Face it, going straight from a wedding ceremony to the bash of your life is a radical transition few brides can carry off without making some changes to her attire.  The most typical adjustments are to head and hemline.  Following the ceremony, a bride usually takes off the longest layer of veil or removes it entirely leaving only the headpiece.  A train that looked spectacular during the walk down the aisle gets bustled up for dancing and moving around.  Some brides even take time out between ceremony and reception, changing into an entirely different dress—usually something “cocktailish” that’s chic in addition to comfortable.  

    Since more brides are asking, “How can I look proper for my ceremony and still be stylish and relaxed for my reception?” some designers are offering convertible looks in their collections.  Think of convertibles as ensembles that work one way for the ceremony, and, like the layer of veil, are removed or readjusted for the reception.  Say you want a formal look for your ceremony and picture yourself in a skirt with layers of organza falling into a chapel train as you walk down the aisle.  For your reception however, you want something totally different: a strapless sheath—like something you might wear to a cocktail party.  Go ahead.  Wear the sheath for your ceremony; only wear it under a detachable organza overskirt.  The layers of skirt fasten to a belt and unhook for the reception.  Want more cover up top during your ceremony?  How about a chiffon or all over lace dress that buttons down the front worn over that sheath?  This offers a transparent, delicate look and is removed after the ceremony.  But suppose you like the idea of one gown—something all one piece with tiers of ruffles that fall into a sweep train.  Problem solved: the bottom ruffle can be secured with Velcro or hooks, then removed—and presto!—your train is gone and you have a cocktail dress.  

    If you’re not a romantic go for a more tailored look.  You can still go with the sheath idea and your overdress—the one you wear down the aisle—might look more like a full-length Princess-style coat or ¾ length jacket.  Or imagine something with one button at the waist and part of the dress underneath showing; ideal for winter weddings in heavier, structured fabrics like Peau de Soie and Brocade.

    Once you decide a convertible wedding ensemble is for you, begin your research.  Don’t worry if a clear picture of dress and fabric doesn’t happen right off.  First step while browsing the latest magazines and going online for ideas is keeping an open mind.  If you see two entirely different looks you want, imagine how they’d look together.  Could the skirt possibly work as an overdress?  Or street length sheath you like be worn underneath a long swathe of tulle skirt?  Don’t fret even though you see two entirely different styles.  A ball gown and evening gown may be as diverse as you can get; but realize with a little ingenuity, they might work together. 

    Okay, let’s say you find a reception dress you like.  Clip the page or bookmark it.  See something else that might go with it?  Sketch out the combination.  The more research you do, the more likely the gown will evolve in your head.  And once it gels, start shopping. 

1.) Visit a Salon.  Your consultant will know which designers offer interchangeable looks.  You may find you’re able to order a simple evening gown and have that wrap dress you want to wear over it made.  Did you know some bridal salons employ in house dressmakers?  Yes, not only for alterations but for special custom touches brides put on the gowns they order.  Those who don’t often have referrals.

2.) Check Out the Possibility of Going Custom.  Custom designers will work with you from concept to finished creation; they have skill handling fine fabrics and the expertise to help you achieve exactly what you want.

3.) Go Vintage.  If you can get hold of an actual dress from the 30s-40s era when slip/dress combinations were so popular, you might have a good investment as well as chic bridal ensemble. 

4.) Never Overlook Department Stores and Specialty Boutiques.  Even though boutiques don’t necessarily carry bridal, the extraordinary dresses they do have can sometimes be special ordered in white or ivory.  Some work closely with up and coming specialty designers.  With a little imagination and the help of professionals, you might be able to put some stunning looks together.  

    To get you started as well as inspired, below is a list of magazines and online resources.

Martha Stewart Weddings - Sophisticated editorials featuring top designer gowns.  
The Knot Wedding Gowns - A magazine with a pictorial gown gallery layout; designers  listed alphabetically.
Nonoce.com - French wedding site with awesome gown galleries.  Text is in French but who cares when the gowns speak a language all their own.  
Vogue Patterns - Either online (Vogue patterns.com) or go to a fabric store and browse through the big book.