Choosing The Right Dress for A Waterfall Ceremony

oregon waterfall elopement

Whether you are planning a small waterfall ceremony or elopement, selecting your outfit will be a major decision.  Waterfall weddings are known for being exceptionally dreamy and romantic destinations. Here are my suggestions for the styles that are most suitable (and some to avoid!) for this type of terrain to help you curate and narrow your selection for the big day.

Short Dress- If the waterfall is a hike away and you don’t have a changing room, a shorter silhouette would be an excellent choice for the adventurous bride! Not only will it make your traveling easier but it will always be a fun flirty look!  There are so many different styles and varieties of fabrics from which to choose.  I would suggest beaded fabric, lace, and organza.  Adding long or short sleeves can help you achieve the vibe you are looking for and balance the amount of coverage to your desired preference.  When you are at the destination, put on a veil or an overskirt for that extra glam and complete the outfit!

A-line tulle dress with lace detail- A whimsical A-Line shaped tulle wedding dress may be my favorite look and a popular choice for a waterfall bride!  Layers of soft tulle skirts will give you that ethereal look.  If you dare to step into that cold water, or jump into that lake, rest assured that your dress will be easily clean. Compared to silk fabric, tulle is more durable and much easier to keep clean. Check out our collection for dreamy tulle dresses or create a bespoke dress with our custom design program!

Lace dress- Whether your style is retro classic or trendy bohemian, nothing beats a gorgeous lace dress.   Lace comes in many different designs and patterns, which will enable you to customize according to your vibe.   Whether you select a chantilly or a guipure, our only caution is that lace can be difficult and expensive to clean, due to its delicate nature!   If you prefer an added sparkle, we recommend a design that incorporates beading.    

Crepe dress- If you are a bride who wants a sleek yet modern dress, find one made with crepe or mikado fabric!  A refined silhouette like a sheath or a fit a flare made in a crepe looks incredibly gorgeous and contemporary against a waterfall backdrop.  At Aideux, we love the modern romantic juxtaposition!  If you are feeling brave and don’t really mind that you may never get those dirty spots out of your dress, a crepe dress is your pick! 

Chiffon Dress- There is nothing like an ethereal chiffon dress that makes a bride look like a goddess.  A soft romantic chiffon dress never goes out of style.  The way the sheer fabric drapes and moves, is so romantic and enchanting when the wind carries through it. Caution: this material is by far the most difficult to clean if it gets dirty.  Chiffon cannot get wet as it changes its smooth texture forever. 

Things to Avoid:

Say NO to Glittered Materials- Most glittery dresses with a reasonable price tag are made with glued on glitter and many times the glitter will shed with your every move.  For any couple who decides to get married in a nature setting, skip this option as it can leave a trail of unwanted and non-decomposable glitter that is just unethical! Skip the glittery sparkles but if you want that extra shine, I would recommend a dress that has sewn on beadings and sequins instead!

Say NO to Duchess Satin Gowns- I may be stirring up controversies with this one. Duchess satin dresses are too luxurious to be getting them dirty.  Let’s just keep Duchess Satin Gowns indoor ☺

Say NO to Ballgowns- Ballgowns belong on the dance floor and a dirt floor. That voluminous skirt isn’t made for hiking or climbing, so I recommend skipping this style if you are wanting an adventurous wedding. 

Last, but not least, here additional tips:

Tip #1- Find a local wedding photographer who is just as adventurous as you are or more.  There ARE wedding photographers who are experienced adventure guides too. If you are looking for one in the Oregon area, Lindsay from @tilldeathdoweadventure https://www.tilldeathdoweadventure.com/ , can give you a guided adventure tour while capturing those magical wedding photos of your dreams. or Caitlin from @caitlinconnel.photo www.caitlinconnell.photography.com  and Kayla from @swayzek.photo swayzekphoto.squarespace.com who are always down for something fun and out of the ordinary!  For a photo session at exotic places anywhere in the world, they are your gals!

Tip #2- Wear boots- It is an expected surprise to pair boots with a wedding dress

Tip #3- Bring a shawl or throw blanket- when it gets cold between the shots, cover yourself, or if you get a gorgeous coverup take some pictures with it. 

Model: Tom & Katya
Photographers: @caitlinconnell.photo & @swayzek.photo
Florist: @wildflower_portland
Makeup and Hair: @annychow
Dress: @aideuxbridal

oregon waterfall elopement

oregon waterfall elopement

oregon waterfall elopement

oregon waterfall elopement

oregon waterfall elopement

oregon waterfall elopement

oregon waterfall elopement

oregon waterfall elopement

oregon waterfall elopement

 

oregon waterfall elopement

oregon waterfall elopement

oregon waterfall elopement

oregon waterfall elopement

oregon waterfall elopement

oregon waterfall elopement

oregon waterfall elopement