25 best evening wedding dresses to wear after you've said 'I do'

Let's be honest, one wedding dress isn't enough for your big day. Your main gown will serve you right up to the cake cutting, but it's the evening wedding dresses that'll come to your rescue when it's time to dance the night away. At least, that's how I feel as a bride-to-be.

It's what all the recently married celebrities are doing these days, too. From Alex Cooper and Vanessa Hudgens to Leigh-Anne Pinnock and Sofia Richie-Grainge, they've all had a second wedding dress, so naturally us mere mortals are desiring the same.

All that said, purchasing a second dress is a luxury and absolutely not necessary. Don't be pressured into thinking you absolutely must have one. If you've found a frock that does it all then stop looking – you've already hit the jackpot, you lucky thing. But if you're struggling to settle on the one, and you have the funds to buy another, there are plenty of affordable wedding dresses that are worth taking a look at. Window shopping never hurt anyone…right?

Vila Bridal Satin Cami Maxi Dress with Stitch Detail Hem

£54 £43.50 at ASOS

Alexis Sequin Maxi Dress

£160 at Pretty Lavish

Choosing your frock is arguably the most difficult task when it comes to planning your nuptials, especially when there are so many wedding dress trends to choose from; long-sleeve wedding dresses, short wedding dresses, square-neck wedding dresses and boho wedding dresses, for example. So, picking two eases the decision making. For many brides, evening wedding dresses provide the chance to change into something that's not only stylish but that's a hell of a lot more comfortable, too.

Halfpenny London Maddy Satin-Crepe and Ruffled Organza Mini Dress

£1,870 at Net-A-Porter

Galvan Satin Halterneck Mini Dress

£675 at Net-A-Porter

The best thing about evening wedding dresses (or reception wedding dresses) is that you can really switch the theme around. Up the ante in something swathed with sequins; go for a shorter hemline and avoid tripping on your train on the dancefloor; or change into something floatier when you're ready to wind down for the night.

The minimalist brides among us will love the simplicity of silk and satin dresses like this one-shoulder design from ASOS DESIGN or Alex Perry's strapless Elyse mini silhouette, but, for a touch of glamour that'll sparkle or swish all night long, then look to something like this Lara sequin dress from RIXO or this feather-trimmed asymmetric number from Alessandra Rich.

If you're after more wedding content, head this way for alternative wedding dresses, in this direction for ASOS wedding dresses and over here for white hen party dresses. There are also maternity wedding dresses (in case you're expecting), where to buy bridesmaid dresses online, mother of the bride dresses, and the best wedding guest dresses if you're just a member of the wedding party. For more from GLAMOUR UK’s Senior Commerce Writer Georgia Trodd, follow her on Instagram @georgiatrodd.

Find GLAMOUR's favourite evening wedding dresses below.