How To Pick The Perfect Elopement Dress

Planning an elopement can be a dreamy and intimate way to tie the knot, but choosing the perfect dress for one of the most exciting days of your life can be daunting! With so many styles, fabrics, and cuts to choose from, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. Whether you're planning an adventurous hiking elopement or a more laid back elopement somewhere gorgeous, finding the right dress that fits both your personality and the setting is crucial. In this blog, I'll provide some tips and insights on how to pick the perfect elopement dress that will make you feel confident, beautiful, and comfortable on your special day!

tips For Picking The Perfect Elopement Dress

Get Inspiration

When picking an elopement dress, the first thing you want to do is get inspiration! Head over to Pinterest and start searching for dresses that feel like you. Do you like flowy and light dresses, tighter stretchy dresses, simple dresses, ornate dresses or something else? If you can, definitely go to a bridal shop to try on dresses. You may be surprised by which styles you end up liking the best and even if you don’t find “the dress” when you go in person, it will help you figure out what to look for.

Think about the fabric of the elopement dress

The best fabric for an elopement dress is something that is comfortable to wear, as you'll likely be moving around a lot. There are lightweight or heavy fabrics, tight or stretchy fabrics, breatheable fabrics, etc. When you are looking at dresses consider how the fabric moves and how that may translate to photos. Also consider the weight of the dress. Will it be exhausting to wear all day? Can it be folded up into a backpack for a long hike? Will the fabric wrinkle easily? Will it show water stains super easily? Will it cling to yours skine or flow off it? At the end of day, almost any fabric would work for an elopement dress—just make sure to consider how the dress feels on you, how it moves when you move, how it will photograph, etc.

what dress styles are the best for elopements?

Just like with weddings, there.isn’t a main “style” for elopement dresses! There are no rules for elopements and what you decide to wear, but there are some things to consider when it comes to choosing a dress style. Below are some important factors to consider when it comes to dress style:

• Can you easily move and walk with it on? This is one of the most important factors when it comes to what you decide to wear, especially if you are doing any hiking! A great test is to try climbing some stairs with it on or try taking a couple running steps.

• Can you comfortably sit with it on? You’ll likely be sitting, climbing up on things, possibly being lifted or carried by your partner—you want to be very comfortable and carefree in your dress.

• Are you confident in it? It’s important to choose a dress that you won’t need to constantly adjust or worry about. You want to be able to focus on having an amazing day and not be worried about your dress falling off or having pick at an ichy area of the dress. Whatever style you choose, make sure it makes you feel comfortable and confident on your special day!

things to consider when choosing an elopement dress

Not all dresses are made equal! There are some things to consider when deciding on which elopement dress to buy. If you are choosing a long dress or a tulle dress, keep in mind that it could collect little sticks and debris depending on where you are eloping. Most of my brides are totally fine with that and it can be a fun way to represent where you’ve been and all that you’ve done on your day. Consider how it will look in your photos as well! Do you want a long train that will dangle off the rocks? Do you want it to be light enough where it will lift when you spin? Do you want some sheer layers so it to glows in the sunshine? A dress that allows movement is a great way to spice up your elopement photos!

alternative elopement dresses and accessories

If you don’t want a simple white dress for your elopement, feel free to get creative! Choose whatever you like best and whatever will make you feel the most comfortable on your special day. Would you rather have a colorful dress or a pantsuit? Go for it! If you are wearing a tighter dress, a veil is a great way to add movement and dimension to your look. Flower crowns and capes are also a great way to add detail to your elopement look.

where to buy your elopement dress

Your dress doesn’t have to be from a bridal store, there are so many places you can find your perfect dress! Some of my favorite places for elopement dresses are Rue De Sine, Daci Gowns, Made With Love, BHLDN, Nordeen Bridal, Grace Loves Lace, and consider some second hand shops! My favorite one in Seattle and Portland is Blue Sky Bridal!

Sierra Jessup Photography | Adventure Elopement Photographer

Are you planning an adventure elopement and looking for someone to capture your special moment? Look no further! I’m so ready to be apart of your amazing day. Head over to my contact page so we can get in touch.