9 Tips To Choose The Perfect Wedding Exit Dress

An exit dress is by no means mandatory, but it’s a great option for brides keen on planning their wedding looks and having difficulty choosing only one attire.

Comfort is the top priority when choosing your wedding exit dress. However, this doesn’t mean that you have to sacrifice the looks – comfy dresses can be incredibly stylish and flattering.

Of course, your decision should also be based on your post-wedding plans. If you drive right home on a limo, you can afford a colossal floor-length ball gown, but if you head on a plane, a jumpsuit may be a better idea.

1. Comfort is Key

Your wedding exit look can be dramatic or easy-going, seductive or modest – but most importantly, it should be comfortable.

Well, at least compared with your main wedding dress. It’s not like you must wear jeans and sneakers, of course.

However, the whole point of a wedding exit dress is wrapping up the party on your own terms and avoiding taking off your intricately done main wedding gown alone at home – and making a statement, of course.

If, after the reception, you’re heading right to your honeymoon vacation, you’d want to avoid damaging your main wedding gown. Choosing something comfy and cheaper solves the problem.

Even if you aren’t going right to the Bahamas but head home in a conventional vehicle rather than a limo, comfortable exit attire won’t be excessive. A puffy ball gown may simply not fit in a regular car.

In other words, regardless of your preferred style, consider your comfort when choosing the wedding exit dress.

Leave tight dresses with trains for the ceremony or reception and instead choose something less restrictive.

2. Dramatic Styles

Women get wedding exit dresses for different reasons. If your goal is creating a wow-effect to make the day even more memorable rather than leaving home in comfort, look for dramatic, creative styles.

Think intricate cut-outs, unusual silhouettes, ultra-voluminous skirts, or all-over feather embellishment – anything that will make a fashion statement. Draw inspiration from couture collections and celebrity looks.

For example, if you love to break the rules, choose a short black dress with a puffy organza skirt or a seductive red gown with a high slit. You can even wear huge golden angel wings – because who could stop you?

However, even if your main objective is showcasing your sense of style, don’t neglect practical considerations.

Will you be able to take off a tight corseted dress without the help of your friends or mom? How will you go home?

Choosing an attire that’s comfortable yet jaw-dropping at the same time is a challenging task, and only real fashionistas can pull it off. Most importantly, don’t get anything too long or too tight.

3. Amaze With Color

A wedding exit dress doesn’t have to be white – in fact, it typically isn’t white. Remember – your exit look should be relatively maintenance-free.

You should be comfortable hugging your guests goodbye, not fearing spilling wine or getting lipstick stains on the dress.

Delicate off-white, champagne, blush, or baby blue are great alternatives to white if you value traditions.

But these colors are unlikely to surprise anyone in the times when some brides choose black as their main wedding dress color.

Consider unusual wedding dress colors – bright apricot, pistachio, dark red, magenta, or emerald green.

Even better if the dress combines multiple colors, either complementary like cream and lemon yellow or contrasting like blue and orange.

Tie-dye and ombre wedding gowns are some of the decade’s most beautiful bridal wear trends. Such color effects can create a truly dreamy, whimsical look ideal for the most romantic day of your life.

4. Short & Seductive

Wedding gowns are traditionally modest and formal – after all, you’re devoting your life to one and only person.

But what if you want to showcase your perfect body? No need to wait for another occasion – get a short and sexy wedding exit dress.

A little white dress with an unusual cut or minimalistic decorations such as bust ruffles is, perhaps, the best outfit to leave your wedding party.

It’s an elegant and chic choice for brides who wish to add a flirty touch but stay formal.

Look for mini dresses embellished with sequins, fringes, or large crystal appliques if you fancy some sparkle. Alternatively, consider dresses with feather trim – feathers look truly magical, gently moving as you walk away.

When choosing a short wedding exit dress, make sure not to go overboard. Keep the neckline adequate – it’s either mini length or cleavage, not both.

