Top Ideas for Non-Traditional Wedding Attire on Your Elopement Day
Your wedding day, above all, is about you and your partner choosing each other and committing yourselves to one another in a way that’s magical and authentic to you both.
My opinion? The focus is less about what you’re wearing and more about that reality.
But of course, I 100% believe that what you’re wearing when you marry the love of your life matters. If you’re already a relatively untraditional person or the traditional and mainstream wedding attire choices out there just don’t speak to you, I’ve got good news–you’re definitely not alone.
Hear me out. If you’re eloping, you’re already making a choice to throw caution to the wind and get married in a way that makes you happy. For a lot of couples (not all of them, of course), this means forgoing a ton of the tradition that surrounds a wedding day already.
Still, couples tend to get hung up on the white-dress-black-suit combo as if it’s something they have to do.
But guess what–when it comes to eloping, there are no rules, and this is especially true about your attire. If you’re on the hunt for non-traditional wedding day attire inspo, this blog is the perfect place to start. Keep reading for some non-traditional, always-inspiring, and fashion-forward ideas that just might be perfect for your wedding day.
3 Important Things to Remember About Choosing Your Wedding Attire
Before we dive into all the fun advice and inspo, I want to make just a few things clear. Your wedding attire is your choice–that’s that. There’s a lot to consider when it comes to picking the right wedding attire for your elopement day, but when it comes to style, I genuinely believe these three elements matter most.
It Should Make You Feel Your Absolute Best
Remember how I just said there are no rules for choosing your elopement day attire? Well, that’s mostly true–but I’m changing that sentiment just a touch. Because to me, there actually is one steadfast rule when it comes to what you wear on your wedding day–it needs to make you feel your absolute best.
If you’re a person who dreads wearing a dress, why would you ever wear one on your wedding day? If a tie and a suit jacket sound like the worst thing you could possibly pick on any given day, it has no business in your wedding day attire choices.
You need to be comfortable, happy, and feel like you’ve never looked better–and what you’re wearing has a ton to do with that.
My advice? Skip the pressure of even considering the attire you’re “supposed to wear.” Seriously, drop all of those dreaded options (whatever they might be) out of the running and only seek out the attire that makes your heart sing.
Think About What You’re Doing On Your Day–Does this Look Work?
Ask yourself a few important questions at the start of everything. Will you be tackling an extreme hike on your elopement day? Do you plan to keep things more low-key? Does your elopement attire need to be packed into a tight backpack, or is it going to have all the room to breathe?
Think about how your elopement attire will move with you, get from point A to point B, and how you want it to look during your elopement. And you know what? There’s no wrong or right answer here. If you’re looking forward to getting your elopement day attire a little dirty, you can make that happen. If you’d rather not hike or adventure in your attire and swap into it for your ceremony, you can do that, too.
Above all, consider how you want your attire to serve you on the day of your wedding–does your current look do that?
Your Opinion Matters–That’s It
It is 100% percent OK and normal to care about other people’s opinions about your wedding attire. Asking how your loved ones feel about your choices can be a big part of the choosing process (and a fun way to include them in your wedding). But remember this–never let their opinions or thoughts affect you to the point where it stops you from picking the perfect-for-you attire of your dreams.
Get opinions, ask your loved ones, and include those in the process who are genuinely going to be excited for you–but always remember that the choice is yours and yours alone. So, pick your elopement attire based on your opinion.
Bold Colors & Fun Patterns
Don’t get me wrong, white dresses are so beautiful, but if you’re someone who wants a little somethin’ bold, some spicy flair, or just something totally different for your wedding day, I say be daring and go with a bright pop of color! I know, white dates way back as the choice for a bride on their wedding day.
But do me (and yourself) a favor and honestly think about it–are you picking white because that’s the color you want to wear or because it’s the color you’re expected to wear?
Choosing a bright pop of color or an exciting pattern for your wedding day attire can be a super fun, expressive, and sentimental part of your elopement. Opt for a flirty floral pattern, bold red dress, or join the dark side with something sultry and black.
Options like these can make you feel your best (which is important!), but they can also really pop in your elopement photos. If you have a vibe you want to channel or a look you want to replicate, but it’s not a white dress, I say so what.
Studs, Fringes, & All Kinds of Fun Textures
Who says lace has to be the go-to texture for your wedding attire? Don’t get me wrong, traditional fabrics like lace and chiffon are beautiful–and if that’s what speaks to you, you do the dang thing. But if you’re a little bit edgier, like something a little bit more out of the box, and are seeking a next-level look to add some pizzazz to your wedding day style, I highly recommend going for non-traditional textures like studs or layers of fabulous fringe. You know, something to add a little flair and drama to your elopement day look.
Swap the Tie for Something Else
For those wearing suits–are you looking to keep things formal without wearing a tie? There are so many options to explore out there. I’m talkin’ bolo ties, suspenders, funky bowties, pendants, brooches–whatever floats your boat, go for it. There’s no rule out there that says if you have a suit, you must wear a tie–so make it fun and do what you please!
Two Piece Ensembles
Two pieces ensembles unlock a whole new world of options for your wedding day attire! There are so many two-piece dresses, crop and skirt looks, pantsuits with matching tops, and so much more out there that are right there and ready for you to find.
The best part about going with a two-piece wedding day look? You have en freedom than just what’s out there ready for purchase–you can mix and match to your heart’s content to find the ultimate expression of what’s right for you!
Jumpsuits & Rompers
Jumpsuits and rompers are amazing because they can be dressed up or down, offer some great hiking and exploring advantages, and can make your wedding day next-level comfortable. Pantsuits, jumpsuits, and rompers are game changers in my book–you can still get that formal and fun vibe of a dress (if that’s your thing) without, you know, actually having to wear a dress.
Plus, let’s just say it–rompers and jumpsuits are pretty dang stylish. If you want a modern, edgy, and simple-but-elegant look for your wedding day, you can’t miss a jumpsuit.
Something Traditionally or Culturally Significant
Just because you’re opting out of one tradition doesn’t mean you can’t opt into another one. Sure, a white wedding dress or a formal suit is pretty widely accepted traditional attire for a wedding, but if that’s not your tradition or culture, why pick it?
If your heritage calls out for something that doesn’t necessarily align with modern Western wedding attire, lean into what means most to you! Think about what matters to you, what your cultures and traditions align with, and pick wedding attire that speaks to you.
Fun & Funky Suit Colors, Please
No matter who you are or what cut of suit you’re after, I highly encourage you to think hard about your suit color. It’s the same conversation I’d ask you to have if you were less than enthusiastic about opting for a white dress. So, ask yourself, are you picking a traditional suit color because you want to or because you’re expected to?
Suits are such a look on your wedding day–and they can bring even more of your unique style and expression to the table if you opt for a color that really speaks to you. A dark forest green? Absolutely. A deep maroon? Yes, please. A dusty blue to bring out your eyes? Go for it! Whatever color you choose, just make sure it’s your first choice!
Wedding Day Attire is Just the Start–Let’s Plan Your Epic Adventure Elopement
Your wedding day attire (whether it’s a dress, a suit, or something totally non-traditional) is entirely up to you–but so is your entire wedding day.
If you’re ready to plan your dream wedding day, are looking for insight on where to elope, or just want to learn more about how to adventure elope, I’m your girl. Contact me ASAP, and let’s pick a time to chat–the world of eloping is open to you, and I can’t wait to show you the way.
