Choosing the perfect wedding dress for an adventure elopement is a unique and exciting challenge. Unlike traditional weddings, adventure elopements require a dress that combines beauty, practicality, and comfort. Here’s a guide to help you select the best dress for your special day, focusing on material, movement, weight, and the climate of your chosen elopement location.

Material: The Foundation of Comfort and Elegance

When selecting a wedding dress for an adventure elopement, the material is crucial. You’ll need a fabric that is both comfortable and durable, suitable for various terrains and weather conditions.

• Chiffon: This lightweight, breathable fabric is perfect for warmer climates and offers a romantic, flowing look. It’s also easy to move in, making it ideal for hikes and outdoor activities.
• Lace: Lace adds an elegant and delicate touch to any dress. Opt for dresses with lightweight lace overlays to maintain comfort and movement.
• Silk: Silk is luxurious and drapes beautifully. However, it can be heavy and less breathable, so it’s better suited for cooler climates or shorter elopements.
• Tulle: For a fairytale look, tulle is an excellent choice. It’s lightweight and adds volume without the heaviness of more substantial fabrics.

Movement: Freedom to Explore

Adventure elopements often involve activities like hiking, climbing, or even kayaking. Your dress should allow for ease of movement without sacrificing style.

• A-Line Dresses: These dresses are fitted at the top and flare out from the waist, providing a flattering silhouette while allowing for easy movement.
• Two-Piece Dresses: A two-piece wedding dress, with a separate top and skirt, offers versatility and comfort, making it easier to navigate through different terrains.
• Convertible Dresses: Some dresses come with detachable skirts or trains, allowing you to switch from a more formal look to a practical one for the adventure part of your elopement.

Weight: Light and Easy to Carry

The weight of your dress can significantly impact your comfort, especially if you’re hiking to your elopement spot.

• Lightweight Fabrics: Opt for dresses made from lightweight fabrics like chiffon, tulle, or lightweight lace. These materials are easy to carry and won’t weigh you down.
• Minimal Layers: Dresses with fewer layers are not only lighter but also less likely to get caught on branches or rocks during your adventure.
• Packability: Consider how easy it is to pack your dress. Some fabrics wrinkle less and can be rolled up and carried in a backpack without losing their shape.

Climate: Adapting to Your Elopement Location

The climate of your elopement location will play a significant role in your dress selection. Here’s how to choose based on different environments:

• Warm Climates: For beach or desert elopements, choose breathable, lightweight fabrics like chiffon or lace. Look for dresses with open backs or off-the-shoulder designs to keep cool.
• Cold Climates: For mountain or winter elopements, opt for thicker fabrics like silk or layered lace. Consider long sleeves and pair your dress with a stylish shawl or jacket to stay warm.
• Wet Climates: For rainforest or coastal elopements where rain is likely, choose quick-drying fabrics and consider a shorter dress to avoid mud and water stains.

Packing Your Dress: Tips for Travel

Traveling with your wedding dress requires special care to ensure it arrives in perfect condition.

• Garment Bag: Invest in a high-quality, breathable garment bag. This will protect your dress from dust and damage during transit.
• Roll, Don’t Fold: Rolling your dress instead of folding it can minimize creases. Start by placing tissue paper on the dress to prevent wrinkles, then roll it gently.
• Carry-On: If possible, keep your dress with you as a carry-on item to avoid it being mishandled. Most airlines are accommodating if you explain the importance of the dress.
• Steam on Arrival: Once you reach your destination, hang your dress and use a portable steamer to remove any wrinkles. Most hotels also offer steaming services.

Hiking in Your Dress: Yes or No?

Deciding whether to hike in your dress depends on the trail and the dress itself.

• Short, Easy Trails: If your elopement location is easily accessible with a short walk or hike, you might be able to wear your dress from the start. As long as the hike is less than two miles with little elevation gain, you should be good! Ensure the dress isn’t too long to avoid tripping or getting it dirty.
• Challenging Hikes: For longer or more rugged trails, it’s best to pack your dress and change at the destination. Wearing comfortable hiking clothes and sturdy shoes will make the journey safer and more enjoyable.

The Veil: Enhancing Your Photos

I always recommend to my brides that they wear a veil! It is such an easy way to up-level your elopement photos. Even a cape can be quite stunning. A veil or cape can add a dramatic and romantic touch to your wedding photos, especially in scenic outdoor settings.

• Movement: A veil can create beautiful movement in your photos, catching the wind and adding a sense of ethereal beauty.
• Framing: It can frame your face and dress, adding layers and depth to your photos. This is particularly striking in close-up shots.
• Backdrop: Against natural backdrops like mountains, forests, or beaches, a veil can enhance the visual appeal and create a striking contrast.

Despite the occasional inconvenience of a veil catching on the ground or being tugged by the wind, it’s worth having one as an option. Better to have it on hand than miss out on the stunning visual impact it can add to your photos.

Conclusion

Choosing the perfect wedding dress for your adventure elopement involves balancing style, comfort, and practicality. Focus on lightweight, breathable materials that allow for movement and consider the climate of your chosen location. Pack your dress carefully for travel, decide if hiking in your dress is feasible, and consider adding a veil to elevate your photos. By keeping these factors in mind, you’ll find a dress that not only looks stunning but also complements the adventurous spirit of your special day. Happy eloping!