Deciding to have an elopement wedding doesn’t mean you have to skip getting the wedding dress of your dreams! There’s no shortage of designers or retailers to shop for your perfect elopement ensemble. The best part? An elopement wedding dress can be whatever you want to wear on your big day.
What to consider when choosing an elopement wedding dress
There are a few important things to keep in mind when shopping for a dress for your elopement wedding.
- Love it first
The most important thing is that you need to love it. Remember that you will be wearing the dress on your wedding day and have pictures of you wearing it for many years to come! So, choose something that matches your unique style and personality.
- Comfort is key
Some retailers will try to convince you that things need to be absolutely fitted. But think about it: You want to be able to sit, walk and dance in your dream dress. So, go for something that allows you to move freely and not hold you back.
Here are a few ways to ensure you choose the most comfortable option when trying on dresses:
- Lift your legs high, like you would when stepping on a high ledge
- Raise both hands while twisting around
- Try running or skipping in it
- Try picking it up and twirling around
- Packability
If you’re planning on having an adventure wedding or eloping abroad, you want to make sure you can pack your wedding dress in a backpack or suitcase without causing any damage. If you’re planning a hike to your wedding destination, you also want to make sure the dress is lightweight.
- Versatility
Think about whether you want to wear your wedding dress again. Perhaps you can transform the dress into something shorter or pair the top or bottom parts with other clothes in your wardrobe. Upcycling is an art!
- Remember: Things may get dirty
If you’re planning an adventure wedding, you may have to hike through small streams or even muddy water. So, be prepared for your wedding attire to get a bit dirty.
Should you wear a veil?
Ultimately, this is your choice. Some brides love the look and feel of one to complete the bridal look. But if you want to keep things simple and not have to worry about a veil blowing away in the wind or getting caught on something, you may want to skip wearing one.
Elopement wedding dress ideas
- Creative two-piece sets
Two-piece dresses can be so much fun! You can dress it up with a lacy bodice and a flowy skirt, or dress it down with a simple white tank and mermaid skirt. The best part of a two-piece set is the versatility and option of reusing the separate pieces again in the future.
Source: weddinginspirasi.com
- The slip dress
This dress is perfect if you’re looking for a minimal, sophisticated but chic design. It’s ideal for a ‘less is more’ bridal repertoire. Its simplicity is its real virtue. It can be beautifully styled with any accessories and jewellery of your choice.
Source: wantthatwedding.co.uk
- The suit
If a dress doesn’t feel right, go for a custom-fitted jumpsuit or plain suit. With one of these outfits, you can introduce your own style through accessories.
Source: marthastewartweddings.com
- Alternative colours
By now you know that when it comes to elopement weddings, everything goes. And that goes for your wedding dress or suit too! Go for your favourite colour or something that truly means something to you.
Source: www.brides.com
- The tea-length dress
If you’re looking for a style that has a real ‘something old, something new’ quality to it, then this silhouette is for you. The tea-length dress offers the perfect balance between fashion-forward and traditional sensibilities. Its vintage charm adds to its appeal.
Source: weddinginspirasi.com
- The sheath dress
This type of dress can be worn in nearly any type of fabric including lace, satin or even embellished beading if you’re looking for a more glamorous look. Its shape is quite easy to move around in so you won’t be stuck feeling constricted throughout the day.
Source: weddinginspirasi.com
- Extra-short designs
If you’re planning a mid-summer wedding in a location with soaring temperatures, you may want to consider a short wedding dress. It’s fun to wear and will make you feel as free and comfortable on your big day as possible.
Source: wedshed.com.au
- The vintage dress
If you love all things vintage, a second-hand find is perfect for you. The benefits of choosing a vintage wedding dress are that it is unique and nostalgic and instantly creates a theme. Plus, you don’t have to spend a fortune!
Source: wednova.com
Where to find your dream wedding attire
Navigating the world of wedding attire can feel completely overwhelming. Between prices, styles, fabrics, and so much more, saying yes to your dream dress or suit can seem like an impossible task. But it doesn’t have to be. If you know where to shop and what route is most comfortable and convenient for you, the process will be much easier (and stress-free).
Consider the below options and decide which one is best for your unique needs:
- In a shop
If you want to keep the tradition of going shopping with your friends or family members, dress shop hopping is your answer. Make a list of all the wedding shops in your area and see how many you can comfortably fit into your schedule. Make a fun day out of it and go for lunch in between or a few drinks afterwards. The benefit of choosing this route is that you get all the help from your loved ones and you can choose a dress that actually fits well.
- Online
The experience shopping in a bridal salon can indeed be a fun experience, but there’s no denying the convenience of shopping for your wedding attire online. You can enjoy the experience from the comfort of your own home – stress-free. And there are thousands of online stores to choose from! Don’t forget to check Instagram for smaller boutique-style online shops in your area. Remember: Shopping locally is always better.
- A sample sale
Bridal shops often hold sample sales a couple of times every year to clear out older designs. During these sales, they usually offer huge discounts of up to 70% off. A sample dress is one that the shop keeps on the racks to try on, so be sure to check the dress for any damage before buying it.
- In a family member or friend’s wardrobe
If dress or suit shopping is not your thing, you can absolutely choose ‘something borrowed’ from a loved one. If you’re going for a vintage look, be sure to see what gran has stored away for you.
- In your own wardrobe
Upcycling is trendy. If you’re feeling creative, search your own wardrobe for pieces that can be transformed into your dream wedding attire.
Stay true to yourself
On your wedding day, you want to look beautiful and feel confident, but most importantly, you want to feel like yourself. So, be sure to choose wedding attire that makes you feel comfortable and that matches your personality. Forget others’ opinions and go with what feels (and looks!) right to you.