Many brides-to-be make the mistake of assuming that traditional means extravagant. Most people of marriageable age have attended at least one formal wedding in their time. You know what we’re talking about-the long flowing veil, the heavily embroidered wedding dress, the enormous train. Now, there’s nothing wrong with pomp and pageantry. But most modern brides like to move around on their wedding day. Gowns like the one described can weigh ten to fifteen pounds and most of them simply do not breathe.
Of course, that does not mean that a formal gown is off limits. There is a simple solution to this problem. Believe it or not, most brides actually prefer formal ceremonies. Not only are they easier to control than informal affairs, but they let everyone know how important the day really is.
The solution to the heavy, embroidered brocade gown with the elaborate veil and train is a simple reception gown. Most formal weddings hold the ceremony and the reception at different venues, which means that the bride has time to change into a different dress after the pictures have been taken. In fact, she often has at least an hour, sometimes two before the bridal party is introduced to the guests. If her dress is heavy and uncomfortable, this is the time when she will slip into something more comfortable. Buying two dresses gives formal brides the best of both worlds, i.e., the ceremony she always dreamed of and an enjoyable reception.