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!

I wish I was getting married again purely so that I could wear that two-piece. It’s beautiful 😍

It's beautiful. I generally don't like wedding dresses but it's lovely. I think it could be a worn to a non wedding event.

This is lovely too.

https://www.monsoon.co.uk/eliza-floral-embellished-wedding-top-ivory-20004260016.html

And the long sleeved version is even nicer

https://www.monsoon.co.uk/rhea-floral-embroidered-mesh-wedding-skirt-ivory-20004200016.html

@IsItTheBlackOneOrTheRedOne Isn’t it! DP and I have vaguely discussed a civil partnership or marriage at a registry office (for legal/ tax purposes - neither of us are particularly romantic!) and I’m kind of tempted to buy it and keep it in my wardrobe just in case we ever get around to it 😅 So when I saw OPs post I immediately knew what I’d suggest!

Trust your teens are both over 18. Surely a trouser suit because of the rope ladder?
Seriously, wear a dress that reflects it's a wedding and you will want this to be clear in photos - maybe not now but later! It doesn't have to be long and it can also be something you can wear to other occasions with different accessories. Choose something classic rather than up to the minute fashion. Cream and ivory and champagne are re-wearable colours.

Indeed. Don't neglect to leave a note —penned in great agitation and weighted with a hairpin—laid upon your escritoire, awaiting discovery by a household that will shortly learn that it has been outpaced by love.

You are not "eloping". You are having a quiet planned registry office wedding, as do many people. You wouldn't be spending money on a dress to climb out of the window at dead of night. FFS.

We all know what the OP means - the word is definitely now used for minimal-fuss, just two witnesses, registry affairs (whether you like it or not).

I'm having a similar wedding to the OP in March and my two teenagers are witnesses - the rule here (Scotland) is 16 years and over.

OP, as an alternative vintage-inspired shape to the very pretty 50s-style Monsoon dresses already linked, would a 30s-influenced Nancy Mac crepe dress be your thing at all? I notice the designers are making bespoke dresses these days since their RTW label folded:

https://www.therareandthebeautiful.com/chic-moss-crepes/dresses-in-moss-crepe

… their off the peg ones also can be found on Vinted & eBay for considerably less now if you like their style & fabrics.

I am eloping in April and have purchased this dress from boohoo.

Boohoo dress

It's perfect, as I'll be able to wear it all day long comfortably, as we are having a holiday too, so will want to explore after the ceremony!

Hi! I got married (small civil wedding) two weeks ago. (Religious ceremony will be in summer…)

I wore a vintage fur coat (not something everyone will feel comfortable in, I know)
black pumps
black tights
and a knee-length / slightly above the knee white dress. Skirt part is plain cotton and the top has a lace overlay, fairly high neck, sleeves and looots of buttons. It cost less than £60…
went to a hairdresser and got a 60ies inspired half-up do.

I personally felt that my look was low maintenance, slightly vintage and super pretty. It felt like “me” and I felt comfortable.
What really made me feel bridal was a small bouquet, btw. And getting my hair done/getting some of the details “right”.

edit: I know it’s easier said than done. But if you know you like and feel beautiful in, it’s easier to “elevate” your look.

If you’re unsure where to start I’d reserve a day (or 2, 3…) to go shopping with a trusted person and just try everything. You might end up with something you never ever would have considered! :)

I’d use it as an excuse to buy an amazing non-bridal dress that I could wear again and again.

No! That doesn't help at all!😂That would make for the most indiscreet elopement in history!

But the second link you said you liked looked nice.

Apparently UK law is that witnesses be 18+, understand the language in which the marriage is carried out in and the nature of the contract being made. They make the marriage legal and valid (one of the reasons Edward IV's marriage to Elizabeth Woodville was dubious was that there was only one witness, Jacquetta of Luxembourg, Elizabeth Woodville's mother).
Scottish law differs in lots of ways from English and Welsh law.

Nonsense. DP and I have been together for over 30 years and have children together. He’s not my boyfriend!

Fiancé makes me cringe. Bf/gf is ridiculous for anyone not a teenager

It's used on MN - that doesn't make it right.

The wedding is definitely not an elopement and was an odd choice of word in the OP, but I’d rather see dresses than argue semantics.

Congratulations on your forthcoming wedding.

How old are your teenage dc ?
I'm asking because in parts of the U.K. (england ) its 16 , but Scotland & Wales is 18 .
But in many registry offices they prefer 18 so best to check yours out .

OP could have gone for, stallion, sugarplum, honeywump, pumpkinmuffin…
Now those are genuinely awful! But partner?

DC are 17 and 18. Scotland is 16. I checked with the registrar.

I’m leaving the thread now because honestly can’t be bothered arguing over semantics like the wedding definition and what I call my OH! Thank you to those who actually answered my question! Had many beautiful suggestions and helpful advice.

https://www.oasisfashion.com/product/coast-blouson-sleeve-wildflower-wedding-dress_bcc10224?colour=ivory&size=8&srsltid=AfmBOoqwyrapeYXEZYhn18oA9UBPDoPeAqGrHRqN_TVo30IvFruhrbFq9ig

I wore this Coast one to my local registry office wedding in Sept 25. Just me, him and the 2 kids. They are only 4 and 6 so we had to invite a workmate and his partner to sign for us. Then went and told family.

Call it an elopement, call it whatever u want. Some people on this site just wake up in the morning with a twisted look on their face, looking to spoil others people's day. Must be a terrible way to have to live but don't let it put a dampener on your excitement!!!

That’s very pretty, @Littlejacksmummy.

It is 16 in Scotland. You can still get married at 16 in Scotland.