Updated
You do not need a second wedding dress. It is worth considering when you want a clearly different silhouette and can name the moment it belongs to. If the idea mainly comes from feeling that a bride is supposed to have two outfits, keep the ceremony look and spend the budget somewhere you care about more.
Give the second look a job
Picture the photographs you want from the day. Does the second look appear at the reception entrance, cake cutting or when the dance floor opens? Now name the last moment you want in the ceremony outfit. Those two answers create a real change window. If you cannot name the moment, you probably do not need the outfit yet.
Count the hidden cost in minutes as well as money. You will need to walk to the changing space, remove the first outfit, manage shoes or jewellery, fasten the second look and return. Ask who will help and who will take the first outfit. Put the full interval into the written schedule, then check our guide to when to change into a reception dress.
Choose a difference you can see
The strongest reason for a second look is usually a change you would choose anyway: a floor-length ceremony skirt becoming a mini, lace giving way to smooth silk, or one dress becoming separates. A tiny accessory change may be enough if you love the main outfit and want to stay in it.
If you still want the full change after looking at the schedule and budget, choose the format around the evening. Our comparison of a corset set and mini reception dress covers the visible waistline, packing and rewear. Try the complete change with your actual shoes, underlayers and helper before the wedding.