What to Wear When You Elope
Deciding what to wear on your elopement day can feel just as stressful as figuring out where to elope. Nowadays, there are so many options for elopement attire and accessories beyond the classic white dress. In recent years, we've entered a new age of wedding attire, and honestly? I’m here for it!
This guide will walk you through what to look for when choosing the perfect elopement day dress, suit, shoes, and accessories, in addition to a detailed gear list for those couples planning an extra adventurous elopement. Ready to say yes to the dress? Let's go shopping!
How To Choose an Elopement Dress
The biggest thing to think about with your elopement dress is comfort! If you plan on trekking to remote locales for your elopement ceremony and photo sessions, opt for a dress with looser skirts so you can move freely. Mermaid and trumpet styles are too restrictive for adventure elopements, while massive ball gowns can be cumbersome and act as a magnet for thick brush, thorny brambles, and loose branches.
You can never go wrong with an a-line, princess, or empire dress because they allow for a greater range of motion. Another thing to pay attention to when choosing elopement attire is to consider how easily the dress fabric will wrinkle. This is especially important if you’re planning an adventurous elopement where you’ll need to stuff your gown into your backpack and hike to your elopement location.
If you want to keep your attire wrinkle-free, look for dresses made of lace, polyester, crepe, and tulle. But if you're not afraid of a few wrinkles, all the better. Remember, elopements are all about adventure, and nothing says adventure like a well-loved wedding dress!
How To Choose An Elopement Suit
Choosing an elopement suit to align with your partner’s look can be daunting because there are just as many options. As with any adventure elopement, you’ll need to factor in the activities you’ll be doing on your big day, like hiking, rock climbing, lifting your partner, or breaking into spontaneous dance with them. A suit with stretch fabric will allow you to bust a move without feeling like you’re going to rip a seam.
If you're eloping during the hotter summer months, a wool, linen, or cotton suit will absorb sweat while keeping you cool. If you're having a winter elopement, heavier materials like tweed, velvet, or cashmere offer flexibility and insulating properties to keep you toasty.
Unique Elopement Attire
Remember, there is no right or wrong when it comes to choosing your elopement day look. It doesn't matter what color, what style, or what print you wear, anything goes! Explore these alternative styles for your elopement.
Jumpsuits
It's no wonder that jumpsuits are gaining traction in the world of bridal fashion. They're a dream to wear, flexible, and make you look like a million bucks on your wedding day without sacrificing comfort. Plus, who doesn't appreciate having pockets to stash your vows and tissues for when those tears start to flow?
Two-piece Dresses
I love two-piece bridal dresses because they’re made for the true non-conformist. Pair a top and bottom that reflects your sense of style and flatters your individual proportions to create a customized, one-of-a-kind elopement day look that's uniquely yours!
Colored/Patterned Dresses and Suits
White, ivory, or champagne not your thing? No worries! Lean into a look that includes loud colors, vibrant prints, or even black. Your day. Your rules. And if you’re not ready to fully commit, you can introduce a wink of color into your outfit without going all in. Add a colored veil to your white ensemble, or bring a colorful accent to your black suit with a patterned tie.
What Types Of Shoes To Wear For Your Elopement
Now that you've nailed your elopement day look, it's time to choose your shoes. Your elopement shoes should focus on practicality over style. While that doesn't rule out more traditional footwear options, I recommend avoiding heels if you plan on trekking over uneven or rocky terrain; it’s usually a recipe for a twisted or sprained ankle.
Your most loved pair of leather hiking boots are the best option if you’re doing a lot of hiking or walking around. And can I let you in on a secret? Hiking boots make for a killer photo op, especially if they're a little muddy around the edges!
But if you're not planning on getting your shoes dirty, any pair of comfortable, stylish shoes will work for the occasion. Just don't forget to break them in first before your elopement day!
Elopement Accessories
Accessories can add a personal touch to any wedding day outfit, and I'm not just talking about necklaces, earrings, and bouquets. Bring a touch of you to your wedding day look with these elopement accessories.
Crowns
I love a good crown! These boho-inspired headpieces create a stylish focal point around your head that will stand out in your wedding photography.
Veils
There’s nothing more classic than a beautiful bridal veil! This timeless wedding accessory stunningly contrasts against nature and provides some truly unique photo-framing opportunities. Eloping at a desert or beach destination can get windy, make sure your veil is secure by packing extra bobby pins.
Capes
What if a veil doesn't match the vibe of your dress? Enter: the bridal cape. Wedding capes add an extra layer of romance and mystique to your overall look and can complement your gown just as well as a traditional veil on your special day.
