38 Sparkling, Feathered, & Embellished Wedding After-Party Dresses for a Second (or Third!) Bridal Look
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The best wedding after-party dresses are seemingly no longer optional but are a necessity. Brides have started to wear more than one dress on their wedding day, sometimes three or four! And who can blame them? They're in the spotlight from the moment the ceremony begins until the receptions end—and any extra festivities after that—warranting multiple looks throughout the celebrations. Whether you call it the reception outfit, the send-off look, or the after-party dress, plenty of festive options exist for twirling the night away. Besides, who wants to dance for hours in a long train, veil, and layers of tulle when you can change into a fanciful number like a feathered mini or a slinky chainmail slip?
Vogue’s Favorite Wedding After-Party Dresses:
- The Metallic Moment: Self-Portrait Crystal-Embellished Mini Dress, $455
- The Glitz: Veronica Beard Perla Midi Slipdress, $798
- The Minimalist Choice: Khaite Mags Silk Minidress, $1,980
- The Sequin Slip: LoveShackFancy Finta Sequined Mini Dress, $495
- The Festive Feather: Taller Marmo Gina feather-trimmed mini dress, $1,450
- The Embellished Jewel: A.L.C. Elsie Strapless Mini Dress, $695
- The Shimmery Sequin: Galvan Mykonos sequined metallic tulle midi dress, $1,400
- The Flirty Fringe: Clio Peppiatt Charm Fringe Dress, $2,335
- The Statement Halter: Magda Butrym Floral-Appliqué Gown, $2,600
From crystal trimmings and oversized paillettes to figure-skimming satin and cutout silhouettes, an abundance of bridal-white and metallic looks have recently graced the runways, making it clear that fanciful is in this season (whether or not brides served as inspiration). Prada, Khaite, and Carolina Herrera deliver some of the most spectacular iterations. However, wedding collections have also become a focal point among traditional ready-to-wear designers, including spectacular bridal-specific offerings from Danielle Frankel, Self-Portrait, and Staud.
Whatever section you're shopping, a simple white dress, sequin shift, or ivory blazer dress could all be potential options. It’s just how you interpret them. Plus, options like these don’t require fittings or private appointments like traditional wedding gowns. From lustrous satin and cupcake minidresses to fringe, feather, and rhinestone adorned midis, scroll to discover the 38 best wedding after-party dresses to shop now.
The Sparkle and Shine
Sleek yet scintillating—the ultimate choice for a festive but minimalist-leaning bride. Look towards Self-Portrait’s bridal line for elegant wedding options for every event on your docket, including the after-party. This crystal-embellished strappy dress is equal parts glamorous and sleek. If you prefer a tried-and-true mini, opt for 16Arlington’s Blaise shimmery crystal-embellished number.
The ’90s Pick
Classic and boudoir-inspired, you can’t go wrong in a draped satin mini slip. Don’t feel pressured to wear something with metallics, feathers, or embellishments if it’s not in your style repertoire. Stay true to your minimalist aesthetic with a dress that is clean cut and effortless.
The Sequined Midi
Now presenting: The perfect party option for sequin lovers with a penchant for midi lengths. The New Arrivals is known for creating shimmery sequin party dresses that are simply irresistible. It’s time to let down your hair, say yes to the after-party dress, and dance the night away.
The Festive Feather
Few looks are as celebratory as a feather-trimmed dress. Whether you prefer a mini dress or maxi option, both will suit the festive occasion. Amp up your look with playful earrings and a bright lip gloss. It is your wedding night, after all!
The Disco Fringe
What better silhouette for twirling around the dance floor than shimmering fringe? These were made for the spotlight. Featuring a dazzling blend of beads and fringe, Clio Peppiatt, Rotate Birger Christensen has a penchant for creating festive party dresses that steal the spotlight. If you prefer to show off your legs in a mini frock, Ramy Brook’s disco dress is a must.
The Wedding Tiers
Tears of joy and tiers of fanciful fabric are wonderful on your wedding day. A little bit of extra drama never hurt anyone on your wedding day as long as it’s the dress we’re speaking about. Danielle Frankel is beloved in the wedding community for her ethereal modern bridal designs; the Wendell dress is no exception.
The Bridal Mini
For the bride who is looking for a Princess worthy dress, look towards Alice & Olivia and Magda Butrym, for two options that are feminine, flirtatious, and picture-perfect for your wedding night.
The 3-D Detail
Larger-than-life blooms and cascading ruching is an easy way to turn up the bridal volume. These designs are not for the faint of heart—beautiful and bold, they will be a centerpiece on the dancefloor. Little to no accessorizing required, let the blooms do all the work for you.
The Glitz and the Ritz
Ready for a night of glitz and glamour? Taller Marmo’s voluminous one-shoulder makes for a spectacular party moment with retro appeal. Consider Veronica Beard’s show-stopping Perla dress with its dazzling slate of cascading sequins too.
The Metallic Moment
Enjoy a major metallic moment in sparkling silver sequins. Shine bright like a diamond with LoveShackFancy’s metallic mini dress. If you prefer a mixed-metal look, consider Self Portrait’s sleek plissé-lamé dress featuring crystal embellishments along the straps and bustier.
The Simply Chic
Clean and classic for the minimalist bride. You can never go wrong with a simple little white dress for your after-party. We love Solace London’s sweet off-the-shoulder neckline or Reformation’s crisp A-line mini. Style the look with diamond studs for an Audrey-Hepburn inspired look.
The Pretty Plume
If not a feathered mini, how about a simple midi slip trimmed with plumes? 16Arlington’s dreamy feather-trimmed gown is regal and fit for an old-world bride. Safiyaa’s feathered mini is a swift one-and-done after-party choice.
The After-After-Party Dress
For mega razzle-dazzle on the dancefloor. These dresses bring the heat and the shine. Prada’s chainmail dress is for the ultimate fashion bride while Naeem Khan’s, aptly named “the Gatsby” dress is tailored for the modern-day Daisy.
The Elegant Embellishments
Sweet embellishments like crystals and pearls add an ethereal quality to dresses that make them feel extra special on your wedding day.
The Sweet Mini
A decorated mini is darling yet dazzling. Bring back the peplum in a subtly chic fashion with this boucle mini featuring elegant buttons. Its shape is reminiscent of Sofia Richie’s own after-party dress too.
The Subtle Shimmer
You can’t deny the allure of a shimmering strapless mini, be it subtly lustrous or high-shine.
The Cream of the Crop
Whether figure-skimming cutouts or puff sleeves are your taste, all-over embellishments are truly spectacular. Doused in shimmer, these dresses are ready to do all the leg work for you during the after-party. Don’t overthink it.
The Perfect Pouf
Few shapes feel as quintessential for a party as a voluminous cupcake-esque skirt. With elegant designs from The Attico and Halfpenny London, these fanciful minis are all drama and no fuss.
The ’70s Glam
An adorned halter is sophisticated with just enough flash. Opt for Rixo’s Vivienne dress featuring a subtle hip-hugging silhouette that will keep you comfortable all night long.