As a luxury elopement photographer, I’ve had the privilege of capturing the most romantic and unforgettable moments of couples’ elopements. But before I can capture those memories, couples need to find the perfect dress. In this blog, I’m sharing my expert tips on how to find the perfect dress for your special day.
- Your dress doesn’t have to be white—it can be any colour you want! Black, blue, yellow, patterned, multi-coloured—whatever you want, go for it!
- If you’re having an outdoor elopement, it’s likely there will be a natural breeze. See how the dress flows and reacts to movement. Pick up the bottom fabric and mimic wind, twirl and spin to see how flowy it is. A simple skirt can look epic if it’s moved the right way, so sometimes the best “windblown” looks come from a dress that might seem a little boring on the hanger.
- If you plan to do a longer hiking elopement, it’s a great idea to pack your dress in a backpack and then change when you get to your ceremony spot—consider avoiding heavier materials like corsets, boning, tulle, and super puffy skirts. Go for something lightweight!
- Even if you’re not hiking, you’ll likely want to be able to move around freely. Are you able to take a big upward step in the dress? Will you be able to climb up on a rock or tree stump for an epic photo? Raise both arms up, dance, skip, run, swish it! Make sure it has the movement you love.
- Is the dress lightweight enough for all day wear? Leave it on for an extended period of time and make sure it remains comfortable.
- Can you sit down in a chair comfortably in the dress? Can you sit comfortably on the ground?
- Do some jumping jacks and dance around! How does it feel? Does the dress bounce back into place or does it need a lot of adjusting after movement?
- Are you interested in any accessories? Veils, capes, and shoulder shawls can add extra movement and add tons of drama to your photos.
- Consider layering options that will go with the dress. If your elopement might have colder temperatures—find some cozy shawls or jackets that coordinate with your dress and that you would be excited about being photographed in.
- Not looking for a dress but still want something sort of flowy? Try looking for skirts and sweaters. Maybe even a jumpsuit!
- Think through who will be joining you while shopping and doing fittings (if anyone). I recommend only inviting people who are supportive of your vision, are totally on your team, and who can give you kind and honest feedback when asked.
- Keep in mind that some dress shops can take up to 6 months to actually get a gown in, then you’ll also want to leave yourself with additional time for any necessary alterations.
- Never feel rushed or pressured into making a decision. It’s ok to leave a shop having not found the perfect dress. You will find the one!
If you’re ready to plan your dream elopement and capture it with a luxury elopement photographer like me, contact me today to enquire about my services!
