Best Elopement Dresses | Shopping Guide
You've likely come across those stunning images of badass brides, effortlessly hiking up trails in their gorgeous elopement wedding dresses, heading toward some of the most breathtakingly unreal locations on Earth. These pictures not only capture a moment of pure adventurous spirit but also encapsulate a unique blend of romance, daring, and personal style. If you're now sitting there wondering, "How can I pull off something this epic? What should I consider when choosing my elopement wedding dress to make my day and photos just as mesmerizing?" then you're in the perfect place.
We're beyond excited to delve into this topic because, truth be told, the style of your wedding dress can immensely elevate the personality and emotion captured in your adventurous wedding photos. Whether you're aiming for dramatic backdrops, romantic moods, or a sense of playfulness, the right dress can significantly enhance the visual storytelling of your special day. So, let's embark on this journey together and guide you toward finding that flawless dress for your elopement, ensuring your wedding photos are as breathtaking as the adventure itself.
How to pick the perfect elopement dress
We understand your excitement about jumping straight into selecting the perfect style for your elopement dress. However, before we explore various styles, it's crucial to consider a few essential factors. Choosing the best elopement dress involves thoughtful consideration of several elements to ensure your dress is as ready for adventure as you are:
Location & Climate
Let the destination of your elopement guide your dress choice. For warm climates, lightweight and breathable fabrics like chiffon or silk are ideal, offering both comfort and elegance. Conversely, if you're eloping in cooler locations, consider opting for dresses made from velvet or featuring layered designs to keep you cozy without compromising on style.
Comfort & Mobility
Comfort should be at the forefront of your decision, especially if your elopement involves activities like hiking or exploring. It's important to test the mobility of your dress by walking, sitting, and moving around in it before making your final decision. Your dress should facilitate ease of movement, allowing you to fully enjoy every moment of your adventure.
Personal Style
Your elopement dress should be a reflection of your personal style and make you feel like the best version of yourself on this special day. Whether you're drawn to the elegance of a mermaid dress, the playfulness of a short gown, or the uniqueness of a suit, choose an outfit that resonates with you and your individuality.
Practicality
The logistics of your elopement day should play a significant role in your dress selection. If your plans include hiking to your ceremony location, seek out dresses that are easy to transport and resilient enough to withstand a bit of adventure. Your dress should not only look beautiful but also be practical for the unique demands of your elopement.
By keeping these factors in mind, you'll be well on your way to finding an elopement dress that is both stunning and suitable for your adventure-filled celebration. Let's move forward and explore the styles that will make your elopement truly unforgettable.
Best fabrics for adventure elopement dresses
When selecting the perfect elopement dress, the fabric plays a big role in both the aesthetic and functionality of your attire. Whether you're scaling a mountain or strolling down a secluded beach, the right fabric can enhance your comfort, mobility, and overall look. Let's explore the different fabric choices to help you decide which best suits your adventurous spirit and style.
Lightweight Fabrics
For brides seeking maximum movement and comfort, lightweight fabrics are the go-to choice. These materials are ideal for outdoor and destination elopements where ease of movement is key. Consider the following options:
Chiffon: Known for its sheer and light qualities, chiffon offers a flowy, ethereal look that's perfect for wind-swept ceremonies.
Tulle: For a touch of whimsy and romance, tulle creates soft, dreamy silhouettes that feel as light as air.
Organza: Crisper than chiffon but still lightweight, organza adds structure without the weight, making it great for more formal elopements.
Georgette: Similar to chiffon but with a slightly heavier texture, georgette provides a beautiful drape and is perfect for those seeking a bit of flow without too much sheerness.
These fabrics are celebrated for their breathability and sheer textures, offering layers of beauty without restricting movement, ensuring you're as comfortable as you are captivating.
Heavier Fabrics
For those who prefer a bit more structure or warmth, heavier fabrics can offer sophistication and elegance while still allowing for movement:
Satin: With its luxurious sheen, satin is ideal for brides looking for a bit of glamour. While heavier, high-quality satin can be surprisingly fluid.
Silk: Silk's natural fibers offer unparalleled softness and sheen, providing warmth without bulkiness, perfect for cooler destinations.
Polyester: A versatile option, polyester can mimic the look and feel of more luxurious fabrics but at a more accessible price point. Its adaptability means it can be both light and heavy, suitable for a variety of elopement settings.