Open back is an excellent compromise for brides who want to look sexy yet not provocative.

5. A Sparkling Exit

Your wedding is your time to shine, so a sparkling exit dress just seems natural. Make a truly glorious last appearance in a dress adorned with sequins, crystals, or beaded fringes.

Of course, the best colors for a sequined wedding exit dress are white and its variations or metallics – gold, silver, bronze, or rose gold. Blue, pink, and iridescent gowns are also quite popular.

To keep the look well-balanced, choose simple silhouettes. The best options are classic boat or square necklines and knee or midi length. Gowns with extra-long hemlines, slits, and intricate draping may look over the top.

Bear in mind that tight sparkling dresses tend to make the figure appear bulkier and can show a tummy you never thought you had.

If you’re concerned about it, get some good shapewear or choose partially embellished dresses – for instance, with sequined geometric ornaments.

6. Laid-Back & Flowy

Your wedding dress, be it the first, second, or third one, is the reflection of your personality. Furthermore, it must be appropriate for your event style and size.

If you’re a laid-back person and host a small beach wedding, there’s no need to wear a dramatic voluminous dress with an open back. Choose something lightweight, flowy, and comfortable.

The truth is, getting into a soft and light, flowy dress after spending the day in a tight corset carrying a heavy skirt is a special type of pleasure.

If you’re going for a relaxed style, fabric quality and fit is vital. Avoid cheap synthetics and favor luxurious natural fabrics such as silk, cotton, viscose, or batiste.

Choose silhouettes that flatter your figure and consider getting the dress fitted by a professional.

7. Two-Piece Outfit

Who said that the only valid wedding exit look idea is a dress? A suit, jumpsuit, or two-piece outfit can be equally stylish and will likely be even comfier than any dress.

A light straight-cut suit will keep you warm as the night arrives, won’t wrinkle while you sit in the car, and will look impeccably classy.

Pair it with an alluring corset or a crop top and high heels to maintain the balance between masculinity and femininity.

Jumpsuits are gaining popularity as a bridal exit outfit (and often, even the main attire).

Pay attention to minimalistic styles with interesting silhouettes from high-quality, opaque fabrics. Halter neck, off-shoulder, and detachable train jumpsuits are especially trendy.

Alternatively, pick so-called co-ord outfits: they’re available both with skirts and trousers. Crop top bridal co-ords are a great choice for brides with toned abs.

Remember that the top and the bottom don’t have to be the exact same – for instance, the skirt may be bare, while the top embellished with pearls, or the pieces can be from the same fabric but of a different color.

8. Silk Slip Dress

Slip dresses have a relaxed vibe and look irresistibly sensual. It’s the ultimate modern-day cocktail dress that fits nearly any occasion. However, it’s important to follow certain rules to avoid your dress resembling a nightgown.

Avoid narrow lace trims, as it’s a common detailing in nighties. Choose opaque, high-quality fabrics with moderate sheen and keep it simple – minimalism is key to a stylish slip dress look.

High slits are a great choice but avoid mini length as it may send a wrong message. As for the neckline, choose a classic V-cut or halter neck. Of course, you should pair your dress with high heels to lay off the pajama look.

Remember that a slip dress is already daring as is. Keep the makeup and hairstyle modest – red lips and Hollywood waves may be a bit too much, while an elegant updo and nude makeup are just right.

9. Romantic Printed Dress

Printed fabrics can rarely be seen in couture bridal collections and at actual wedding receptions. That’s no wonder, as prints tone down the formality and can totally ruin the look if chosen incorrectly.

However, the exit dress doesn’t have to be as formal as your main gown. You can safely choose colorful prints, preferably something feminine and romantic – stars, florals, watercolor, or polka dot.

Avoid geometric and abstract prints, especially in overly bright combinations.

To maintain the attire formality, pick whimsical silhouettes and high-quality fabrics. A sweetheart neckline midi dress with voluminous balloon sleeves and slit from floral-printed batiste is a great example.