wearing this one in the ceremony and all the pictures. At my reception, the dress is a Maggie Sottero slim a line dress that is about as heavy as a normal bridesmaid dress and champagne in color. No train. I am doing this because I do not want to ruin my ceremony dress at the reception. I will enter in it and greet people, but once the food and party start I do not want it to be near wine or food. The second one is much lighter, way easier to walk, sit and sit and stand in and I am not worried about it being ruined. Congrats.

Answer 7

Don't be uncomfortable for your reception. Once the ceremony is over have all your formal pictures with your fancy wedding gown, then change into a more simple but still dressy gown for the reception.

This is a tradition in a lot of high profile weddings. Your seconda dress is called a soiree dress, and many brides choose to do this.

Something like this (Maybe even simpler with less of a train but you ge tthe idea) would work well as your soiree dress:

http://www.davidsbridal.com/bridal_gowns_detail.jsp?stid=2637&prodgroup=123

Good luck!

Answer 8

I think it's a great idea to get another dress. Don't feel bad, I went to an indian wedding and the bride and groom changed 3 times. I had a party dress for my reception that was a blush color and changed into it after the dance with my husband. Some brides may get more color for the party dress or have it T-length for dancing. It's your day, be comfortable and have fun.

Answer 9

There is no law that says you can not change after all of the pictures are taken. Most New Brides Change into a lacy white suit or lighter weight dress after the wedding. This is accepted in every culture and there is no reason for anyone to expect you to keep on your gown while you are enjoying YOUR reception.

Answer 10

i'm getting married in 2 weeks and I'll be changing my dress for the reception. we're getting married in a botanical garden, but the reception will be in a park, it'll be more like a barbeque, family reunion type thing, so i'm changing into a long white sundress. i really think you should do what is most comfortable. my dress is heavy too and i thought i'd have more fun if my heavy dress wasn't on my mind. don't make yourself suffer all night. you'll get to wear your dress for the ceremony and pictures so you'll always have the memory, even if you only have it on for 15 minutes.