These materials offer more weight and texture, contributing to a more structured silhouette without compromising the ability to move gracefully.
Lace & Embroidery
For a truly timeless look, lace and embroidery add intricate detail and depth to any elopement dress:
Lace: Ideal for the bohemian bride, lace offers texture and elegance. With a variety of patterns from floral to geometric, lace can be tailored to fit any theme or personality.
Embroidery: Adding a layer of luxury and personalization, embroidered gowns can range from subtle accents to bold, statement pieces.
While these options may be a bit more rigid than their lightweight counterparts, choosing a dress with strategic lace or embroidery placement can ensure you have plenty of mobility. Plus, these fabrics are perfect for adding a touch of romance and intricacy to your elopement ensemble.
Important elopement dress tip:
When planning longer hikes, it's wise to steer clear of dresses featuring boning and tight straps, since they can chafe the skin during prolonged movement. Additionally, dresses adorned with numerous embellishments and sparkles are likely to cause irritation. Ensure that the dress doesn't rub uncomfortably when trying it on for the first time.
The best styles for elopement dresses
Adventure elopements require a unique blend of style, comfort, and functionality in a wedding dress. These dresses need to be not just beautiful but also practical enough to handle whatever the day's journey entails, from hiking up mountains to strolling along remote beaches. The best styles for adventure elopement dresses combine these elements seamlessly, ensuring that brides look stunning while embracing the spirit of adventure. Here are some of the top styles that cater to various terrains, climates, and personal tastes:
1. Boho Elopement Dresses
Bohemian-style dresses are synonymous with adventure and freedom, making them a perfect choice for an elopement. Look for dresses with flowing skirts, relaxed fits, and natural fabrics that offer both comfort and movement. Lace details, flutter sleeves, and ethereal layers add a touch of romance and whimsy, ideal for forest escapes or beachside vows.
2. Minimalist Elopement Dresses
For the modern bride who appreciates simplicity and elegance, a sleek and minimalist gown can be strikingly beautiful against any backdrop. These dresses often feature clean lines, simple silhouettes, and a lack of embellishment, highlighting the natural beauty of the surroundings and the bride herself. A sheath dress or a slip dress made from silk or satin can offer a smooth, lightweight option that's easy to move in. Choosing a mermaid style dress? These dresses tend to be a bit more tight around the legs which makes it harder to walk. Our advice, go for a mermaid dress that has a slit or has stretchy fabric. Or make sure to adjust your activities to your dress.
3. Two-piece Elopement Dresses
Convertible wedding dresses offer the ultimate in versatility, with detachable skirts, sleeves, and trains that can transform the look from ceremony to adventure-ready in moments. These dresses allow brides to enjoy a more traditional look for their vows and then adapt their outfit for the day's activities, ensuring comfort without compromising on style.
4. Colorful and unique elopement dresses
Who says wedding dresses have to be white? Adventure elopements are all about breaking the mold, and choosing a dress in a unique color or with bold patterns can reflect the joy and uniqueness of your day. Soft pastels, deep jewel tones, or even floral patterns can make a statement and stand out beautifully against natural landscapes.
5. Elopement jumpsuit
Is a dress not really your vibe? No worries! We're all for it! There are plenty of beautiful jumpsuit options out there that are perfect for hiking elopements, maintaining the drama of a wedding dress amidst nature!
Hiking in your elopement dress
Hiking in your elopement dress offers a unique and adventurous twist to your wedding day, but it's a decision that ultimately comes down to personal preference. For some brides, the idea of trekking through rugged terrain in their gown, allowing it to collect memories in the form of dirt, branches, and perhaps even a stray feather or two, adds an element of spontaneity and authenticity to their special day. It becomes a symbol of embracing the journey, both literal and metaphorical, that they're embarking on with their partner.
However, for other brides, keeping their dress in pristine condition is a top priority. They may opt to change into more practical attire for the hike, preserving the elegance of their gown for the ceremony itself. And that's perfectly fine too. Your wedding day is about celebrating your love in the way that feels most authentic to you as a couple.
Ultimately, the decision of whether to hike in your elopement dress or not depends on your comfort level and the specific trail you choose. If you're planning to hike a challenging trail with steep inclines and rough terrain, practical hiking attire might be a more comfortable option for the journey. After all, hiking four miles to the top of a mountain requires clothing that allows for ease of movement and breathability.
