Reception dress change: before or after first dance

[katamari]

I have a reception dress and am trying to figure out the timing for the change. We have cocktails from 4:30 to 6:30; dinner from 6:30 to 8:15; cake, toasts, and dance from 8:15 to 8:30-ish. Then the dancing starts. Should I change into my reception dress during the dinner time when everyone is eating or after the dancing starts? What do two-dressers usually do?

 

[katamari]

I am probably over-thinking this, but our dancing starts around the same time as the OSU-USC kickoff and several of our guests will have more interest in the game than the party, so I don't want to leave the party, even for a quick change, and get them thinking there is an excuse not to dance and be active. But, it also seems weird to have our first dance in my reception dress (we are not doing anything skilled or funky, just some 7th-grade-style-swaying).

 

[kama_s]

Can you/would you want to change before your first dance. I''ve seen that happen before, and it''s a nice way for everyone to check out your new outfit! Especially since your reception dress is stunning!

 

[cocolaw]

UGH!!! I KNOW!!! we are saying our vows during Auburn v. Georgia kickoff!!!!

if anybody sneaks out during our wedding, they will have a very angry bride to deal with! i was at a wedding last year where almost the entire party moved to the men''s locker room to watch the Auburn v. Vanderbilt game. It was so rude.



I voted for change after your first dance. It won''t take that long to change. I think you will be fine!

 

[charbie]

Date: 8/22/2009 3:36:20 AM
Author: katamari
I am probably over-thinking this, but our dancing starts around the same time as the OSU-USC kickoff and several of our guests will have more interest in the game than the party, so I don''t want to leave the party, even for a quick change, and get them thinking there is an excuse not to dance and be active. But, it also seems weird to have our first dance in my reception dress (we are not doing anything skilled or funky, just some 7th-grade-style-swaying).

D*MN YOU OSU FOOTBALL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

the only one who will care will be you, when you see your pictures. think about which dress you want to wear for your pictures, and go with that.

 

[Amanda.Rx]

Well, are you doing one of those "crazy" first dances? If so, you may want to change before. If it''s your traditional romantic slow dance, leave the gown on!

 

[MakingTheGrade]

I changed after photos and before the reception, it was just easier that way since our reception was in a restaurant and I didn''t want to have to change in their restroom. And when they announced us at the reception everyone got a chance to check out the new dress.

 

[iheartscience]

I would change either after the ceremony or after the cocktail hour. It seems a little weird to change after the reception gets going. But I doubt anyone will care either way, so just do whatever you want!

 

[luvthemstrawberries]

I voted to keep it on for the first dance!

Just cause it''d be pretty.

But only if you''re ok with ducking out and changing, and if that won''t disrupt the flow of trying to get people out on the floor. If your goal is to head straight into the party dancing right after the first dance, by just inviting everybody else out onto the dance floor, I say do the first dance in your reception dress. You have the whole 2 hour cocktail time and dinner to mingle and let people see you in the wedding dress, so I don''t think changing will result in any loss.

 

[purselover]

I''m going to change during dinner, right before the first dance so everyone can check out my new dress

 

[katamari]

Thanks for your votes everyone! I really appreciate the help. If there is one thing wedding planning has done to me, it has made be both sweat and hate decisions, so to get some help is great.

 

[katamari]

Date: 8/22/2009 10:14:22 AM
Author: kama_s
Can you/would you want to change before your first dance. I''ve seen that happen before, and it''s a nice way for everyone to check out your new outfit! Especially since your reception dress is stunning!

Awww, thanks, Kama!

 

[honey22]

I voted to change after your first dance. I would want to stay in my wedding gown for our first dance. What does your FI want? He might have visions of dancing with his new bride in her wedding gown?

 

[kittybean]

I changed right before the first dance (after we cut the cake). We did a rumba/swing, and it was much easier for me to dance in the reception dress and not worry about having any sort of wardrobe malfunction while dancing. It sounds like you don''t have the same sort of issue, so maybe I''d just duck out quickly after the first dance (or first few dances) and change then if I were you.