Your guide to Weddings

Summer weddings in Australia hit differently — warm nights, golden light, balmy breezes, and celebrations that spill effortlessly into the evening. But with all that beauty comes one challenge every bride knows too well: How do you look incredible and stay comfortable in the heat? Whether you’re the bride, the maid of honour or the designated dancefloor queen, here’s your complete guide to styling a summer wedding without melting halfway through the reception. Choose the Right Fabrics Australia’s summer heat is no joke — so your fabric choice matters as much as your silhouette. Best fabrics for summer weddings: • Crepe – breathable, lightweight, and drapes beautifully• Mikado blends – structured but not heavy• Organza – airy and elegant• Silk blends – breathable and luxe• Lightweight satin – smooth, minimal and perfect for minis Avoid anything too heavy (thick satin, brocade) or overly embellished if you’ll be outdoors. Heat is the enemy of comfort and makeup — so choose fabrics that let your skin breathe. Lean Into Modern Minis (Made to Move) Nothing says “summer celebration” quite like a bridal mini. They’re playful, comfortable and made for movement — perfect for beach weddings, garden ceremonies or the ultimate reception moment. Why minis work so well: No fabric sticking to you No heavy skirts trapping heat Perfect for dancing Easy to pair with statement accessories Great for hens, rehearsal dinners and second looks If the ceremony calls for something more traditional, slip into a mini after the photos. Your makeup artist will thank you. Keep Your Beauty Look Heat-Proof Summer weddings can make even the best makeup slide — so go for polished, not heavy. For makeup: Opt for a matte or soft-glow base Powder strategically (T-zone only) Waterproof mascara and liner Cream blushes for longevity Setting spray is your best friend For hair: If your dress is detailed → keep hair sleek + minimal If your dress is clean/minimal → go soft waves or volume Humidity hack: a low bun will always last longer than curls   Balance Your Styling: Dress vs Accessories The golden rule of summer styling: Bold dress = minimal stylingMinimal dress = bold accessories If your dress is simple: Statement earrings Oversized bow Pearl gloves A pop of sparkle Hair down and effortless If your dress is detailed: Minimal jewellery Hair up to keep cool Clean makeup A simple veil or no veil The goal is balance — and comfort. Choose Shoes You Can Actually Walk (and Dance) In Summer means sweat + grass + sand + heat. Your shoes should support you, not sabotage you. Best choices: Block heels Bridal platforms Pearl/embellished flats Low sandals for beach weddings Evening sneakers for the reception Avoid narrow stilettos outdoors — they sink, wobble and will ruin your night.   Consider the Venue When Choosing Your Look Beach wedding: Light fabrics, no heavy trains, soft updos, minimal jewellery. Garden wedding: Block heels, structured minis or airy midis, glowy natural makeup. Indoor summer wedding: You can lean into bolder fabrics and embellished details — hello feathers and sparkle. Rooftop/City wedding: Sleek silhouettes, modern minis, polished updos. Bring a Second Look Your ceremony gown shouldn’t have to survive the entire day in Australian heat. A second look — especially a mini — solves everything: No overheating Fresh photos New energy for dancing A completely different vibe This is why reception dressing is trending so hard for 2025 and 2026.   Final Tips for Styling a Summer Wedding Hydrate (your skin glows more when you do) Touch-up kit: blotting papers, lipstick, powder, mini deodorant Anti-chafe balm — trust us Test your dress movement and comfort outdoors before the day Keep a fan in your bridal clutch Your summer wedding look should feel effortless, modern, and made to move — not heavy, sticky or high-maintenance.  

Australian summers are gorgeous—and brutal. Between 30°C heat, full sun and coastal humidity, the smartest brides plan their look the way they plan their run sheet. If you’re weighing up a bridal mini, a short wedding dress, or a chic second wedding look, here’s how to stay cool, comfortable and camera-ready all day.

Whether you’re eloping on a headland, hosting cocktails in the city, or going full-tilt ballroom, 2026 is your permission slip to do both: classic and cool, timeless and totally you. Build a wardrobe that moves with your day—then switch into that second wedding look and own the dance floor.

