I have no idea what I want to wear for my elopement or even where to start?!
Elopements and micro weddings are such fabulous options, with lots of benefits when it comes to your nuptials; more time for you and your partner, less planning which can mean less stress, an opportunity to create exactly the vibe you want, and often a lot less expense than a full-blown wedding! But no matter how big or small your wedding, what you chose to wear is an essential part of the day.
When it comes to an elopement look, I’d start with the same two questions you would consider if you were planning a big wedding:
♥ How do you want to feel on your wedding day (Confident? Comfortable? Sexy? Ethereal?)
♥ What’s important to you? Pick a few strong feeling words.
♥ How much are you looking to spend (pick a budget before you try on anything else!)
Often when it comes to elopements, it feels appropriate to lean into a more casual look, but that doesn’t mean you have to! An elopement dress code is still your choice – you want to wear a full ballgown and cathedral veil, even if it’s just you, your partner and your officiant at a civil ceremony? Go for it!
But personally, I think half the fun of styling elopements is the freedom that comes from the intimacy and more casual nature of the event. Nearlyweds can find it easier to bring in their personal style or make bold fashion choices when eloping since their look isn’t as “on display” as it would be for a 250-person wedding.
Really take a moment to consider what would make you feel like your best, hottest self that day. Not sure what that non-traditional elopement outfit could even look like? Find inspiration flipping through fashion magazines, your favourite stars’ red carpet looks, designers’ runways of particular decades you feel drawn to, local artists and designers, and of course, flipping through the pages of this magazine (a great place to start, truly).
If you want even more inspiration then here are a few different flavours of elopement styles:
Bridal with a Twist
If you want to embrace that bridal feel while keeping it more lowkey then play with outfits that include an ivory or off-white hue, but skip the long gown. A jumpsuit or suit set is a fabulous way to achieve that casual bridal feel! Loud Bodies’ bridal pants with corset details down the thighs paired with their corset top and fabulous structural blazer gives you that laid back vibe with an effortlessly cool silhouette.
Avant Garde
You might be going small with the wedding but why not go big with your outfit? You can never go wrong by treating your wedding like your own personal Met Gala! Pick a theme and run with it!
Imagine, just you and your partner eloping while you’re wearing one of Rosie Red’s bespoke gown and corsets, with colourful layers of tulle and delicious floral details. Want something more camp and totally unique? Consider Fashion Brand Company’s cheeky Bride/Groom jumpsuit, with one half of the jumpsuit looking like a tailored black suit and the other half a white gown.
Cool & Casual
It’s just you and your partner, so why not lean into the comfort factor? Veronica Sheaffer’s heartthrob tee is an oversized ivory shirt with a large tulle heart stitched on the side. Paired with her sparkly Afterparty sequin bike shorts, and the Lovesick birdcage veil from Crown and Glory, which has little glittery hearts, makes a fun way to say “We’re getting married but still keeping it casual.”
Don’t Buy Anything New!
Have a favourite suit set or dress in your closet already? Maybe you don’t want to buy anything new, so why not make an outfit you already love that much more special? Elevate it by getting it tailored for the perfect fit and adding a few accessories to the mix!
Take that linen pant and vest set which has been in your closet forever and pair it with one of 9th Coven Creative’s festive polka dot veils or something colourful and bold from Madison Chamberlain for an outfit that feels just like you, but on your wedding day!
ABOUT ALYSIA
Alysia Cole is a plus size personal bridal stylist who has helped hundreds of nearlyweds find their perfect wedding outfit. Based out of Los Angeles, you can also find Alysia on TikTok and Instagram.
This article originally appeared in issue 55 of Rock n Roll Bride magazine. You can purchase the latest copy here, or why not subscribe to never miss an issue?