Elopement Dress Ideas 2024
It’s 2024 and elopements have become so much more than running away to Vegas in secret. The elopement category of the wedding industry is growing rapidly as couples everywhere are choosing to celebrate their wedding day more privately and focusing on more than the traditional details. However, the one detail that is not being overlooked is THE DRESS. It is important to remember not all wedding dresses are elopement dresses and vice versa.
How to Pick a Dress for your Elopement?
Once you have officially decided to elope, it’s time to ask yourself a few of the following questions:
Where do you want to elope?
Do you want to elope indoors or outdoors?
In what season do you want to elope?
Are you planning an adventurous elopement? (hiking, skiing, horseback riding, helicopter ride etc…)
Are you comfortable getting your dress dirty?
What dress styles are you drawn to? (simple, colorful, bohemian, glamorous etc…)
Will you be traveling to a destination? By car? Packing a carry-on for a flight?
What’s your budget?
Now, that you’ve considered the possibilities, it's time to search for the perfect dress for your elopement.
Traditional Wedding Dresses vs. Elopement Dresses
In my opinion, there is so much more to consider when choosing a dress for an elopement versus a traditional wedding. A typical traditional wedding has you getting dressed in a hotel room or venue, walking down a fixed aisle or dancing across ballroom floors…all situations where you are walking around on a flat, clean surface. That is not usually the case with elopements. You may choose to hike to Taft Point in Yosemite National Park or horseback ride down the beach in Mexico, regardless of your epic plans you need a dress that doesn’t restrict you on the day of your wedding.
Comfort & Fit
I highly recommend wedding dress silhouettes that are comfortable and allow movement. Pick a style & shape that doesn't hold you back in any way. When my couples are uncomfortable it will always show up in the photos. A-line shapes are by far the best, but empire, trumpet, dresses with a slit, also work really well and fit a range of body types. I would avoid mermaid shapes or anything super form fitting because it will be more difficult to move around...especially in nature.
Fabric
Depending on the location, season, and time of day, you will want to choose a dress with a fabric that aligns with the environment you will be eloping in. Chiffon & lace are by far the best for movement but if you’re eloping in an area with tall grasses or prickly plants the fabric will gather your very own assortment of sticks/prickly thorns and much more. However, fabrics like organza or a soft tulle are less delicate and can withstand certain environments better. If you decide to elope in a warmer environment, I would avoid thick tulle ball gowns or silk or satin. These fabrics don't breathe and will be very uncomfortable if you were to sweat or be dealing with humidity.
Wedding Dresses with Color
More and more wedding dress designers and brides are finding ways to make wedding dresses unique. A touch of color is one of my favorite new-age trends that I see designers adopting. Whether it’s simple hints of color embroidery or full color skirts, brides have the opportunity to shine and add a personal touch with a color palette that suits them best. If you decide to choose a colorful wedding dress option, I would keep in mind the environment and location of your elopement.
Dressing for your environment
Keep in mind the season. In Colorado specifically, the summers are very green, the fall is golden yellow and the winter is covered in white with snow. I recommend choosing a color that not only coordinates with the season but helps you to stand out.
Say you decide to elope in the sand dunes and your dress has a hint of blush with a textured overlay. This could easily get lost in the vastness of the environment, but the texture helps the subject stand out from the surroundings.
Getting married in the winter? Choose a Rue de Seine dress similar to the one pictured below with color embroidery that helps the bride stand out in a sea of white.
Non-White Wedding Dresses
Gone are the days where your wedding dress is required to be bright white. For many, the wedding dress is an expression of a bride’s personal style, culture, or traditions. In many cultures, the bride wears red as a symbol for good luck, good fortune and love. The bride pictured below chose a red dress from Baltic Born to represent her Korean heritage.
Choosing the perfect dress for your elopement is not just about style and appearance; it's about functionality, comfort, and aligning with the unique aspects of your chosen location and experience. As elopements evolve into personalized, adventurous celebrations, so do the options for elopement dresses. Whether you opt for a flowy chiffon gown for a mountaintop ceremony or a colorful embroidered dress for a beachside elopement, your choice should reflect your individuality and the spirit of your special day. By considering factors like fit, fabric, and the incorporation of your personality, you can ensure that your elopement dress not only looks stunning but also allows you to move freely and comfortably as you embark on this unforgettable journey.
Say "yes" to the dress that speaks to your heart and embodies the essence of your elopement adventure.
Ready to shop?
Below I’ve listed a few of my favorite dress designers & brands. I recommend these specifically for elopements for their functionality, comfortable fabrics and budget friendly prices.