Update: I DIY'd my reception dress

OP: https://www.reddit.com/r/DIYweddings/s/oYp3BI2abB

I ended up agreeing with you guys that this was too casual for my actual wedding dress, but I wanted to keep it for my joint bachelor/bachelorette night at a local food hall. And I finally toyed with my vision of replacing the natural looking buttons with flowers and pearls, plus added some additional beaded detailing.

I'm just an amateur at sewing and only have a needle and thread, but I'm pleased with how it came out!