Elopement, what to wear?

[Cornonthecob17]

I’m eloping in April, just to a local registry office with my partner of a decade. Probably going to bring my teenagers as witnesses. All very low key, will probably go for a nice lunch after but that’s it.
I do want to wear something at least vaguely nice, definitely not a full on wedding dress but something I can look nice in pictures. I have no idea where to start. I don’t want to spend more than a couple hundred max. I’m late 30s, average height, slim but a bit of a mum tum to hide and I’ve broad shoulders so some styles won’t work on me.
Would love any suggestions or anecdotes!
Thanks!

Have a look in independent boutiques, if you have a chance.
That’s where my dress found me! Or maybe designer outlet.

What is your usual style? Do you want a dress or pant suit? White, off white or colour?

I haven’t dressed up in years but I would say I usually like to wear a dress that’s a bit interesting/unique. Dress over pant suit, something flattering, not tight or form fitting on the bottom. Not fussed on colour. I’m wondering if I should have a look at vintage places but wouldn’t even know where to start!

If it helps, back in the day this was my dream dress 😂 I have neither the funds nor figure for anything like this these days.

I saw this a few days ago and thought it was really lovely/ unique, it’s about £300 for the set. It has a lovely vintage feel.

https://www.monsoon.co.uk/rosie-lace-floral-bridal-top-ivory-20002190016.html

https://www.monsoon.co.uk/rosie-embroidered-floral-wedding-skirt-ivory-20002200016.html

This is another one with a lovely vintage feel but simpler.

https://www.monsoon.co.uk/sloane-short-sleeve-midi-wedding-dress-ivory-20004230016.html

Both lovely. LOVE the second one, that’s right up my street! Thank you for the suggestions, never thought of Monsoon.

I'm getting married in March with, it seems, the exact same set up as you. Just the couple and our teens as witnesses, on to a nice meal. Retailers I've been looking at:

TH&TH bridesmaids - I have a dress being delivered today that I'm hopeful will be 'the one'. It's the Camilla in Ivory, FYI
Maya Deluxe
ASOS
Six Stories
John Lewis
Self Portrait - a bit too out there for me, but lovely for someone!
Ghost
Nadine Merabi

Needle & Tread } both have nice dresses but too expensive for me
Monsoon

I would avoid all three of these ones below. They are basically same company and doing terrible business at the moment re. refunds. I suggest you search the company name & Trustpilot for any online retailer you consider buying from.

Debenhams
Coast
Karen Millen

@Cornonthecob17 Code ‘TREATFORYOU’ is currently bringing the second one down to £212.50 if you decide to give it a whirl!

Thank you, I’m looking at all of these. That dress you’re getting today looks gorgeous! Good luck!

I feel the best outfit for a 'proper' elopement is camouflage clothing and a balaclava (the ones with two eye holes).

It depends on how traditional / quirky you want to be but I absolutely love Wolf & Badger. They are my go-to for dresses for any occasion really!

https://www.wolfandbadger.com/uk/white-long-dress-with-deep-slits-and-ruffles/

Also, I hired a dress for a wedding a couple of years ago (Hurr Collective) and was very impressed with them. You can rent an expensive designer dress for a few days for less than £100!

https://www.hurrcollective.com/collections/dresses?colourCategoryValue=%5B%22white%22%5D&pageCurrentValue=1&tagListValue=

Excellent advice. I came on here to advise that you make sure to bribe the carriage driver not to reveal the details. Dress as a man and pack your crinoline in your valise. Send your maid ahead of you, with your toilette

https://www.hurrcollective.com/listings/mimosa-cut-out-midi-dress-33498 Oooh. Like the one you saw above but a bit quirky?

Yes, best wishes OP, but you're not eloping.

Irregardless make sure you have read the rules of who can witness. Witnesses must be over either 16 or 18 so your teenagers may not be able to witness depending on their ages!

Some charity shops have dedicated bridal shops. Lots of the stock is new and donated or end of line etc. Worth a look if there is one near you.

A friend eloped in a black, satin dress with a train. They have pictures at a beach is it looked stunning.

Monsoon have a sale currently. https://www.monsoon.co.uk/wedding-occasion/the-bride/wedding-dresses-/

or use it as an excuse to buy a dress or other outfit you could otherwise not justify. Doesn’t need to be bridal as long as you feel special

@user593 just got it for £170 in the sale with the code as well. Haven’t stopped thinking about it so will see if it lives up in real life!

im aware its not a “real” elopement but its a wedding that’s tiny and secret from everyone. Im not telling my kids til just before and not telling anyone else til after. Both teenagers are over 16 so fine to witness where we are.

thank you all for the advice and suggestions!

@Cornonthecob17 🤞 you love it! I got an email about the sale this morning and very nearly came back to post - so glad you caught it!

there's some "not too wedding dressy" options on Coast Wedding Dresses | White Wedding Dresses | Coast

Coast have some nice options
https://www.coastfashion.com/product/coast-lace-angel-sleeve-midi-dress_bcc08885?colour=oyster

At last, somebody who understands what an elopement is all about.
It starts with concealment. And it certainly doesn't involve children. At least not in any Georgette Heyer novel I ever read! Although I guess there one would wear a plain cloak one had borrowed from one's maid and an untrimmed bonnet that kept one's face almost invisible.

I got married with minimal people and then we had a party afterwards and surprised our guests that we had got married. I wore a 1950s dress baby with a white bolero. Now I loved the look but 12 years later I regret not wearing a proper wedding dress. Wear a proper wedding dress.

Christ almighty I know what a “proper” elopement is 😂 it was just an easy word to convey the tone of the day.

@Itsnotallaboutyoulikeyouthink yeah it’s good advice. I looked at some lovely vintage Laura Ashley dresses and did consider something non-bridal but like you I think I’d regret it. It may be a low key affair but I’d like a dress I can keep and look back on, I don’t think something non-bridal will be the same.

I've never regretted not having a white dress. If I spend a lot on any dress I want to wear it as much as possible.