How to Choose the Best Elopement Dress
Eloping offers the chance to tailor every aspect of your special day according to your tastes and wishes, and your attire is no exception. From traditional wedding gowns to thematic or film-inspired outfits, the only rule is to select something that brings you joy and confidence.
Having photographed many elopements, I've noted that certain factors consistently contribute to successful and pleasing photos. This guide combines these insights with a focus on comfort, practicality, and personal style to help you choose the perfect dress.
Selecting the Ideal Material for an Elopement Dress
The perfect material balances comfort, aesthetics, and functionality. Lightweight, breathable fabrics like chiffon, tulle, or crepe are ideal for elopements involving significant movement or hiking. These materials not only allow for easy, unrestricted movement, but they also lend a graceful flow to your dress that's beautifully captured in photographs, creating an ethereal effect.
On the other hand, lace offers a timeless, romantic look. It can be both elegant and bohemian, offering a versatility that suits various elopement styles. For a more elegant look, consider heavier materials like silk or satin. These fabrics may require more care during movement, but they add a luxurious touch to your images due to their lustrous sheen and excellent draping qualities. Always choose a material that feels good against your skin and does not cause irritation or discomfort – feeling good translates to looking good in photos!
Portability and Packing Considerations Before You Elope
Your elopement dress needs to be travel-friendly. A dress made of lightweight, wrinkle-resistant fabric like crepe or jersey can be easily packed, and will still look fabulous in photos after a long journey. Consider bringing a garment bag or a travel case for additional protection and packing convenience.
If you'll be hiking or changing locations during your elopement, think about how to transport your dress. Could it be easily folded into a backpack or carried in a separate bag? Perhaps you might opt for a transformable dress that can be worn in multiple styles or lengths, providing variety for your photos and flexibility for different environments.
Ensuring Mobility During Your Elopement Photoshoot
Mobility plays a significant role in your comfort and the versatility of your photoshoot. Being able to move freely in your dress allows for more organic, varied poses, resulting in more natural-looking photos. During the dress selection process, don't hesitate to move around, sit, stand, lie down, and walk around in each dress to test its comfort and mobility.
Consider the nature of your elopement when choosing a dress. If your special day involves adventurous activities, opt for a dress that doesn't restrict movement. Imagine hiking up a mountain path or exploring a beach – a dress with slits or a short train can facilitate movement while still looking beautiful in your photographs.
Even if you don't plan on hiking, running, or jumping on your special day, your photographer may ask you to engage in various poses or movements to capture unique and charming photos.
Considering a scenic hike as part of your elopement day?For shorter hikes up to two miles roundtrip without sint elevation changes, a dress is highly recommended. Such an easy trail provides numerous photo opportunities you won't want to miss. Consider raising the hem of your dress to knee level or higher to maximize comfort. A knot or belt can easily achieve this. The dress' length won't hinder you and both hands will be free.
Don't worry if it gets a little dirty along the way – that just adds to the story! Besides, dry cleaners are capable of handling post-adventure clean-ups efficiently. As for the dress style, avoid tight corsets, narrow mermaid tails, or hoop petticoats. Opt for a dress that allows easy movement, like taking big strides or climbing rocks, and one that lets you breathe freely. This will ensure the perfect balance of adventure and romance.
However, if your chosen hike is more challenging, covering more than three miles roundtrip with significant elevation changes, you should change clothes at the hike's conclusion. For privacy, find a secluded spot behind a rock or tree trunk. If you don't mind the extra weight, consider a portable changing room, similar to a tent.
Elopement Dresses and the Seasons
Winter
Consider a dress that allows for layers. Adding nude leggings under your dress can provide warmth and won't be noticeable in photos. They are available in a wide range of colors, making it easy to find a pair that matches your skin tone. To add a whimsical touch to your images, consider a faux fur shawl or a long, heavy cape that can be dramatically swept aside or wrapped around you.
Spring
Spring elopements require adaptability due to fluctuating temperatures and possible rainfall. Consider a convertible dress with removable layers, allowing you to adjust according to the weather. Rain can create a magical, romantic atmosphere in your photos, so don't shy away from fabrics that don't absorb water and look beautiful when wet, such as lace or organza. Rain jackets, rain boots, clear umbrellas won’t hurt depending on the weather.