Brides aren’t ditching tradition entirely. They’re accepting it the way you accept a call from an estranged relative on your birthday. Polite, quick, and with every intention of doing something more fun straight after. The modern bride still nods to the classics but makes space for her own style, personality, and a little main character energy. Here’s what’s dominating the reception dress space in 2025: Party-Ready Minis The mini is having a serious moment. We’re talking feathers, sequins, sculpted satin, and dramatic silhouettes that belong on the dance floor. Brides want something they can move in, eat in, and take chaotic-but-iconic photos in. Satin Slips, Reimagined The slip is still a favourite, but it's evolved. Brides are reaching for heavier satins, interesting necklines, low backs, and intentional styling. Think more off-duty model, less recycled bridesmaid dress. Big Accessories, Simple Dresses Statement earrings. Dramatic bows. Gloves. Pearls everywhere. The dress is often clean and minimal so the accessories can do the heavy lifting. It’s smart, it's chic, and it makes the photos hit harder. Two-Piece Sets That Actually Work Co-ords are coming in strong. Corset tops with matching skirts, modern suits with bridal touches, or even sparkly sets that scream "I came to celebrate." These aren’t just functional, they’re fashion-forward. Sequins, Metallics, and All Things Flashy This is the year brides stopped pretending they don’t love a bit of sparkle. We’re seeing full-sequin minis, silver metallic finishes, crystal embellishments, and bold fabrics that catch every bit of reception lighting. Sheer, Structured, and a Little Bit Sexy Mesh overlays, boning, corsetry, sheer sleeves, and illusion details are everywhere. This isn’t about showing everything, it’s about suggesting it. Tastefully chaotic. Quiet Luxury Vibes, but Less Boring Minimalist styles are still around, but they’ve got edge now. Clean tailoring, quality fabrics, and “I know what I’m doing” energy. These brides probably have a Pinterest board called Neutral But Powerful. Personality Over Perfection This is the big one. The second dress used to be a formality. Now, it’s a moment. Brides want to wear something that feels fun, fresh, and them – not just another version of the gown they already wore. Whether it’s a mini, a two-piece, a tulle explosion, or a tailored suit, it’s about owning the vibe. So whether it’s a feathered mini, a slick satin slip, or a two-piece that screams cool-girl bride, the reception dress has officially become a moment. Brides are leaning into fun, comfort, and fashion that actually feels like them. It’s less about following rules and more about showing up to the dance floor feeling confident, comfortable, and just the right amount of extra.

Let’s talk about the reception dress. By this point, you’ve said the vows, wiped away the happy tears, done the big entrance and probably had at least one relative say something weird during photos. You’ve made it through the official bit. Now it’s time to breathe. To party. To eat the canapés you picked six months ago. And honestly? To feel like yourself again. That’s where the reception dress comes in. She’s not just a second outfit. She’s a full-blown vibe shift. She says: I survived the ceremony. I’m ready for champagne. I want to dance without stepping on a train or worrying about sweat patches. She’s your party dress. Your freedom dress. The one that lets you move. But the reception dress isn’t just about comfort. It’s also a chance to show a different side of your personality. A bit more fun. A bit more cheek. A bit more you. Here are the four big reception energy types we keep seeing from our brides (and yes, you can totally be a mix). The DancerYou’re already halfway to the dance floor before the DJ even plugs in his USB.You’re here to twirl, shimmy, maybe drop it low. Your dress needs to move with you—not against you. Think flirty minis, swishy skirts, maybe a cheeky high-low hem.You’re not worried about what’s trendy. You’re focused on whether you can bust a move in it.Your vibe: Fun, fiery, probably hyping everyone else up all night. You’ve got a drink in one hand and a bridesmaid’s heel in the other. The Glam IconYou didn’t just want a second dress. You wanted a moment.You’ve got structure, corsetry, drama. Maybe even a second train. You love a head turn. You want to walk in and hear gasps.Your reception dress is every bit as big a deal as your ceremony look. Maybe even more.Your vibe: Bold. Extra. You understood the assignment and added sequins. The Chiller BrideYou want to look amazing, but also... be able to breathe.You’re hugging people, eating cake, probably sneaking off for a quiet drink with your partner when no one’s looking.Your dress is soft, relaxed, probably satin or silky, maybe a little oversized. Nothing digging in. Nothing itchy. Just vibes.Your vibe: Effortlessly cool. You’re the bride everyone wants to be friends with. The Statement MakerYou didn’t come here to follow rules.You’ve got a jumpsuit. Or a suit. Or something coloured. Maybe a co-ord with feathers. Maybe something no one saw coming and everyone’s obsessed with.You don’t care what’s traditional. You care about what feels right.Your vibe: Stylish. Brave. A little rogue in the best way. There’s no right choice. There’s just your choice. And whatever you pick, it should make you feel confident, comfortable and kind of unstoppable. So... which one are you? Drop it in the comments. Or make up your own vibe. We love a wildcard.

