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Wear your dream gown, minidress, or crop top—there are no rules.
By Kelsey Clark
As if planning your nuptials isn't difficult enough, so-called pandemic brides have had to reschedule, cancel, and livestream their “I do”s in response to COVID-19. Many are still trying to figure out the best way to toast their marriage with loved ones, and have planned small one-year anniversary receptions or downsized their ceremonies for later this year. These “mini-monies” are on the rise—and with them, casual wedding reception dresses, tops, and outfits.
That’s according to Etsy’s resident trend expert, Dayna Isom Johnson, who tells Glamour that “reception-only weddings are just starting to pick up for 2021.” She notes a marked increase in searches for reception dresses, elopement announcements, and wedding centerpieces on the global marketplace in the last three months.
As for the best wedding-reception dresses for these mini-monies, “brides are focusing on what really matters and opting for attire that makes them feel like themselves on their big day,” adds Isom Johnson. “On Etsy we’ve seen increased interest in casual bridal wear like wedding jumpsuits, short dresses, and even beach wedding dresses.” Designers and stylists have quickly followed suit, creating more casual bridal wear out of comfortable materials like cotton and linen, and leaning into relaxed silhouettes in the form of slinky slips and matching separates.
While we’re all for wearing the gown of your dreams, whether you have five guests in person or 500 over Zoom, there are plenty of stunning wedding-reception dresses fit for more low-key nuptials and anniversary parties. Plus, most of these styles offer a way more budget-friendly price tag, and we certainly don’t hate that. Ahead, shop the best wedding-reception dresses and styles of 2021.
All products featured on Glamour are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.
1/20
Reformation Harvest Dress Es
Reformation just launched a slew of bride-worthy reception dresses, and this romantic button-front midi is exhibit A. Pair with soft waves and strappy sandals for perfectly understated glam.
2/20
Etsy ’90s Vintage Deadstock Wedding Sheath Dress
We all know that Etsy is a gem for vintage fashion, and this 1990s dead stock wedding sheath is proof in the internet pudding. It’s perfect for an anniversary reception, elopement, Friday night out—you name it.
3/20
Roksanda Pleated Cady Straight-Leg Pants
Rocking a badass bridal pantsuit has never felt more appropriate—not to mention you can get so much use out of matching separates. Pair these pleated ivory pants with the accompanying jacket from Roksanda, and you’ll forget wedding gowns even exist.
4/20
Staud Astro Dress
This breezy poplin dress from cult-favorite L.A. brand Staud is a no-brainer for outdoor receptions or a beach elopement. The boned bodice and waist cutouts make this piece a unique showstopper.
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5/20
Reformation Kaye Dress
This ivory silk slip dress is ideal for a laid-back anniversary reception or elopement. There's so much fun in the details (the puckering, chest lining, and cap sleeves!), and it’s so cute you’ll definitely find an excuse to wear it again…and again.
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6/20
Olivia von Halle Issa Ivory Slip
You can’t go wrong with a classic slip dress. And this ivory number from Olivia von Halle is casual elegance at its finest—we can’t get over that low back!
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7/20
Lavish Alice Corset Tux Long-Sleeve Minidress
Hi, meet us at the intersection of beautifully structured and effortlessly cool. The subtle boning in this corset-tux mini is truly something to write home about, and we can't get enough of the bold silhouette.
8/20
Jacquemus La Robe Camargue Linen Dress
This stunning floor-length linen gown from Jacquemus’s spring-summer 2021 collection is equal parts casual and dramatic.
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9/20
Réalisation Par The Tia
For a slightly less traditional reception dress, consider this dusty pink dress from Realisation Par. With spaghetti straps, a round neckline, and subtle floral jacquard, this silk piece features some of the best ’90s-inspired detailing.
10/20
Vanessa Cocchiaro Mary Cutout Washed-Satin Gown
If you're looking for an updated classic, look no further than this high-neck satin gown from Vanessa Cocchiaro. The ruched back cutout gives the dress a modern touch, and you can dress it up or down with jewelry and hair accessories.
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11/20
ASOS Design Curve Pop Slim Suit Pants
Ivory suit pants for $17?! Sign us up. Pair them with ASOS’s ivory blazer (currently on sale for $53) and you’re good to go.
12/20
Cinq a Sept Odele Dress
Delicate puff sleeves and a ruched bodice make this casual minidress from Cinq a Sept feel just dressy enough. The shorter style is perfect for a celebratory brunch or city hall elopement.
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13/20
Black Halo Kacie Two-Piece Maxidress
This chic set from Black Halo feels appropriate for a mini-mony, micro wedding, reception, elopement, full-blown pre-coronavirus wedding—you get it. Plus, the crop top and skirt can be mixed and matched with other items in your wardrobe.
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14/20
ASOS Design Curve Recycled Mini Beach Dress
As the name suggests, this ethereal gathered minidress is a home run for casual beach receptions and outdoor gatherings. (And yes please to the barefoot look!)
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15/20
LoveShackFancy Capella Lace Dress
Want to bring cottagecore vibes into your wedding? This ruffled lace number is perfectly bridal but still casual and comfortable enough to be worn on an idyllic picnic.
16/20
Cult Gaia Wei Top
Skip the reception dress altogether and keep it extra casual with a bride-worthy statement top. Pair this sculptural open-back piece with a pair of ivory trouser pants, and you’re golden.
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17/20
Free People Banita Set
Free People has mastered the art of the comfy, laid-back set, and this strapless, longline top with an exaggerated slit screams “beach reception.”
18/20
Xscape Tulip Hem Scuba Crepe Gown
This elegant crepe gown is a must-have for the minimalist bride. You can even opt for the pretty blush pink color for something a bit less traditional.
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19/20
Faithfull the Brand Lorica Smocked Minidress
Australia-based Faithfull the Brand is a mainstay for breezy, warm-weather dresses, and this smocked mini is a case in point. The flirty skirt hem is ideal for the playful bride who loves a good twirl.
20/20
Etsy 1930s-Style Wedding Dress
We can’t stop thinking about this vintage silk wedding gown for everything from its lace overlay to the bias cut. Browse Etsy seller StillChic’s inventory for an amazing selection of vintage and vintage-inspired wedding dresses.
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