What makes a wedding dress convertible?

A convertible wedding dress generally has detachable elements that allow it to transform from one look into another. This makes it easy to change up your bridal look without having to buy another dress.

Do convertible wedding dresses work for a formal wedding?

Yes, convertible wedding dresses can work for traditional and formal weddings, as long as you pick the right design. Many styles start full-length and then turn into minis, but if you are looking for something more conservative, try a detachable train or a sheath number underneath your overskirt.

10 Convertible Wedding Dresses Worn by Real Brides

a bride holding a bouquet of red, white, and pink flowers, while wearing a long-sleeve wedding gown and gold tiara — Photo by Austin Gros

Wearing multiple dresses on the big day has become somewhat of a new norm amongst brides in recent years. Instead of one gown, many individuals are choosing to sport multiple looks, one for the formal ceremony and another (or several) for the reception. And though this is a great concept for those who want a robust wedding wardrobe, buying and changing into multiple pieces isn't entirely easy to pull off.

Luckily, the vast emergence of convertible wedding gowns has made it seamless to transition from a ceremony gown to a reception dress, as convertible ensembles combine several looks into one with just a few quick alterations. Another pro? You don't have to spend time getting changed in between events, which is time you can spend on the dance floor celebrating with your love. Not to mention, this option is extremely budget-friendly, too!

Having a church wedding and need to cover your arms, but want a strapless silhouette for your reception? Or, dreaming of a ball gown for your ceremony and a mini for your fête? Here, we rounded up several convertible wedding dresses worn by real brides to help inspire your search for the ultimate two-in-one look.

01 of 10

A Regal, Romantic Look

bride in sweetheart neckline ball gown — Photo by Rossini Photography

For her Old Hollywood-inspired wedding in Rome, bride Jasmin wore a stunning, satin Badgley Mischka ball gown that gave complete royal vibes. “The word that came to mind to describe it was ‘regal’; I knew it was absolutely perfect for our venue," she shared of her dress. What we love the most about this ensemble, however, is that the bubble sleeves can be taken off to create a strapless sweetheart neckline for a romantic silhouette.

02 of 10

A Designer's Personal Creation

bride walking up steps holding her wedding dress and all-white bouquet — Photo by Giuseppe Marano

For two equally fun and daring looks, draw inspiration from designer Katherine Tash's wedding gown, which showcased a sumptuous overskirt draped over a sexy fit-and-flare silhouette. “I knew I didn’t want to walk around the reception in a huge skirt—I wanted something that gave me more mobility—but I also felt the smaller skirt was lacking in some drama to match the venue. The removable overskirt was a no-brainer," she shared about her decision to design a convertible wedding dress.

03 of 10

A Colorful Overskirt

Portrait of Bride in Colorful Gown — Photo by Yellow Bird Visuals

If you're hoping to wear a dress with color, but still sport a look that's a bit traditional, consider replicating bride Molly's gown, which featured a removable rainbow-dyed overskirt worn on top of a classic white wedding dress. It's the best of both worlds: You can alternate between color and white throughout the ceremony and reception.

04 of 10

A Three-Piece Dramatic Look

bride posing in front of a mirror looking at her wedding bouquet — Photo by Niki Marie Photography

Searching for a convertible dress that brings all the drama? Look no further than bride Taylor's look. "The moment I tried this dress on, I knew it was the one,” she shared. “I wanted a dress with a wow factor, and that’s exactly what I got. This dress transformed into three separate dresses: a formal dress with a skirt, a fitted dress with long sleeves, and a strapless fitted gown for the reception.”

05 of 10

A Fashion-Forward Design

bride wearing a sequin wedding dress posing in front of a lake — Photo by Sarah Falugo

It’s impossible not to fall for this modern, fashion-forward dress that bride Ali wore to her Cedar Lakes Estate wedding weekend. This look is full of trendy elements all brides can replicate, including three-dimensional embellishments, a plunging neckline, and an ethereal overskirt that can easily be removed post-vow exchange.

06 of 10

An Actress's Awe-Inspiring Gown

Naturi Naughton posing in her sequin wedding dress in front of a purple backdrop — Photo by Stanlo Photography

Leave it to actress Naturi Naughton to sport one of the most awe-inspiring convertible wedding dresses. For her ceremony look, Naughton wore a fully embellished trumpet gown with a removable overskirt for a glamorous touch. "I wanted to bring the drama with a long and gorgeous train," she explained of her decision to don the convertible piece.

07 of 10

A Princess Vibe

bride walking herself down the aisle — Photo by Austin Gros

This exquisite gown worn by bride Becky featured three separate pieces: a satin column dress, a silk overskirt (which floated down the aisle), and an organza long-sleeve top designed by Halfpenny London. “I told everyone I didn’t really want to feel like a princess, but wearing those pieces made me feel like grown-up royalty,” she gushed about her look.

08 of 10

A Comfortable Frock

Black and White Image of Bride Being Fitted in Her Wedding Gown — Photo by Brittany Painter

If you're searching for a comfortable gown you can wear all night long with minimal adjustment, this convertible wedding dress silhouette, worn by bride Tito, is one to emulate. Designed by Fran Rios, the ensemble featured a crepe gown, a scoop neckline, a chapel-length train, bishop sleeves, and a detachable overskirt.

09 of 10

A Modern Two-Piece Silhouette

bride wearing a sating slip dress with a tulle cape — Photo by Chris & Ruth Photography

Though bride Meghan's dress doesn't fully count as a convertible gown—as it's a stain slip dress styled with a tulle cape—it's still an outfit to consider if you desire to wear two silhouettes on the big day. “I didn’t shop much. I saw this dress, got my local bridal shop, Ivory Bridal Atelier in Houston, to order in the sample, tried it on, and didn’t look any further. Once I saw the cape, it was over. Case closed! It was so perfect for the beach," Meghan shared of her dress-shopping experience.

10 of 10

An Ethereal Dress

Portrait of Bride in White Gown — Photo by Irina and Matej

Between the ethereal sleeves, A-line silhouette, and straight neckline, bride Magdalena's gown is a lovely dress to replicate if you're hosting a minimalist, black-tie affair. Our favorite detail? We particularly love the way her tulle veil matched her removable sleeves.

FAQ

What makes a wedding dress convertible?

A convertible wedding dress generally has detachable elements that allow it to transform from one look into another. This makes it easy to change up your bridal look without having to buy another dress.
Do convertible wedding dresses work for a formal wedding?

Yes, convertible wedding dresses can work for traditional and formal weddings, as long as you pick the right design. Many styles start full-length and then turn into minis, but if you are looking for something more conservative, try a detachable train or a sheath number underneath your overskirt.