Why have only one dress if you can have many?

Having only one wedding dress may seem so yesterday. A whole wedding wardrobe is the word of wisdom!

Now you see it, now you don't! Many modern brides wear at least three different whites these days - one for the rehearsal dinner, one for the ceremony, and one for the party. A fourth white outfit for the morning after brunch? Why ever not? Think Bikini with a matching wrap for THAT pool party.

The trend of wearing multiple wedding dresses—often referred to as creating a "wedding wardrobe"—is driven by a blend of practical comfort, social media influence, and a desire for personal expression.

Daring: It needn't always be white! M&M chose black for their rehearsal dinner, a stunning contrast in the flimmerings, glowing July heat of Chateau du Jonquier.

While once reserved for celebrities and royals, it has become a popular choice for modern brides looking to separate the formal "vows" moment from the "party" atmosphere.

Core Reasons for the Trend

• Balancing Tradition and Comfort: Many brides dream of a traditional, dramatic ballgown for the ceremony but find it too heavy or restrictive for eating and dancing. Swapping into a second, lighter dress (like a mini-dress or jumpsuit) allows for "freedom to move" on the dance floor.

  
  

• The "Social Media" Factor: Platforms like Instagram and TikTok have amplified the desire for multiple "reveals" and distinct visual stories. Different outfits provide diverse photo opportunities and keep guests engaged with unexpected changes in the bride's look.

  
  

• Multi-Day Celebrations: Modern weddings often evolve into weekend-long events including welcome parties, rehearsal dinners, and farewell brunches. This creates a need for various bridal looks to match the energy of each specific phase.

  
  

• Cultural Fusion: For many, multiple outfits are a cultural tradition. Brides may wear a cultural garment (like a lehenga or qipao) for a traditional ceremony and a white Western-style gown for the reception.

  
  

• Versatility Without Compromise: Instead of finding one dress that "does it all," brides can choose a conservative, elegant look for the ceremony and a sexy, sparkly, or fashion-forward design for the after-party.

  
  

A simple strapless dress can be a great option for a more relaxed rehearsal dinner, as seen here at Chateau du Jonquier

Emerging Alternatives

Not everyone is getting married to Jeff Bezos or is Steve Jobbs daughter. If multiple full gown purchases aren't feasible, many brides are turning to:

• Transformable Gowns: Dresses with detachable sleeves, overskirts, or capes that allow for a "reveal" without a full change.

  
  

• Bridal Separates: Mixing and matching corsets, tops, and skirts to create different silhouettes throughout the day.

  
  

• Rentals and High-Street Options: Renting high-end designer gowns or purchasing a second "party" dress from more affordable high-street bridal collections to manage the budget.

  
  

But hey, we haven't spoken about the most important outfit yet: what are you wearing for your wedding night? Well, my great-grand-mother had these words of wisdom to give: 'Best would be nothing'. She was married for 54 years. Need I say more?

Photos: Julie Fourmon Wedding Photography and Pixabay

Five Reasons to get married at a Chateau...if you need them!

Does anyone NEED a reason to get married at a chateau? Ok ok. Finding your venue for this day in your life is at the heart of everything. It's a big decision. So, let me help you: here are MY five top reasons to get married at a chateau.

Our buttercup baroque beauty

1. Grand and historic atmosphere

• Chateaux often provide a sense of glamour and a special feeling due to their historical significance, which can make your wedding day feel even more special.

• The architecture and historical context create a unique and impressive atmosphere for both the ceremony and reception. 

Why not start the photoshoot a day early?

2. Beautiful backdrops for photography

• The combination of majestic architecture and stunning grounds or gardens provides a multitude of beautiful, memorable photo opportunities.

• The elegant interiors and the surrounding natural beauty offer a perfect backdrop, making every photo look even grander. 

Everybody over to mine: we welcome 14 guests overnight

3. All-in-one convenience

• Many chateau venues offer a full-service package, meaning you can have your ceremony, reception, and even stay the night all in the same location.

• This eliminates the need to move guests from one place to another, making the day flow more smoothly. 

Do things as YOU want to...it's your wedding!

4. Exclusive use of the venue

• Booking a chateau can offer a sense of exclusivity, giving you the entire venue to yourselves for the day without interruptions.

• This allows you and your guests to celebrate in privacy. 

Our arched portico, which is an ideal inside/outside party space

5. Versatility for different seasons and guest numbers 

• Chateaux are often well-suited for any season, with elegant indoor halls for colder months and beautiful outdoor areas for warmer weather.

• The spaciousness of these venues can accommodate large guest lists, with both indoor and outdoor options available for guests to enjoy. 

Photos: Julie Fourmon and Maxime Postiaux

Five Trends for Weddings in 2026

What does the future hold? That's a question that any couple that is to be wed asks themselves. Why, the answer is clear: happiness ever after. That's why you celebrate your love so brilliantly, surrounded by family and friends. Most of these trends are perfectly in harmony with our beautiful baroque bijou, the Chateau du Jonquier.

What we DO know already though are some clear trends when it comes to wedding celebration in 2026: organic minimalism and natural chic rule. There's also a thirst for immersive and scenographic weddings. And if contemporary luxury and gallery-style celebrations don't go out of fashion, there's also a marked return of "village weddings", and a new, strong focus on eco-responsibility. These trends reflect a shift towards more personalized, sustainable, and visually captivating experiences. Who wants a cookie-cutter celebration? Thought so.

Here's a more detailed look at things to come:

1. Organic Minimalism and Natural Chic:

This trend emphasizes natural beauty with a focus on clean lines, organic materials, and a connection to nature. Think light, airy spaces, neutral color palettes, and a minimal, yet elegant, decor. Natural is something that is very close to our heart: Chateau du Jonquier is a haven for local wildlife and the vast expanse of its 5HA park allows for a lot of creativity.

2. Immersive and Scenographic Weddings:

Couples are creating themed experiences with elaborate set designs and theatrical elements. This could involve themed decor, interactive installations, or even performance art incorporated into the celebration. This is a perfect trend for Chateau du Jonquier: Its baroque beauty is something very rare and lends itself as a stunning scenery.

3. Contemporary Luxury and Gallery-Style Weddings:

This trend elevates the wedding experience with sophisticated, gallery-inspired aesthetics. Think sleek, modern spaces, curated art installations, and a focus on high-end details. I can see this happening at Chateau du Jonquier: some amazing art installation in our park, or above the water of our springs, canals and the etangs.

4. The Return of the Chic "Village Wedding":

There's a resurgence of intimate, community-focused celebrations reminiscent of village weddings. These events often feature local vendors, personalized touches, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere. This is something that's very close to our heart at Chateau du Jonquier: yes, we are very private and hidden within our 5 HA park. But we are also part of the community.

5. Eco-Responsibility:

Sustainability is no longer an option, but a core value for many couples. Expect to see a rise in eco-friendly practices like using local and seasonal flowers, minimizing waste, and sourcing sustainable materials. As a Chateau with a 5 HA park, which is also a haven to local wildlife, we are BIG on avoiding waste and admire all imagination that works with what you have. That's what we do every day . Keeping things simple can be so sophisticated.

We so look forward to seeing these trends come to life during one of our lovely couples' celebrations. What else will the future hold? Que sera, sera...

All photos: Julie Fourmon