Elopements offer an intimate and personal way to celebrate your love, and one of the best parts of eloping is the freedom to design your day exactly how you want it. If you’re envisioning a chic yet casual celebration, finding the right way to style your elopement dress is key. Whether you’re exchanging vows on a mountaintop, a serene beach, or in the comfort of your own home, here’s how to style your elopement dress for a chic and casual affair.
1. Opt for a Simple and Elegant Dress
When styling your elopement dress for a casual celebration, simplicity is key. Choose a dress that reflects your style but doesn’t feel too formal. A sleek A-line or slip dress in a lightweight fabric like chiffon or georgette will keep the look understated yet refined. These types of dresses have a natural flow, making them perfect for a laid-back ceremony, but still sophisticated enough to give you that bridal glow.
- Fabric Suggestions: Soft fabrics such as chiffon, cotton, or georgette are perfect for a casual look.
- Style Considerations: A simple sheath, slip dress, or A-line gown will keep your look chic without overwhelming your small celebration.
Tip: A dress with minimal embellishments—think subtle lace or a delicate back—lets you focus on the occasion rather than the dress itself.
2. Keep Your Accessories Minimal
When it comes to accessorizing your elopement dress for a chic and casual vibe, less is more. Instead of a veil, consider a delicate flower crown or a simple hairpiece. A pair of stud earrings or a dainty necklace will add a touch of elegance without being over-the-top. The goal is to keep your accessories understated, highlighting your dress rather than competing with it.
- Accessories to Consider: Simple pearl or diamond studs, a minimalist bracelet, or a small, elegant clutch.
- Hair Accessories: A simple flower crown, a silk ribbon, or an elegant barrette works beautifully for a casual look.
Tip: A relaxed hairstyle, like soft waves or a low bun, complements the casual yet chic nature of your dress and keeps everything looking effortless.
3. Choose Comfortable Footwear
Since you’ll likely be in a more relaxed setting, the shoes you choose should offer comfort without sacrificing style. Avoid high heels if they’re not practical for your elopement location. Instead, opt for stylish flat sandals, ballet flats, or even chic sneakers. White sneakers, in particular, have become a popular and trendy choice for elopement brides because they pair well with dresses while allowing you to move freely.
- Footwear Options: Ballet flats, strappy sandals, or white sneakers.
- Style Considerations: Choose shoes that reflect the vibe of your elopement—casual yet stylish.
Tip: If you’re eloping in an outdoor setting, such as a forest or beach, ensure your shoes are comfortable and practical for walking on uneven ground.
4. Incorporate a Casual Jacket or Cardigan
Depending on the weather and setting, adding a casual jacket or cardigan to your elopement outfit can make a stylish and practical statement. A lightweight denim jacket or a soft cashmere cardigan is an ideal way to stay warm while still looking chic. Plus, it adds an element of personal style to your look.
- Jacket Ideas: A leather jacket for a bold and trendy look, a denim jacket for a more casual vibe, or a cozy knit cardigan for a soft, romantic touch.
- Style Considerations: Choose a jacket or cardigan in neutral tones or something that complements the color of your dress.
Tip: A chic jacket or cardigan can also be a great way to add a pop of personal style, especially if you’re eloping in cooler weather.
5. Play with Color and Texture
Elopement dresses don’t have to be limited to classic whites and creams. For a chic and casual look, consider choosing a dress in a non-traditional color or fabric. Soft pastels, blush tones, or even a muted floral print can be great options. Alternatively, textured fabrics such as linen or cotton can lend a more casual yet still elegant look.
- Color Options: Soft blush, pastel blue, ivory, or even a pale lavender.
- Texture Suggestions: Linen for a beachy vibe, or cotton for a more laid-back, rustic feel.
Tip: A non-traditional color can give your elopement dress a unique and modern twist, helping to create a look that feels fresh and personal.
6. Go for a Relaxed, Natural Makeup Look
For a chic and casual elopement, your makeup should enhance your natural beauty without feeling too heavy. A fresh-faced look with soft, neutral tones will complement your casual vibe. Focus on achieving a glowing complexion, soft eyeshadow, and a natural lip color. The goal is to look effortlessly radiant and to avoid anything too bold or dramatic.
- Makeup Tips: Light foundation or tinted moisturizer for a natural glow, soft browns and taupes for eyeshadow, and a nude or soft pink lip.
- Hair Ideas: Loose, flowing waves or a soft updo with a few wispy strands for an effortless, romantic look.
Tip: Consider having a professional stylist help with a natural makeup look that feels true to your personal style and enhances your features.
7. Choose a Low-Key Location
The location of your elopement plays a huge role in the overall vibe of your celebration. For a chic and casual elopement, consider locations that already have a relaxed atmosphere. A cozy cabin, a quiet beach, a botanical garden, or a small park can provide the perfect backdrop for a minimalistic and intimate wedding.
- Location Suggestions: A secluded beach, a rustic barn, or a city rooftop.
- Style Considerations: Choose a location that fits the natural, effortless vibe you want to convey with your dress.
Tip: Locations that offer natural beauty can reduce the need for extravagant decorations, allowing the focus to remain on the two of you and your love.
8. Keep Your Ceremony Simple and Intimate
Elopements are all about intimacy, and the style of your ceremony should reflect that. Keep the ceremony simple with a short and meaningful exchange of vows, without the need for a large bridal party or elaborate decorations. A simple bouquet of wildflowers or a few candles can enhance the intimate setting.
- Ceremony Ideas: A short ceremony in a scenic spot with just a few close friends or a photographer present.
- Decor Suggestions: Use natural elements like flowers, greenery, or driftwood to complement your relaxed vibe.
Tip: Focus on the moments that matter most, like exchanging vows, a first kiss, or a celebration afterward, to keep the ceremony intimate and meaningful.
Conclusion
Styling your elopement dress for a chic and casual celebration is all about striking the perfect balance between simplicity, elegance, and personal flair. With the right dress, accessories, and location, you can create a laid-back yet refined look that feels true to who you are as a couple. Whether you’re wearing a sleek slip dress, flat shoes, or a simple flower crown, the goal is to embrace the freedom and intimacy that an elopement offers while looking effortlessly chic. With these styling tips, your elopement day will be one to remember for years to come.