We love a convertible wedding dress, because you’re basically getting two gowns in one! Whether you’re going from ceremony to reception or reception to send off, there are so many unique options when it comes to a convertible gown.
Many designers are keeping versatility in mind by including detachable options with their wedding gowns like trains and overskirts, sleeves or bows. Plus, the great part of a two-in-one gown is that you decide which option you want to start with before you make the switch.
Here are some of our favorite show-stopping designs that you’ll want to see for yourself.
Blaire – Justin Alexander
One of the best ways to vamp up a clean design is to add some sparkle. The strapless Blaire wedding gown features a modern mermaid silhouette.
The ivory mikado fabric and couture seaming allows the bride to flaunt her curvy figure, while the sweetheart neckline and chapel train are classic, elegant touches.
To transform this gown into an ultra-glam number, a long-sleeve beaded illusion pop-in bodysuit and matching belt take this clean gown to another level. It’s a totally unexpected accent to a relatively simple gown.
Ivy – Allison Webb
Another example of how to add wow factor to your bridal look is the Ivy gown from designer Allison Webb.
This strapless mikado ball gown, fresh off the designer’s Spring 2023 collection, boasts a sheer, corset-style lace bodice and a lace-embellished pleated skirt. You can’t see it in the photo, but a thigh-high slit in the skirt is an extra-sultry element.
We love the addition of the long-sleeve lace topper and think it would be great for the ceremony and removed for the reception. It’s a fun way to go from traditional to modern in one easy move.
Lola – Val Stefani
When you look at these gowns side by side, you would be amazed to learn that it’s the same wedding dress! The design, called the Lola, actually has three different pieces to play around with, making it oh-so versatile.
The base is a strapless mermaid gown with a sweetheart neckline and layers of tulle and Stardust tulle. It’s lined with smooth stretch satin and covered with embroidered lace applique, glass beads and sequins. The gown also has an illusion insert and square illusion back with covered buttons.
To start the first part of the transformation, brides can decide whether or not to add the detachable short puff sleeves, for a hint of vintage flair. If you’re wanting to go completely bold and beautiful, add the stunning ruffle layered overskirt. It’s dramatic and voluminous and so much fun.
Austin – Rue de Seine
For the boho bride at heart, the off-white Austin gown by Rue de Seine is both modern and romantic. The wedding dress features a slight v-neck and thin spaghetti straps leading to an open back.
Our favorite part is the stunning lace pattern which echoes a floral motif, while intricate lines and dots create beautiful symmetry. Embroidered panels sculpt the bride’s silhouette as a way to elongate the body and accentuate her form. The cutouts on the side are a peek of sexy.
For extra coverage and a touch of drama, the sheer Canyon cape pairs perfectly with the rest of the ensemble. We totally envision this bride getting married on a cliff or mountaintop and letting the cape float in the breezy air.
Regina – St. Patrick
Ruffles are a continuous trend in the bridal world, so we love this next detachable option. The elegant golden Regina wedding dress, from St. Patrick’s 2023 State of Grace collection, is made of silky Mikado fabric and boasts princess charm.
The strapless gown has a pleated bodice, natural waist and a stunning cathedral train. The unembellished gown is beautiful on its own but when you add the oversized, draped ruffle sleeves the whole design changes. It’s feminine, flirty and whimsical and we love how it turns the bateau neckline into an off-the-shoulder look.
This dreamy gown works for every season and would be perfect for a more formal affair. The bride above kept the rest of her wedding-day look relatively simple, but you could also do a fancy updo and a pair of statement earrings to add a little sparkle.
Blair – Alexia Maria
Now this is a gown that you could totally wear beyond your wedding day. The convertible Blair gown, made of silk faille, features a one-shoulder draped bodice, seams at the natural waist to create interest and a bridal favorite—pockets!
For a touch of whimsy, the bow shoulder detail is super fun but the removable pleated overskirt takes this gown to the next level. It adds volume while matching the clean and chic aesthetic of the mini dress. No embellishments needed here!
This gown is a great option if you’re having a more low-key ceremony like a civil ceremony at city hall or a fun elopement with family and a few friends. We personally would start with the short wedding dress and then add the twirl-worthy skirt for your intimate reception.
Tianzi – Pronovias
The Tianzi wedding gown knows how to steal the show. From Pronovias’s Eden collection, the classic A-line gown boasts a v-neckline and matching v-back. The lace bodice features micro seed pearls for a vintage touch. Beautiful embroidery along the waist and hips elongate the silhouette while the divine skirt, crafted from gossamer tulle, is so dreamy.
The convertible option here includes a detachable cape that drapes softly over the back and shoulders. The cape extends beyond the chapel train to create a more cathedral feel and the short sleeves add dimension to the sleeveless dress.
It’s a breathtaking gown whether you wear it for a spring garden wedding or a magical destination wedding in the mountains.
Sade – Azazie
Another voluminous train option is the Sade wedding dress by designer Azazie. This vintage-inspired mermaid gown is covered with lace applique over glitter dot tulle for a totally glam feel.
The gown starts with an illusion plunge bodice and v-back paired with spaghetti straps. A sweeping train finishes the look, but it doesn’t truly end there. For a more A-line silhouette, a chapel length overskirt and beaded belt create an ethereal feel. It’s a show-stopping addition and we’re here for it.
Since both looks are breathtaking, keep the accessories simple and traditional like pearl earrings and soft waves. It really allows the dress and bride to take center stage.
Sparrow – Jenny Yoo
Strapless? Yes. Slit? Yes. Sleeves? Yes, please! This gown has so many unique accents that we’re totally swooning.
From designer Jenny Yoo, the Sparrow gown is cut from Maevery satin burnout fabric for a light and airy touch. Lustrous satin sweeps over the gown featuring a beautiful oversized floral pattern.
The draped cowl neckline paired with the draped bodice are classic and the draped skirt with seams at the natural waist is very flattering. A thigh-high slit adds a sexy touch to an otherwise traditional-looking wedding dress.
Taking this gown from strapless to off-the-shoulder are the addition of the full and flowy long sleeves. They bring a sense of vintage charm to the gown and we’re obsessed with them. We love the idea of having sleeves for the ceremony and going strapless for the reception. Your guests won’t see it coming!
Lise – Vera Wang
For our final convertible wedding dress, the lovely Vera Wang is always ready to play. The designer crafted a stunning strapless mermaid gown, named Lise, full of classic Chantilly lace.
A sultry semi-transparent bustier bodice pairs nicely with the open back. For the more modest bride, this style is also available with a lined bodice and inner shapewear options.
Here’s where the dress takes a fun turn—a detachable overskirt for added volume. It matches the length of the chapel train underneath but with a more A-line silhouette. We love how the gown goes from sexy to princess with just a quick change.
