Every bride dreams of finding the perfect dress that she will commemorate her special day with years to come. Plus size elopement dresses are no different. They possess styling flexibility conventional gowns may not ordinarily accommodate, but this is not to mean the hunt is any easier. After all looking drop-dead gorgeous comes with a price to pay.
With a destination venue, there is so much to play around with and ideally not as many rules. So if you think about it, you can stretch the limits to achieve whatsoever your desire is. And I mean going all out with no restrictions! But even with the endless pool of options, finding the perfect dress primarily demands reference to your personal vision. What kind of style or theme did you picture for your big day? This should serve as a guide or else you just might get caught up juggling too many unnecessary ideas.
I’m excited to show you a list of elopement outfit inspirations that will crown your entire ensemble. Keep reading to find how to pick the right accessories to match your dress and most importantly where to shop for great destination gowns. And if you’re at crossroads on what venue to go with, we’ll get that ball rolling with a ton of location ideas! Your elopement day will be nothing short of amazing!
To start off, let’s get into the details surrounding a dress search.
What to Look for in a Plus Size Elopement Dress
Wedding gowns come with a sea of designs to explore and thankfully elopement takes this a notch higher. As the bride to be, you are at liberty to rock anything that best represents your personal style and/or that of your spouse. Doesn’t matter how unconventional the final look comes off. Besides, the day is exclusive to just the two of you so you might as well make it special.
Leads to Landing that Epic Dress
1. Balance Out with the Scenery
As you can imagine, elopement takes place in the outdoor. It is presumed that the bride is running away to her betrothed and as such, there’s no time to plan for anything official. For this reason, the natural scenery creates just the right backdrop. Out in the open with wildflower fields, mountain views, and magical deep forests, there’s no better place to wander off when exchanging bands.
Whatever location you choose is highly relevant to the dress selection. Just to be sure, it is safer to pick out the gown after having settled on a specific venue. This spares you the error of falling out of touch with the authentic décor. Look to the prevalent color scheme and from this zero in on a gown that blends effortlessly. The last thing you want is to compete with the surroundings, yet again a much laid back look won’t do either. Finding that sweet balance will afford you the ultimate bridal experience!
2. Find the Wow Factor
For the longest time, elopement weddings have been categorized as casual, non-formal events with the most intimate of guests- if at all the bride and groom are of the idea. It was nothing like the big flashy weddings we see today with a mouthful of designer pieces. So needless to say, you could get away with the most basic of looks. However, this is slowly taking a turn with modern couples. The trend is anything but boring. Refined suits are bagging the prize but even more so custom dresses.
Elevate the formality level by wearing a statement gown that embodies both style and class, because why not? Your big day can be as luxe no matter how intimate the ceremony. Go for some lace embellishments, a cape veil, dashing cutouts, or better yet an illusion neckline. There are no rules to the game except dressing to your best self.
3. Aim for Structure and Silhouette
Plus size gowns are now expanding in range and style to beautifully accommodate various shapes. While we have this to be grateful for, keep in mind that the overall bodice takes after the fabric used in crafting the dress. The amount of holdup can be amplified or condensed depending on the material. For instance, crepe makes a lovely selection if you’re looking for clear-cut formation whereas silk works best for billowy designs. And when you need extra support, a corset gown is the answer.
I particularly love a trumpet gown on a curvy body. It takes to a fit and flare silhouette that emphasizes your best features while simultaneously embodying a graceful appeal. But that’s not to swear off ball gowns or princess-like designs; you can as well pull off a mermaid look while out in the ocean!
4. Go Wild with Color
Classic white will forever be timeless, but whenever an unexpected hue comes into the picture, your dress instantaneously upgrades to fun and flirty. It’s all about experimenting with out of the ordinary if you hope to achieve a dress with character. A touch of blue for instance against a water scenery truly brings on that extra oomph to your portraits. Or if you are bold enough, a mellow yellow while out deep in the forest contrasts against the greenery.
There are lots of hues in lieu of white if only you are willing to try. And not just ivory or off-white options, you can truly add a spin to your look with unique tones such as rose pink, champagne and even the infamous black!
5. Think Outside the Box
These unique designs from Target are far from traditional silhouettes any color-obsessed bride will adore. To stand out as the centerpiece, you need a theme that will propel you there. Who said you have to do a classic gown? If you’re not the kind to conform to traditional anything, then you shouldn’t feel the pressure to do so.
Play up your accessories too. Think of a denim jacket or sunglasses to add some sass! Better yet go off shoes if you’re planning to tie the knot out on the beach. Whatever feels right is by all means acceptable. So have fun with it!
