Ask the expert: Rachel Scott Couture examines ways to change up your wedding outfit throughout the day
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When it comes to our wedding looks we have more choice now than ever before and surely, if you’re a lover of changing up your outfits, your wedding is the ultimate opportunity to do so!
Changing your look throughout the day allows you to fully indulge in each section of the wedding, from ceremony, to drinks reception, wedding breakfast, to evening.
Feeling confident and comfortable throughout is crucial, and while trying to find one outfit that would be perfect for a formal religious ceremony as well as an evening party in the pub is tricky, changing things up means you don’t have to compromise.
A word of warning – it can be easy to go too far when there are so many wonderful options available, so consider choices carefully.
A single change of accessory could actually make a much bolder statement than if you add all the bells and whistles.
First and foremost, consider why you want to make a change to your look.
Whether it’s practicality, personality, cultural or social reasons or – just because it’s your wedding and you want to play! – working out why you want multiple looks and which part of the day they’re for will help you find the right solution.
Practicality can influence your choices – for example, finding an outfit you can dance in.
This is something close to my heart and I’d be mightily upset if I thought what I was wearing might impede my moves (no matter how good or bad they are!)
Also, think about whether your outfit restricts you joining in.
Always dreamt of getting married in a giant princess dress but don’t know how you’ll manage when your reception is a festival-themed gardenparty with fairground rides?
Consider an outfit change.
“If you’re a lover of changing up your outfits, your wedding is the ultimate opportunity to do so!”
Location can also play a part.
You’ll want to feel appropriately dressed for the venues you’ve chosen.
That could be respectfully covered up for a church, but very different for a drinks reception in a barn.
Use your outfit and accessory choices to fit the styling of each section of the day.
The evening party will always allow for a bit more fun and outrageousness, when you can get away with sparkle, glitter and short lengths – like our Naeem Khan ‘Dubai’ dress.
And don’t forget the role of sentimentality.
Maybe you want to wear a family veil or tiara but also want to keep them safe by changing out of them quickly.
Or alternatively you love the romantic idea of wearing your mum’s wedding dress but it’s not quite your style (sorry mum!).
Why not wear it at some point later?
For the evening reception, or even just the first dance!
Then there’s the joy of being able to embrace all aspects of both families’ religions, heritage and cultural traditions in your look, whether you commit with a full outfit change or just a respectful nod with earrings, meaningful colours or a tartan sash.
Decisions, decisions
Once you’ve worked out why you want to change, it’s time to explore options.
Think about where you want to target your outfit budget and if you want to change your look through your day, make sure you budget for it from the start.
If you’re worried you risk compromising on the quality of the first dress in order to say you had a second, why not just change jewellery or use an overskirt? – still gaining the change but without the expense!
If you’re loving the idea of adding accessories or taking them away, find a dress that allows – and encourages – you to do that.
You can layer up a simple dress with textured overskirts and overtops, capes can add drama, or you could have
a veil during the day and convert it to a wrap for the evening.
And matching a classic dress with puffed sleeves or a bow gives an edge.
With Halfpenny’s magnetic sleeves one set gives a hint of flare during the ceremony, then layer up three on each arm for the ‘It’s party time’ look!
It’s not just when you wear these clothing accessories that can change your look, but how you wear them.
Halfpenny is the queen of statement bows, so maybe all you’re doing is shifting the placement but what a change of styling personality that can create!
A classic back of the waist placement for your formal cathedral ceremony, followed by moving it to over one shoulder or even in your hair for the evening.
Changing your veil, hair accessories and jewellery can also create versatility.
Perhaps you want something more delicate during the day, then big, bold and colourful for the evening?
Or maybe it’s the other way round with a full cluster pearl hair band for your ceremony but (literally) letting your hair down for some wild dance manoeuvres later on, minus the headband.
And what about gloves?
We are loving our new range of Vivienne Westwood gloves!
From the ultra-short satin pair with sequin tassles for party fun through to the full length semi-sheer silk pair for old school glamour.
When to switch
Think about timings – how, when and where you’re going to change.
Also really consider whether you want to do that at all.
Would you miss being away from your guests or are you excited by the prospect of wowing them with a dramatic new entrance?!
Or would you even relish the opportunity of a bit of breathing space?!
Continuity is also important.
Think about the flow of your look and consider using the same base theme throughout the day.
Pearls, for example, could be your theme with a long veil with delicate scattered pearls for the day before swapping to a heavily encrusted pearl headband for the evening.
Picture perfect
Think about your photographs too – which ones are for the mantlepiece?
The first iconic look is likely to be the one that stays with you forever, so bear that in mind when making your choices.
There’s potential to take more risks for evening, so consider the concept that your daytime photos might be the ones that ‘live forever’, whereas the evening ones can be more flighty or experimental.
Stay true to your choices
Keep referring back to why you want to make a change.
No answer is wrong, whether you want to make 10 changes or a single necklace change – it’s all about making your wedding day look reflect you as an individual.
Options are always a positive thing, but remember it might be you decide to change nothing throughout your day – and that’s ok too!”
Multiple outfit changes might seem the opposite of sustainable, but what if those changes are multi-purpose for the future?
Consider a corset top and full circle bridal skirt complete with long sleeve lace overlay for your classic ceremony.
Then you could remove the overtop and switch the skirt to a slim fitting version for the drinks party, followed by another quick change to trousers and a golden- toned camisole for dancing.
Six items for one day!?
But what if they’re all entirely wearable again and again!
Interchangeable, versatile and filled with happy memories you’ll be reminded of each time you wear one.
Did you know Rachel Scott Couture has become the only Scottish stockist of New York-based designer Naeem Khan?
Check out our full interview on this fashion coup with Rachel here
