What to Wear for Your Elopement
You have decided that you want to elope but now a question is lingering… What do I wear?! Every time you surf Pinterest, the only thing that pops up is a traditional big wedding at a venue. Okay… this does not really answer your question does it?! After all, you’re not tying the knot at place with your entire wardrobe nearby.
You cannot plan your wardrobe if you have not yet picked out location and season! Functionality of the outfit is critical for an elopement. After all, you do not want to be shivering in the mountains in December or sweating on the beach in July. So come back here when you have the location + season.
You’re back! Great. That means you have the location and season decided upon. Now, you can actually start planning your elopement wardrobe.
Consider the distance you will be walking or hiking. Wearing a dress or suit for a 3 mile hike may not be so fun. Here are some options you have.
Pack away the dress in a hiking bag, and wear your favorite hiking gear until you reach the vow location. You can do a quick change there.
Wear friction friendly leggings, long johns, or biker shorts underneath the dress. Tuck the longer part of the dress into the top of the pants, picking it off the ground to prevent tripping or debris collection.
Weather and climate is a huge factor in what you wear.
Layer layer layer if it’s chilly! Wear a jacket over the dress. Then a puffer coat over that jacket. Leggings or long johns will be your best friend under your dress or suit.
Consider strapless or thin strapped dresses if the season yields warm temperatures. Minimal layers on the dress can help relieve the heat. Grooms can ditch the tux jacket and sport a thin breathable dress shirt.
Try a fur wrap, a layered dress, or long white gloves for colder regions.
I cannot emphasizes dressing for the climate enough. I do not want you passing out from the heat or loosing a toe to frostbite!
Speaking of toes, let’s talk shoes. It is very important to wear proper footwear even while we are just taking photos. The last thing you want on your wedding day is a twisted ankle! (Trust me, I know, I’ve broken my ankle and foot twice.)
Traction
Ankle support
Wide toe box
No high heels or loose sandals
Extra socks
Is there a possibility you’ll get in water? If you will be exchanging vows near an alpine lake, stream, ocean, or lake, it will be wise to bring an extra change of clothes or swimsuit. You’d hate to drive to your wedding night plans in a sopping wet suit or dress.
Add some pops of personality! Do not forget - this is your wedding day, so you can add neat aspects to your outfit that are unique to you.
Bold colored shoes, belts, suspenders, or embroidery.
Flower crown
Flowers covering the suit’s lapel
Bridal bouquets in non traditional arrangements
I’ve said “dress” many times in this blog. Be confident, however, that you can wear any type of outfit on your wedding day. Because it’s your wedding day! Dress, jumpsuit, t-shirt, swimsuit, or even the ol’ birthday suit - it’s your day! On this same note, brides - do not feel obligated to wear white. I’ve photographed two weddings where the bride wore a black dress and they shined!
Dress for the climate, the walking conditions, and for YOU!
- Maranda
Here are links to some of my favorite elopement wardrobe pieces, but don’t forget to check secondhand sites or thrift stores to see if they have something for your big day.