Summer
For a summer elopement, select a breathable, lightweight dress to keep cool. Fabrics like chiffon, crepe, or even cotton will look breezy and beautiful in sunny, golden-hour photos. Mind that long sleeves and high necklines can be uncomfortable in hot temperatures.
Fall
Fall elopements require flexible planning. If your location is prone to sudden rain, take a leaf from the spring elopement book and be prepared.
Accessories for Your Elopement Outfit
Accessories like veils, capes, or shawls can add depth, texture, and movement to your photos, creating dramatic and dynamic images. Veils can catch the wind, adding an ethereal effect, while a beautifully designed shawl can add a pop of color or texture.
Consider props that enhance your personal style and the elopement's vibe. Floral crowns or a vintage parasol can add a bohemian or Victorian touch respectively, creating a more thematic and personalized aesthetic. A well-chosen bouquet can complement your dress and become a versatile prop for various poses.
What Colors to Wear for an Elopement?
Elopement dresses can be any color you prefer, so feel free to express yourself. Vivid colors can create stunning contrast in photographs, especially against neutral or monochromatic backdrops. Metallic or shimmery fabrics catch light beautifully, adding a touch of glamor. If you're eloping in a vibrant, colorful location, consider how your dress color will complement or contrast the surroundings.
Alternatively, play with patterns – floral or abstract prints can add an unexpected, playful touch to your elopement attire, creating unique and memorable photos.
How Much Does an Elopement Dress Cost?
Elopement dresses range vastly in price. It's essential to find a dress that not only fulfills your dream vision and provides comfort but also fits within your budget. Keep in mind that alterations can add to the overall cost.
Look for sample sales or preloved dresses if budget is a concern. Remember, your dress's value isn't measured by its price tag, but by how it makes you feel and look in your photos.
Here are some dress designers I love:
Extra Tips and Tricks to Keep in Mind Before Eloping
When purchasing a dress online, it's best to try on a similar style in a store first to assess comfort, mobility, and photogenic qualities. If possible, have your photographer present during one of your fittings to get their perspective and advice on how the dress will look.
Remember that alterations can take up to six months, so plan accordingly.
Finally, don't rush your decision and don't worry if you try on multiple dresses without making a purchase – take your time to ensure you've found the perfect dress for your perfect day.
Incorporating Cultural Traditions Into Your Elopement Attire
Don't be afraid to embrace your cultural traditions when choosing your elopement attire. Whether you wear traditional wedding clothing, a modern version inspired by your heritage, or change into a second outfit during the day, choose something that feels true to you. After all, there are no rules when it comes to eloping.
Alternatives to Traditional Elopement Attire
Did anyone say you have to wear a specific dress for your elopement? Traditional wedding dresses aren't the only option. Feel free to think outside the box – a dramatic pantsuit, a boho jumpsuit, or even a themed costume could be your dream elopement attire. The key is to select something that reflects your personality, feels comfortable, and will look stunning in your photographs.
Have fun with it!
I’M VALERIE, YOUR ADVENTURE ELOPEMENT PHOTOGRAPHER
If you've read this far, you're probably ready to start planning your elopement adventure. So it's time for you to meet me – the person behind the camera who'll be capturing your most precious moments.
My name is Valerie Lisuk, but please call me Val! I'm an elopement photographer, an officiant, and a planner based in Seattle, and I specialize in shooting elopements throughout the gorgeous Pacific Northwest. I know this region incredibly well – not just from years of professional experience, but also because my husband and I absolutely love to hike and explore. You can absolutely count on us to find the most perfect, breathtaking spots to capture your special day.
Here's something really special: my husband Pasha assists me during photo sessions and is also an ordained officiant. His wedding ceremony service is completely free for all my photography clients. So when you book me as your photographer, you're also getting a wonderful, experienced officiant for your elopement or intimate wedding.
Friendship is not something you can buy, but here you will get a real friend. Yes, I’ll be pretty much invisible during the elopement, but as with any intimate event, the elopement goes better when you are surrounded by people you trust. I’ll try to become that kind of person for your couple. I’ll help you to spend this day in a relaxed atmosphere. One of the most popular reasons why people choose to elope is the desire to spend the wedding day without haste and fuss. Your elopement will be adventurous but stress-free! I'll be your rock, your shoulder to lean on.
The final step toward your ideal elopement is filling out the contact form. I'd love to hear all about your dreams and help make them come true!