Patterned ties
A simple yet powerful statement piece. The subtlety of ties makes them a great accessory for experimenting with floral patterns, shapes, and designs. Patterned ties add so much flair to a simple or solid-colored suit!
Bolo ties
I've seen this look in many desert and mountain west weddings. A bolo tie gives your wedding suit a simple, elegant, and uniquely western vibe!
Jackets
Jackets are a super easy way to add character to any outfit. Add a lil’ sumtin' sumtin' to your wedding day look with a customized denim jacket, a rustic leather jacket, or a bold-colored jacket!
Custom or Keepsake Jewelry
When in doubt, go big with your bling! Experiment with vintage-inspired jewelry pieces with unique stones, mixed metallics or intriguing shapes. It’s also a perfect opportunity to dig out those family heirlooms you've been holding onto for a special occasion.
Customized Shoes
Yes, you read that right. You can order a pair of custom shoes for your elopement day! The benefit of wearing custom shoes goes beyond function. You call the shots on color, textures, leather, style, sole, and insole. After all, you're an individual with your own style, preferences, and unique aesthetic. Creating your own pair of shoes allows you to express who you are on a day that is uniquely yours.
Hats
A hat can be the perfect finishing touch to any bridal look. Felt hats are all the rage, with infinite styles of brims, shapes, and colors to complete your elopement ensemble.
Gear to bring for your elopement
You likely already own most of this gear if you and your partner are experienced adventurers. But for many couples, their elopement day will be their first foray into the wild. Coming in prepared with the necessary gear makes all the difference in how you experience your special day.
Gear List For Your Adventure Elopement
Marriage license and pen with black ink
Printed special use/event permit, if applicable
Vows
Rings
Bouquet(s) and/or boutonniere(s)
Extra layers, aesthetic or practical
Water
Water filtration system, for longer hikes
Snacks
Bubbly or some other celebratory beverage
Backpacks
Blanket
Gloves, mitten, hand warmers, for cold mornings or locations
Headlamps, if you’re hiking in the dark
Trekking poles
First aid kit
Sunscreen and bug spray
Toiletry bag
Pocket mirror
Hair brush
Deodorant
Makeup for touchups
Bobby pins and/or hair ties
Tide stick for stains
Mini lint roller
Bathroom necessities
Navigation (paper or digital map)
Portable speaker
P.S: If you’re hiking into the backcountry for your elopement, you might need to relieve yourself in the woods. Always follow Leave No Trace Principles and learn how to properly dispose of your waste in the backcountry. My favorite couples are those who leave our wild spaces as they found them!
What To Consider When Choosing Your Elopement Attire
Your elopement budget – If you’re having an adventure elopement, you probably won’t want to splurge on a dress that may get ruined. Understandable! Luckily, the process of saying yes to the dress looks different today than it did even 20 years ago. No matter your budget, there are plenty of options to find the elopement fit that works for you, which can be both a blessing and a curse. Rather than being overwhelmed by choice, start your search by setting a realistic budget for your wedding attire, including shoes and accessories, then find retailers that cater to that budget.
Where you’ll be eloping – The location of your elopement is important to keep in mind while searching for your attire. While your Big Sur elopement will ideally be sunny with a mild breeze, there's an equal chance it'll be windy and rainy, depending on what time of year you choose to elope. With outdoor elopements, you can't control the weather, so it's best to embrace whatever Mother Nature throws your way! Dress according to the weather conditions that are common for the area.
Your elopement day activities – Every elopement is different, so the attire that works for one couple may not work for you and your partner. If you’re doing a lot of hiking, a heavy dress or a thick suit could cause problems, but if you’re keeping it casual and limiting your activity, you’ll only have to be concerned about the weather.
The fabric of your elopement attire – From a practical standpoint, something light and airy is best for hiking. However, from a photographic standpoint, gowns with lots of fabric provide more creative possibilities. You can toss your skirt into the air, let the wind whip your ballgown dramatically, or drape your train off a cliffside.
How comfortable your elopement attire is – No matter what type of elopement you’re planning, your outfit should make you feel beautiful and allow you to express your wild side without restriction. That means prioritizing comfort and mobility. While trying on elopement dresses, pretend you're hiking. As you're prancing around the room, imagine yourself boulder hopping, going up steep trails, leaping into your partner's arms, twirling around, etc. If your dress makes you feel like you can go anywhere in it, it's a winner!
Remember that the most important thing about your wedding attire is how you feel in it. Be authentic to yourself! As I always say to my couples, there are no rules for eloping – so don't be afraid to get creative and think outside the box!
No matter how you choose to spend your wedding day, I'm here to guide you every step of the way – from planning to styling advice! If that sounds like a dream, learn more about me here or contact me today to start planning your adventure elopement!