Engaged, check! Adventurous elopement location, check! But what to wear?! Wedding dress shopping can be exciting, fun, and maybe just a little stressful.
We want you get the elopement dress you've always dreamed of: one that can take on the magic and experience of a hiking elopement!
Going the adventure elopement route means taking some additional things into consideration when planning your wedding attire!
The Elements + Your Elopement Clothing:
What time of year are you planning your adventure elopement, and what part of the world? Are you planning on doing any hiking to get to your elopement spot?
These are questions that can help make you a hell of a lot more comfortable on your elopement day. A winter elopement in Glacier National Park? While absolutely gorgeous, hiking during winter weather needs some consideration. You will probably need layers underneath your dress [such as thermals], so it's a great idea to have a wedding dress that can accommodate those to keep you warm!
There are other fun accessories to play around with if you have winter elopement plans, or even spring/summer elopement plans in a high-elevation place [take Rocky Mountain National Park, for example!]. Shawls, faux-fur shrugs, and flattering cardigans are all both functional, and stylish for photos!
Accessories are also a wonderful way to have your personality shine through your wedding attire!
And in between photos, bringing a jacket is a great idea. Hand warmers and a cozy blanket to shake the chill can definitely help, not to mention the perfect excuse to pack a thermos of hot chocolate or tea. Don't worry, we've got you for those!
What about a desert elopement during the warmer months? Lightweight fabrics, boho style, and short sleeves will help you stay cool, and look beautiful doing it.
Plenty of water is a must [but let's be real, hydration is key no matter what! Drink your water, folks!], and making sure we take plenty of breaks while adventuring.
Even if you choose not to hike in your elopement dress [check out the next section for more details!], having comfortable, capable shoes or hiking boots is paramount. There's no way we want you to spent the day after your adventure elopement in pain from wearing the wrong shoes, not to mention hiking boots + a wedding dress = the perfect pair! The juxtaposition of adventure and elegance is so much fun! But if you're just dying for some photos in heels, there is still an option to pack those for the trek, and take them on and off for photos as needed!
This brings us to our next tip!
Hiking In Your Dress, Or Packing It For Later?:
"Do couples hike in their wedding clothes, or do they change once they get there?"
We get this question a lot, and truth is, there is no right or wrong answer! Shorter hikes may have more flexibility, and especially if there are going to be gorgeous views for photos along the way, we definitely recommend hiking in your wedding dress. That will be much easier than having to change over and over! That's why it's definitely important to choose a dress that will allow you flexibility to move as freely as possible, as well as fabric that isn't too cumbersome to hoist up while you take big steps! Some brides like to hold onto a wrist strap to keep their dress from dragging too much, others like cinching it up at the waist with a belt or drawstring for freedom of movement, and others just like to say "F it!" and let their dress collect mud, dirt, leaves and twigs as souvenirs from their adventure elopement.
Longer, more rugged hikes with scrambles etc. where you may not stop for photos during the journey will probably call for changing clothes once you reach your destination. If you will be changing into your wedding attire while already out on the trail, that will probably require ducking behind a boulder or tree. You'll also need to make sure that your dress can fit into your pack! It's also a good idea to make sure that your dress doesn't weigh too much than you feel comfortable carrying in your hiking pack. This varies between person to person, so why not test it out before your elopement day to make sure the weight distribution works for you, and that you can see yourself carrying it for a longer hike!
Making the Landscape Work With You!
This is where things get fun. I mean, you're having an adventure hiking elopement! There are no rules! Pops of color can look totally rad against landscapes with muted tones, such as the deserts of Joshua Tree National Park. High winds can be characteristic of many mountain peaks, for better or worse. Harness that! Lightweight, dynamic fabrics are wonderful for adventure elopements from a practical perspective, but also aesthetics! How gorgeous is it to have a dress that dances with the wind?! Even opting for a dress that has a train allows for stunning movement and fluidity in photos, and it can also be easy to hitch your dress up with the help of a train to hold onto.
Things to Keep in Mind While Shopping:
You've got on a dress that you think may be "the one". Let's test it out! Can you take large steps in that dress? Pretend to hike around a little, and see how much mobility that dress provides! Being restricted by your elopement attire? No thanks. You want to make sure you have freedom to adventure around in your dress, and that you will feel comfortable and confident!
Keeping fabrics in mind again, it's a good idea to stay away from anything that feels too heavy, especially when hiking. And as we mentioned earlier, flowy skirts are a ton of fun to play with for movement's sake, and also aren't too form fitting, so that they can easily be cinched up if you plan on hiking in your dress!
Your dream elopement dress may be at your local bridal salon, or it could be a vintage find on Etsy, or a hand-me-down from a friend! If you aren't able to try on your dress before purchasing, such as if you are buying one online, it's always good to read over a shop's return policies, just in case.
Go Get the Elopement Dress [or Outfit!] of Your Dreams!
Bottom line, you should wear an elopement dress that makes you feel beautiful, capable, and that works for your adventurous elopement. Maybe that doesn't even have to be a dress at all! Savor the experience of your hiking elopement: whether that's hurriedly slipping on your dress behind a rock at 8,000 feet, a natural "ombre" effect from dirt and mud on the train of your dress, or having your partner carry a portion of your dress as you trek up switchbacks. Those moments are unforgettably magical, no matter what your hiking elopement attire ends up being!
Elopements, intimate weddings, and microweddings. Picking the right dress and being prepared will ensure you have the BEST day possible!
If you're ready to get started on your elopement:
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