The Backup Wedding Dress

Advice with Cat: Why You Should Always Pack a Backup Dress

Your wedding dress is a work of art—elegant, delicate, and designed to make you feel like the most radiant version of yourself. But as stunning as it is, it’s not made of steel.

Even if you’re convinced you won’t need it, pack an extra white dress—think rehearsal dinner dress, second look, or just something comfortable. Trust me, you’ll thank yourself later.

In my eight years of planning weddings, I’ve only had two wedding dresses rip during the event. Both times, we were able to swoop in, grab the bride’s rehearsal dinner dress, and help her change into something comfortable without missing a beat. Disaster averted, confidence restored.

Our team may be emergency seamstress superheroes (and yes, we carry sewing kits like it’s our job—because it is), but sometimes it’s just about comfort. After hours of photos, hugs, and dancing, you might simply want to slip into something lighter and easier to move in.

Bottom line?
Planning for the unexpected gives you peace of mind—and that means you get to be fully present for every magical moment of your day.

So, go ahead and toss that extra white dress in your wedding bag. You might not need it—but if you do, you’ll be so glad it’s there.

— Cat