So you’ve decided on a destination wedding in Colorado or another mountain location. Now it’s time to start shopping for that dream gown! Before you do, however, it’s worth remembering that your venue sets the tone for everything else. And that includes the wedding dress! For a mountain destination wedding, you’ll want to wear something that not only complements the surroundings, but takes practical factors into account, such as temperature and terrain. Here are my top tips for choosing mountain friendly bridal attire.
Dress for the weather. One of the most important considerations in selecting mountain friendly bridal attire is the climate. Winter weddings call for long sleeves, faux fur wraps and thermal leggings. If you’re planning on having pictures in the snow, be sure to choose a silhouette roomy enough to allow you to wear a pair of boots under your dress, and avoid high slits and plunging necklines. Even in warmer weather, when you may want to opt for light fabrics, it can get chilly at night. Be sure to include a cardigan or wrap in your ensemble.
Choose something you can walk in. If you’re only planning to ride in a car, helicopter or ski lift to your ceremony and reception, then you can choose any bridal silhouette you like. However, if you’re planning a bit of a hike to your ceremony or couple shoot spot, then you’ll need to think practically. Tight fitting silhouettes like trumpet and mermaid gowns won’t let you move comfortably, and something heavy like a ballgown will turn you into a huffy, sweaty mess in no time. Wear a dress that’s easy to walk in or something you can pack away without wrinkling if you plan to change on location.
Make the wind work for you. Wind can be another factor in mountain weddings. Especially if you’re dreaming of an adventure elopement or wildly romantic portraits on a rugged summit. Choose a dress with light fabric that has lots of movement and can flow around you, or a fringe detail that will shimmer in the mountain breeze. However, do remember that tulle tends to pick up dirt and leaves easily. If a dirty hem bothers you, then it may be a good idea to avoid it.
Reflect the natural setting. Choosing to have a mountain destination wedding means you’ll be surrounded by natural beauty. Why not choose a dress that reflects that? Modern wedding dress designers often include nature-inspired details like floral lace and appliqués. Butterflies were another natural motif that was popular on the bridal runways in New York recently. They would be lovely for a summer mountain wedding amongst the wildflowers.
Embrace your inner cowgirl. Mountain weddings are often more relaxed affairs, but that doesn’t mean they’re any less chic! One way to bring an appropriately Western touch to your Colorado destination wedding is through accessories like belts, boots, and cowboy hats. And they’re on-trend too! Hayley Paige sent most of her models down the catwalk in hats for her Fall 2020 collection, while Rue De Seine and Daughters of Simone also channelled Western vibes throughout their most recent collections.
What mountain friendly bridal attire are you wearing on your big day?
Image by Carrie Patterson Photography
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