6. Dress According to the Season
You may not be in control of how the weather turns out on the awaited day but you can always prepare in advance. Case example, a wedding scheduled during winter or fall will require heavyweight clothing for both the bride and groom. With this understanding, it doesn’t matter how high up in the mountains you envisioned getting hitched; you’ll have the necessary amour to brave the cold.
Quite the contrary when planning for a desert elopement. A lightweight fabric should be your topmost priority and very little extra baggage. Even your makeup should be regulated or else you’ll be melting away in the desert sun. Not a pretty sight. Have in mind that the climate could conversely change therefore having a backup plan just in case is advisable.
Elopement Gown Inspirations
Bohemian style- a boho bride is never out of style. This minimalist look is the secret ingredient behind achieving an effortless yet stunning outlook. Get hold of airy fabrics that swoop against the wind as you walk down. The more movement in your dress the better. Also, bring on board some extra detail to tie your outfit together.
Think of a flower crown or perhaps a shoulder appliqué to exaggerate the free flow of your gown. And no, you don’t have to use fresh roses for your bouquet; succulents make a great alternative for a boho vibe. Finally, wear a light, natural face to go along with this laid back style and you’re all set!
Heritage dresses- there’s no better time to connect with your cultural roots than on your matrimonial day. Of course, this is something you and your spouse may have to discuss if perchance you’re from interracial backgrounds, but ultimately traditional elopements are breathtaking.
Depending on personal preference and the extent to which you’d like to indulge, you could go full-on with customary marriage attires and have your day soaked in rich ceremonial traits. But if that sounds overboard, a customized dress with symbolic additions will equally suffice.
Edgy and elegant- this is for brides who like to go the extra mile with fashion choices and quite frankly, there’s no harm in it. Leave the full-length hemlines for the conservative lot and show off your legs with a tea-length gown. Better have a statement shoe to complement your rad gown if you’re going this direction. Perhaps a bold heel or a dazzling sneaker to dance the night away.
Don’t forget to accessorize appropriately. Throw on a customized bridal denim or leather jacket and finish it off with a brim hat. Keep your shades close and strike that pose with confidence. There are countless ways to add drama to your bridal attire and this is what makes elopements mad fun!
Classic traditional- it’s amazing just how intense beauty is conveyed when old meets contemporary. The two together emanate a matchless combo that will have you wishing for playback of your day. Imagine a chic, white ball gown against the backdrop of a meadow view illuminated by the sun’s rays. All the different wildflowers and tall grass to enjoy but even more so a colorful landscape. It doesn’t always have to be a church wedding, there is so much nature has to offer.
Some great trendy ideas to think of include a sophisticated V neck that transitions into an open back. You could opt to have some long sleeves or keep it clean with thick straps. With a plus-size body, extra support is key therefore don’t hesitate to incorporate a corset gown for shaping. Finish off the bottom with a tulle skirt which pairs extraordinarily well with an elongated cape veil.
Pull off the unexpected- it’s by taking risks that you stumble upon impressive looks. The good news is, you can still look as a phenomenal without having to break the bank- think of hiring for instance. A cocktail dress would be a fair try but to get you all the way there consider a jumpsuit bridal gown. Yes, you heard right, a pants suit! But not just any, go for one with an element of surprise, say a detachable trail.
From the back view, you’re looking like an ordinary bride but wait until you stand tall facing front. Voila! It’s a whole new you. This is also a great way to add versatility to your portraits book, as you can switch looks between the joining ceremony and photo session. I’ve also seen brides also pull off a two-piece gown similar to these amazing options from Amazon.
So go ahead and stretch the boundaries!
Tips When Planning an Elopement
i. Far of destinations require an in-depth research on the location site and state laws. Marriage laws vary from one state to the next and therefore it is prudent to familiarize yourself with the requirements for conducting an official ceremony. Also get to know about the venue, its accessibility, and other related logistics.
ii. Elopements might cut off the guests list but that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s outright cheap. Budget for added expenses such as traveling, a videographer, and site seeing.
iii. An elopement package might be the answer to a decision- free planning. It caters to every other little detail including transport to and fro the airport; your only task is to show up for the d-day.
iv. Don’t take to heart disappointing sentiments from family and friends. You likely will encounter a lot of lashing but do what feels right as a couple.
Conclusion
Elopement weddings take away the numbers pressure allowing you to be in the moment with your loved one. If this is what works best for you, the next big step is finding a gown that goes along with the outdoor theme. Take time to sift through plenty of vendors, see what options they have, and do not grow shy to express your vision board. Your final result depends on it!
