Choosing the Perfect Elopement Dress for the Outdoors: Style, Comfort, and Functionality
Eloping in Colorado’s breathtaking mountains or national parks is a dream come true for many couples. The beauty of nature can provide the perfect backdrop for a wedding, but choosing the right dress to match both your style and the outdoorsy environment requires a little more thought and preparation. You want to look stunning in your photos and feel comfortable enough to hike, explore, and embrace the natural beauty around you.
Here’s a guide to help you choose an elopement dress that balances both style and practicality.
1. Consider the Terrain and Your Elopement Activities
The first step in choosing the perfect elopement dress is to think about the specific location and activities you plan to do. Will you be hiking to a secluded mountaintop for your ceremony? Or maybe exchanging vows at a scenic lakeside or beneath towering red rock formations? Your dress should be as suited for the environment as it is for your personal style.
Key Considerations:
- Length: Long, sweeping trains are gorgeous but can be impractical in mountainous terrain or on uneven surfaces. Consider a knee-length or tea-length dress, or choose a dress with a removable train for the ceremony and a more practical style for hiking and exploring afterward. Alternatively, a high-low hemline can give you the best of both worlds — the elegance of a full skirt with the practicality of a shorter front.
- Hiking & Comfort: If you plan to hike to your ceremony or wander around a national park, you’ll want to make sure your dress allows for easy movement. Look for a dress with a slim silhouette or one that can be cinched in at the waist to avoid excess fabric while walking or climbing.
- Footwear Compatibility: Don’t forget about your shoes! High heels are not ideal for hiking, but you can still look chic in a pair of comfortable, stylish boots or flat sandals. Consider a wedding boot if you’re eloping in winter or spring when the weather can be unpredictable. If hiking is part of your plan, supportive footwear like hiking boots or sneakers is a must.
- Storing your Dress: If you plan to hike, you will want someplace to store your dress until you reach your destination. More information here about storing your dress.
2. Fabric Choices for Outdoor Weddings
When choosing a wedding dress for an outdoor elopement, fabric is crucial. You want a material that not only looks stunning but also stands up to the elements and doesn’t get ruined easily. Additionally, comfort is key—whether you’re hiking, standing in the sun, or surrounded by chilly mountain air.
Best Fabrics for Elopement Dresses:
- Lightweight and Breathable Fabrics: For elopements in warmer months or at lower altitudes, opt for lightweight fabrics that breathe well, like chiffon, crepe, or georgette. These materials are breathable, flow beautifully, and won’t weigh you down while hiking or moving.
- Wrinkle-Resistant Fabrics: Elopements often involve a bit of travel, and the last thing you want is a dress that wrinkles after being packed. Look for silk blends, satin, or tulle, which are smooth and easy to maintain. Some stretch fabrics also provide a comfortable fit and resist creasing, perfect for activities like hiking.
- Fabrics for Cold Weather: If you’re eloping in a cooler month or at high altitudes, you’ll want fabrics that provide warmth and can handle the elements. Lace can be delicate, but heavy satin or velvet offers both warmth and elegance. Tulle and organza can be layered over other fabrics for extra warmth without compromising the ethereal look of your dress. If you need extra warmth, boleros, shawls, or a wool blend jacket can complement your dress while keeping you cozy.
Water-Resistant Fabrics: Mountain weather can be unpredictable, and if there’s a chance of rain, consider water-resistant fabrics such as satin duchess or taffeta.
- These materials don’t absorb moisture as easily, which will help protect your dress in case the weather turns.
3. Comfort and Functionality for the Great Outdoors
While you want to look beautiful and feel like yourself, your dress should also be functional enough to handle your outdoor adventures. Whether you’re hiking, trekking through the snow, or just strolling to a nearby waterfall, comfort is key to enjoying the experience.
Key Considerations:
- Breathability: Even if you’re eloping in the mountains, the temperature can fluctuate quickly, and you may be sweating from a hike or outdoor activity. Dresses made from breathable fabrics like cotton blends, organza, or crepe help regulate body temperature and wick away moisture.
- Freedom of Movement: To keep your dress comfortable while moving around, look for dresses with a loose fitor ones that offer stretch. A V-neckline, empire waist, or A-line skirt can allow for more flexibility without sacrificing style.
- Adjustability: A dress with adjustable straps, a tie-back design, or a corset closure allows you to customize the fit, giving you more freedom and comfort, especially when hiking or navigating uneven ground. Plus, a flexible fit can be more forgiving if your body temperature fluctuates or you layer over a jacket.
4. Layering for Weather and Warmth
Since Colorado’s mountain weather can be unpredictable, it’s important to prepare for cooler temperatures, especially in the early mornings or evenings. A light jacket, cardigan, or wrap can not only add warmth but also create a stylish, layered look for your elopement photos.
Layering Tips:
- Boleros or Shrugs: These short, often lace or knit jackets add a touch of sophistication and warmth to your dress, without covering up the details of your gown.
- Sweaters or Shawls: For more casual or rustic styles, a knitted sweater or wool shawl can add texture and warmth while keeping you comfortable. Choose a neutral color, like ivory or beige, to maintain a timeless and romantic look.
- Cozy Outerwear: If you’re eloping during fall or winter, don’t shy away from outerwear like a stylish wool coat, cape, or fur stole. Opt for a piece that complements your dress’s style, whether you go for boho chic with a fringed jacket or classic elegance with a structured coat.
5. Accessories and Final Touches
After you’ve chosen the perfect dress, it’s time to think about accessories that can elevate your look while still keeping it practical for the outdoors.
Wedding Shoes:
- Choose comfortable footwear like flat sandals, wedding boots, or hiking shoes that complement your dress while ensuring you can move freely. If you plan to change into a dress with a longer train, consider keeping the bulk of the hike or adventure in more practical shoes, then switching to something dressier once you’re at the ceremony site.
Veils and Hair Accessories:
- If you’re wearing a veil, make sure it’s secure and won’t blow away in the wind. Consider a shorter veil or a flower crown for a more bohemian, nature-inspired look. If you’re planning to wear your hair down or have loose waves, use hairpins or a headband to keep your hair in place as you move through the elements.
Practical but Beautiful Jewelry:
- Delicate jewelry is perfect for an outdoor elopement. Think simple earrings and a dainty necklace — something that complements your dress without being too bulky or distracting. Remember that outdoor activities can take a toll on fragile pieces, so avoid wearing heavy or overly intricate jewelry during any hiking or activities.
6. Final Thoughts
When choosing the perfect elopement dress for an outdoor setting, the goal is to blend your personal style with comfort, practicality, and the natural beauty of your surroundings. Whether you’re walking down a mountain trail, posing for photos in a meadow, or standing on a cliff edge, your dress should reflect both your individuality and your love for adventure. With the right fabric, fit, and layers, you can look stunning while feeling comfortable enough to fully enjoy the breathtaking experience that your elopement in the Colorado mountains or national parks will offer.
