20 Casual Reception Looks for Low-Key Weddings

As if planning your nuptials isn’t difficult enough, so-called “pandemic brides” have had to reschedule, cancel, and live-stream their  “I do’s” in response to COVID-19. Many are still trying to figure out the best way to toast their marriage with loved ones, and have planned small one-year anniversary receptions or downsized their ceremonies for later this year. These so-called “mini-monies” are on the rise—and with them, casual wedding reception dresses, tops, and outfits.

That’s according to Etsy’s resident trend expert Dayna Isom Johnson, who tells Glamour that “reception-only weddings are just starting to pick up for 2021.” She notes a marked increase in searches for reception dresses, elopement announcements, and wedding centerpieces on the global marketplace in the last three months.

As for the best wedding reception dresses for these mini-monies, “brides are focusing on what really matters and opting for attire that makes them feel like themselves on their big day,” adds Isom Johnson. “On Etsy, we’ve seen increased interest in casual bridal-wear like wedding jumpsuits, short dresses, and even beach wedding dresses.” Designers and stylists have quickly followed suit, creating more casual bridal wear out of comfortable materials like cotton and linen, and leaning into relaxed silhouettes in the form of slinky slips and matching separates.  

While we’re all for wearing the gown of your dreams, whether you have five guests in-person or 500 over Zoom, there are plenty of stunning wedding reception dresses fit for more low-key nuptials and anniversary parties. Plus, most of these styles offer a way more budget-friendly price tag, and we certainly don’t hate that. Ahead, shop the best wedding reception dresses and styles of 2021.