Reception Designs for Brides Ready to Celebrate

After the ceremony, it’s time to move, dance, and enjoy the night. Our reception designs are created for brides who want to change into something shorter, lighter, and party-ready — without losing elegance.

How Brides Choose Their Reception Look

Most brides choose a reception design when they want freedom — freedom to move, dance, and enjoy the celebration without worrying about a long train or heavy structure.

If you’re looking for something:

  • Shorter and easier to move in

  • Comfortable and fun

  • Still elevated and bridal

Then a reception piece is the perfect change for the night.

Most brides choose their reception look in one of two ways — some prefer a design that echoes their ceremony gown, while many choose contrast so they can experience the best of both worlds.

Whether you want a seamless transition or a bold second look, the right design usually reveals itself quickly.

You’ll know it’s right when it feels effortless.

Mayvellin Reception
$1,100.00
Flora Reception
$950.00
Sonya Draped
$950.00
Niña Mini
$800.00
Sella Reception
$980.00

What to Expect When You Place Your Order

  1. Choose your size at checkout

  2. Receive the Measurement Guide immediately

  3. We confirm additional measurements

  4. Your gown enters the next batch

  5. Ongoing support throughout

Guidelines & FAQs

  • That’s a common worry — and we’ve perfected the process to support you:

    • Personalized measurement support + video guides

    • Signature corsetry built into most gowns for adjustability

    • Open communication about fitness or body changes (including pregnancy!)

    We've worked with many international brides who never came in person — and their dresses fit like a dream.

  • Yes, we ship worldwide! It usually takes 3-7 business days for the delivery of your dream dress from our studio to your home after it has been created.

    • Free shipping within New Zealand

    • $25 USD to Australia

    • $50 USD to the US and the rest of the world

  • You don’t need one — but many brides choose a reception design so they can fully enjoy the celebration without managing a long train or structured ceremony gown.

    A reception piece allows you to move freely, dance comfortably, and feel relaxed while still looking polished and bridal.

  • Most brides change after the ceremony and formal photos, once the reception begins and the focus shifts from tradition to celebration.

    There’s no “right” moment — many brides simply change when they’re ready to enjoy the night without restriction.

  • Many brides choose their reception dress confidently by using the silhouette guide, measurement guide, and decision FAQs on this page.

    Personal guidance is available if you want it — but it is not required to choose well.

  • Yes. Reception designs are intentionally lighter and shorter, but they are still designed with bridal elegance in mind.

    The difference is not in quality or intention — it’s in ease, movement, and comfort.

  • Absolutely. Many brides choose a Western-style ceremony gown and change into a reception design that reflects their cultural heritage.

    Reception designs are often chosen specifically for this reason — to honor tradition while keeping the celebration comfortable and effortless.

  • Some brides choose a reception design that echoes their ceremony gown — similar fabric, silhouette, or overall feel — so the transition feels seamless.

    But more often, brides choose contrast.

    Many love the idea of having the best of both worlds:

    • A timeless, refined ceremony look

    • Followed by a reception design that feels bold, playful, or celebratory

    For example, a bride may choose a clean satin gown for the ceremony, then change into a reception piece with sparkle, texture, or statement details — creating two distinct moments within the same day.

    Most brides know a reception design is right when it feels:

    • Fun instead of formal

    • Expressive instead of traditional

    • Effortless instead of structured

    If a design feels like a celebration of a different side of you, that’s usually the sign it’s the right choice.

“Changing into a shorter Filipiniana for my reception was one of the best decisions I made.

I was finally able to dance the night away with my loved ones while still honoring my culture — and sharing that part of myself with both my family and my fiancé’s family meant so much to me.”

From Sydney, Australia to the Aisle – Psalm’s Filipiniana Journey

Support, If You Need It…

If you’d like personal guidance, we’re here to support you.

For questions about fit, styling, or timing, our team is happy to assist.

info@mariagabrielacouture.com