How to Find an Elopement Wedding Dress
One of the most important parts of your day will be your elopement wedding dress!
You’ll be spending the day wandering the desert, running by the ocean, hiking up a mountain, celebrating with your best friends on a boat, or….
Well, the possibilities are endless!
But, the point is that when you elope, it won’t be a typical wedding day! Your dress needs to be able to join you on all the amazing adventures you have planned! That’s why finding an elopement wedding dress isn’t quite as simple as walking into a dress shop!
Because guess what?! Not every wedding dress is meant to be an elopement dress.
This guide will tell you how to find a wedding dress for an elopement. You'll also find everything you need to know when it comes to styles, fabrics, and where to look!
What is an Elopement Wedding Dress
First things first, what is an elopement wedding dress?
A wedding dress for an elopement can be as unique as the elopement itself. You can wear a more traditional white gown, or you can get creative with colors and styles! If you'd like, you could even rock a simple sundress instead.
The most important thing is that you love what you’re wearing. The second most important thing is that your elopement dress allows you to adventure and move around freely. That way, you feel free to enjoy your day!
So, wear whatever heck you want. Start your search by giving yourself permission to get creative and let whatever happens, happen.
Where to Find an Elopement Wedding Dress
Once you’re ready to start shopping, here are some places to check out for elopement dresses!
You can definitely go to bridal shops and traditional stores - here are a few of the best in-person shops:
A & Bè, which has locations in Seattle, Portland, and several other major cities in the US
David’s Bridal is all over the country and has options online too
BHLDN has in-person locations in several states, and you can shop online.
Another great option is to shop online! This lets you look at hundreds of elopement dresses without having to leave your house. Many of them have flexible try-on and return policies to make sure you love them.
Here are some great online dress shops:
Rue de Seine makes amazing bohemian dresses
Flutter Dress Shops was started by a wedding photographer, and she makes really unique gowns, and does custom orders!
Daci Gowns has one location in Boise, but they also have an online shop
Lulus is a really great, more affordable option for elopement dresses
You can also look at some alternative places, and even just check out your favorite store! If you want a casual vibe for your elopement, you can find a sundress or something simple at places you already shop. You can even find a simple convertible dress on Amazon.
Things to Consider When Shopping for an Elopement Wedding Dress
When you shop for the perfect dress, here are some things to think about that can make a dress work for an adventurous elopement!
Weight and Packability
First, are you going to be traveling with the dress, and will you need to put it in a backpack while you hike?
I can show you how to safely pack a dress if you need to, but this can be more difficult with a big, poofy ball gown, so if you’re going to have to carry the dress or pack it for your travels, think about that ahead of time!
Wrinkling is also something to think about if you’ll be packing your dress, and some fabrics will hold up better. Lace is the best option, as it doesn’t wrinkle at all, but crepe and tulle hold up well too, and their texture covers up minor wrinkles. A little wrinkling isn’t a big deal (elopements aren’t about being perfect!), but if you choose a fabric that does wrinkle more easily, it can be better to steam the dress at Airbnb and wear it for all your adventures!
Weather
Fabric is also a big factor for another reason - the weather! The fabric your dress is made of will make a difference in how warm or cool you are, so consider the season you’re eloping in and what kind of weather you’re expecting.
Heavier, thicker fabrics, like brocade, silk, and velvet, will help you stay warm if you elope in the winter months or you head into the mountains and anticipate some snow.
Lightweight, breathable fabrics include crepe, organza, and tulle (which are usually used under the skirt to give it some body without adding a lot of weight), and these can be better for warm weather or hiking!
If you need to stay warm, I also recommend adding a jacket, shawl, cape, or some thermal leggings under the dress.
Style and Fit
When you’re trying on wedding dresses for your elopement, keep in mind that some styles are better suited for adventures. Tight skirts, like mermaid-style dresses, can make it difficult to sit down and walk around, so if you’re planning on moving around a lot, these aren’t ideal.
Dresses that have loose, flowy skirts tend to be better for elopements, as they’re comfortable and won’t restrict your movement! You can also opt for something unique, like a jumpsuit or even a shorter dress if you want a laid-back, casual style.
If you’re trying on dresses, it’s often a good idea to try on some different styles, even if you already know which ones you like. Sometimes, looking at dresses online is different from seeing them on you, and you might be surprised by something you loved on someone else that doesn’t suit you, or by something you weren’t that into but looks amazing on you!
Think about what you’ll be doing on your elopement day too - if you’re hiking, that can be difficult in a big, poofy skirt. But, don’t be afraid of trains! These look great trailing behind you, and if the dress is lightweight and not too voluminous, you can pick them up and carry them when needed.
Find an Elopement Wedding Dress That Screams YOU
Don’t forget the most important rule: be yourself! Choose a wedding dress for your elopement that makes you feel amazing! Don’t be afraid to experiment with different styles, and try out some colors - your dress doesn’t have to be white. My job as an elopement photographer is to be your hype woman and cheer you on!
READY TO PLAN YOUR ELOPEMENT?