10 Steps to Help you Choose your Elopement Dress
An elopement dress is not just any dress that you’ll wear for an outdoor wedding. It’s the perfect choice for an elopement whether that includes hiking or a bohemian vibe for a desert landscape. Elopement dresses can be very similar to a wedding dress, depending on what you’re looking for or be completely different and compliment the environment or be nontraditional. There is no right or wrong choice as long as you are happy with your decision. If you’re trying to find an elopement wedding dress, consider some points and factors that will help guide your decisions.
1) Your style: What do I like?
Do some soul-searching and figure out your personal style. Think back to all of the events in your life where you had a specific outfit; consider the styles which make you feel comfortable and beautiful. Keep it simple with a focus on functionality or add drama with accessories such as beading or feathers.
2) The location: Where am I getting married?
Consider the varied landscapes you’re surrounded by and select a dress that matches the environment. It can be fun to incorporate nature into your look with flowers, feathers, or other natural elements.
3) The vibe: What kind of mood do I have?
There are so many ways to express yourself in your wedding dress – choose the one that best reflects you. Are you all about looks or function? Intentions can be good motivation for choosing your dress, especially if it will help sway your decision-making process.
4) Your partner’s preferences: Do you want them to be surprised or have input?
Grooms can certainly have the option to participate in selecting their bride’s gowns, but there are also dresses which are designed with masculine qualities to appeal to both partners. Keep in mind your prospective husband’s likes and dislikes before making a choice; he may picture the perfect dress for you to have less ballroom type qualities and have more of a modern silhouette that hugs your best features.
5) To veil or not to veil?
A wedding veil is a staple for many brides, but it’s not the only option. Depending on your desired look, you can choose from headpieces that match your style and personality to complement the dress. If the dress has enough drama then consider getting rid of a veil all together or go with a piece that is similar in length like a cape to maintain balance.
6) The fabric: What will I be wearing?
Fabrics have different properties which should be taken into consideration before deciding what you want out of your elopement dress. For example, a silk chiffon material is lightweight and airy while a satin is thicker and smoother – both are great options, depending on what kind of weather you’ll be experiencing for your special day. Certain types of lace weigh more than others, so if you prefer a little more coverage in the shoulders or arms then go with something like tulle.
7) The waistline: What do I want my figure to look like?
Planning your dress well in advance is important since it will take some time to get fitted – especially when there are custom options available. Whether you’re looking for an empire waistline that emphasizes your bust line or a mermaid silhouette that makes your legs appear longer, this is where many alterations can be made to achieve the perfect fit.
8) The train: How much fabric should it have?
Your elopement wedding dress doesn’t need to include any trains at all; they can also vary in length based on your personal preference. While a train can add drama to your look and make it look like a full wedding gown, you should consider whether or not it will be appropriate and practical for the location of your ceremony.
9) How much skin is too much skin?
This question is more for brides who want to wear something revealing – there are plenty of options out there that don’t show any cleavage or bare shoulders, so worry not! If you’re looking for a dress with this kind of cut then take into consideration the rest of your body shape as well; an off-the-shoulder bodice can highlight your slender upper half while a strapless silhouette looks great on hourglass figures. It’s also important to know what kind of material you’ll be dealing with and how it
10) Ask your elopement photographer for advice.
Your elopement wedding dress is only one part of the equation; you should also be thinking about how your overall look can be captured on camera. If you have an elopement photographer ask them what dresses they feel photographs well. If you have a color preference or a certain theme in mind, share it with your photographer – they may have an idea of how you can use the dress to your advantage.