Regardless of whether you choose to hike in your dress or change into hiking gear, the most important thing is to embrace the adventure and enjoy every moment of your special day. Whether your dress bears the marks of your journey or remains untouched, it will be a beautiful symbol of the love and commitment you share with your partner as you embark on this new chapter together.
Regardless of your choice, remember that the most important thing is to enjoy the experience and create cherished memories with your partner. Whether you're saying your vows atop a mountain peak or in a secluded forest glade, your love and commitment to each other will shine through, no matter what you're wearing. So embrace the adventure, whether it involves hiking in your dress or opting for a more traditional approach – the choice is yours to make.
How to travel with a wedding dress
Traveling with a wedding dress requires careful planning to ensure it arrives in the best condition:
Choose the Right Bag: Invest in a garment bag designed for wedding dresses, ideally one that you can carry onto a plane. Consider a foldable design that's easy to handle and store.
Pack Smart: If folding is necessary, fold the dress as few times as possible and use tissue paper to prevent creases. Some brides opt to pack their dresses in a carry-on suitcase for added protection.
On the Plane: If you're flying, contact the airline ahead of time to inquire about their policy for traveling with a wedding dress. Some airlines allow you to hang the garment bag in a first-class closet.
Upon Arrival: Once you arrive at your destination, unpack your dress as soon as possible and hang it up. A steamer can be a lifesaver for removing any wrinkles.
Where to buy elopement dresses
Affordable elopement dresses
Higher-range elopement dresses
Elopement dress accessories
Just like a traditional wedding, eloping gives you the freedom to style your dress in a way that perfectly reflects your personality and preferences. Whether you envision a look that's romantic and ethereal or bold and adventurous, there are countless ways to make your elopement dress uniquely yours. Here are some ideas to consider:
Long Veils: Embrace the drama of a long veil cascading down your back as you exchange vows in a picturesque outdoor setting. A veil adds a touch of romance and elegance to your elopement ensemble, whether you choose a classic cathedral length or opt for something more ethereal like a lace-edged mantilla.
Capes: Make a statement with a dramatic cape draped over your shoulders. Whether it's a flowing chiffon cape for a whimsical vibe or a beaded capelet for a touch of glamour, a cape adds instant wow-factor to your elopement dress and provides an extra layer of warmth on cooler days.
Flower Crowns: Channel your inner bohemian goddess with a beautiful flower crown adorning your hair. Whether you opt for a lush floral crown with cascading blooms or a delicate halo of baby's breath, a flower crown adds a whimsical touch to your elopement look and complements an outdoor ceremony perfectly.
Weather-Related Accessories: If you're eloping in a location with unpredictable weather, it's essential to come prepared with weather-related accessories. Consider bringing scarves, shawls, or jackets to keep warm in cooler temperatures, as well as umbrellas to shield you from rain showers. Don't forget to coordinate your accessories with your dress for a cohesive look.
Matching Socks and Hiking Boots: If your elopement involves hiking or exploring rugged terrain, practical footwear is a must. Consider wearing hiking boots that provide comfort and support while still looking stylish. Pair them with coordinating socks for added warmth and consider choosing socks that add a fun pop of color or pattern to your ensemble.
No matter how you choose to style your elopement dress, the key is to stay true to yourself and your vision for your special day. Whether you opt for added drama with long veils and capes or prioritize practicality with weather-related accessories and hiking boots, your elopement dress should reflect your unique style and make you feel confident and beautiful as you embark on this unforgettable adventure with your partner.
Shopping for an elopement wedding dress indeed comes with its unique set of considerations, from the style that suits the intimate nature of the ceremony to the practical aspects of location and comfort. While factors such as fabric, design, and budget play significant roles in the decision-making process, the paramount consideration should always be how you feel in the dress. The essence of an elopement is the deep personal connection between partners, a celebration of love in its purest form, often away from the gaze of a larger audience. Therefore, the dress you choose should resonate with your sense of identity and beauty, making you feel not just comfortable but also confident and radiant. This feeling of being your best self when wearing your elopement wedding dress surpasses all other considerations, for it is this very confidence and joy that will shine through, making your special day truly unforgettable.