Your wedding day’s basically a two-part story: the ceremony (all the emotions, happy tears, and formal bits), and then the reception—the part where the heels come off, the dance floor opens up, and the real party begins. Sure, your ceremony dress is the star of Act One… but the reception dress? She’s the grand finale. The one you actually want to eat, drink, and dance in. But with a million styles, trends, and “must-haves” out there, how the hell do you choose something that feels right for you? We’ve pulled together the key looks we’re seeing right now—fresh off our latest shoot and all over the bridal scene—to help you find your second dress soulmate. Something modern, romantic, and very you. Corseted Magic Nothing says confidence quite like a well-fitted corset. This season, brides are loving reception dresses that hug in all the right places, with structured bodices that sculpt and define. Think bold lines, romantic lace, and that perfect cinched waist that’s made for the dance floor. Statement Trains Who says the train is just for the ceremony? High-low skirts and detachable trains are having a moment — letting brides bring that extra drama to the reception without sacrificing comfort or fun. It’s the best of both worlds: movement and wow factor. Luxe Lace Details Lace isn’t going anywhere, but this year it’s all about textural details: delicate fringes, embroidered florals, and unexpected placement that feels fresh and modern. Think romantic sleeves, peek-a-boo panels, and lace accents that add just the right amount of detail. Playful Minis & Tea-Length Styles Shorter styles are making a comeback, giving brides a fun, flirty look that’s perfect for dancing the night away. Whether you’re into a classic mini, a tea-length twirl, or a high-low hem, these dresses let you move, groove, and show off those fabulous shoes. All About Movement Modern brides want to feel free — to dance, hug, and party without restriction. Look for fabrics that drape beautifully and move with you: soft satins, airy tulle, and stretch linings that let you own the night without a second thought. The Ivory & White Edit At Ivory & White, our reception dress collection is designed for brides who want it all: modern style, unforgettable details, and the freedom to celebrate every moment. Whether you’re drawn to statement sleeves, a touch of sparkle, or a sleek silhouette, our new collection has a second look for every bride. Explore our reception edit here 💬 We’d love to know: Which trend are you loving right now? Let us know in the comments — and let’s inspire each other to celebrate our most unforgettable moments. 

Your wedding day is a whirlwind — one you’ve probably planned and dreamed about for months (or even years). But let’s talk about that moment after the ceremony: when the formalities fade, the confetti settles, and the dance floor is calling your name. Choosing a reception dress isn’t just about buying a second outfit — it’s about making sure the night feels as good as it looks. It’s about being able to move, dance, and celebrate, without feeling weighed down by a heavy gown or restricted by too-tight boning. But most importantly, it’s about making sure that when you look back at your wedding photos, you love every single moment — and every single outfit — that you see. Because let’s face it: no bride wants to look at their reception photos and feel like they chose the wrong dress, or regret that they didn’t let themselves be comfortable, playful, and fully present in the moment. We’ve heard from so many brides who wish they’d known a few things before choosing their reception dress. So, let’s get real about what matters most when you’re planning the moment after. Comfort is Everything “I didn’t realise how much I’d be hugging people, dancing, and just moving around. My ceremony dress was gorgeous, but by the time the party started, I felt like I was carrying a small child on my hips! My reception dress saved the night — I could finally breathe, move, and actually enjoy the party.” It’s Not Just a Dress — It’s a Whole Vibe “Changing into my reception dress felt like stepping into a whole new world. I went from ‘ceremony mode’ — stiff and posed — to ‘let’s dance, let’s laugh, let’s celebrate.’ It wasn’t just a new outfit; it was a new energy.” Pick a Dress That Feels Like You “I spent so much time worrying about sticking to my wedding theme — the colours, the vibe, the décor — that I forgot about me. I wish I’d chosen a dress that felt like my personality, instead of just matching everything else.” The Emotional Shift is Real “I never expected the emotional shift that came with changing dresses. It felt like a breath of fresh air. I felt lighter, more excited, like the night was really beginning. I didn’t know how much I’d love that feeling.” The Right Dress Makes the Best Memories “My reception dress turned out to be the best decision I made. I danced, I hugged, I laughed — I felt like the bride and the party queen. I wish I’d known how much I’d love that.” Your Reception, Your Rules Choosing your reception dress shouldn’t be an afterthought. It’s your chance to show up as the most you version of yourself — to dance, laugh, and celebrate freely. It’s the dress that’s going to be in those photos, the dress you’ll remember when you look back on your night and say, “That was me, loving every second.” At Ivory & White, we’re here to help you find the dress that makes you feel like the best version of yourself — not just on the dance floor, but in every photo, every hug, every unforgettable moment. Ready to find your perfect second look?Explore our reception collection here because your reception deserves to be just as unforgettable as your ceremony. Tell us below:What do you wish you’d known before choosing your reception dress? Let’s share the love and help future brides find their dream look.