Best Non-Traditional Wedding Dress Brands for Eloping Brides
If you’re planning to elope, odds are you want your dress to be just as unique as the elopement you’re envisioning. Traditional wedding dresses can be beautiful, but you want more than that—you want one of a kind, completely true to you, sustainably and ethically made. Something to capture the essence of you.
In no particular order, here are my 6 favorite dress brands for elopements!
1. Linyage
Pronounced like "lineage,” Linyage creates custom bridal separates for adventurous brides. Lindsay & Sarah are some of the most passionate, vibrant, down to earth creatives I’ve had the pleasure of working with, and their brand is pure genius. They saw a need for elopement-friendly wedding attire in which brides could hike, rock climb, and effortlessly participate in any elopement adventure you can think of.
Their custom dresses are a combination of a vintage lace bodysuit stitched by hand, with a separate silk organza skirt hand dyed in a tea bath. All Linyage pieces are custom made to your measurements and specifications, hand sewn, are travel friendly and lightweight, and they’re absolutely gorgeous.
Linyage creates a custom dress for each individual bride, so inquire with them for pricing information.
2. Daci Gowns
Since 1996, Daci has been designing custom gowns. Her gowns “embody the spirit of a romantic, boho and adventurous bride.” With pre-designed made to order styles created to flow with the wind, reflect the natural colors and beauty of outdoor landscapes, and “find the balance between simplicity and intricate detail,” there’s no doubt you’ll find the perfect one for your elopement vision. They offer a collection of 30 gowns in sizes 2-8, create 4-5 custom gowns per year, and sample gowns are also available.
My favorite part of Daci Gowns is the process of hand-dying their materials with natural elements such as organic plants and fruits. These dresses are one of a kind, and Daci puts so much care and attention to every little detail. Her dresses are very high end, and they fit into any landscape flawlessly.
A Daci Gown should be purchased no less than 6 months before your elopement, but they do offer rush orders for elopements taking place in less than 6 months. Be sure to contact them for more information if your elopement is coming up in less than 6 months. Gowns average between $4,000 to $5,000, with custom dresses averaging $6,000 to $8,000.
Daci Gowns also offers stunning “Finishing Touches” such as capes, overskirts, sleeves, and veils.
3. Flora & Lane
For the “non-traditional, boho chic babes,” Flora & Lane specializes in pre-designed made to order gowns with several unique styles available. They’re colorful, whimsical, magical, and downright beautiful. From bright colors to embroidered floral details, Flora & Lane’s gowns are completely unique and look incredible in nature.
They offer at home try-on as well as appointments at their Chicago and San Francisco shops, as well as sample gowns for purchase. Flora & Lane’s gowns are available in sizes up to 28+, ranging in price from $1,500 to $3,000. Clearance dresses are also available.
No matter which Flora & Lane dress you pick, you’ll be at one with nature.
4. Ailsa Munro
Based in the UK, Ailsa Munro’s gowns are the definition of romance, whimsy, and dreamy cottagecore magic. The fabric flows and falls in a way that’s gorgeously feminine and utterly enchanting. Her custom gowns are each lovingly made from scratch, and all completely one of a kind. She says, “In a world of fast fashion and mass production, your finished gown is one in a million - no more than your big day deserves.”
Ailsa has created several pre-designed gowns to help brides gather inspiration for their own dress, as she understands the process of dreaming up your own may be a bit overwhelming. Inspired by historical fashion and adorned with graceful vintage touches, her gowns pair beautifully with accessories such as hats, veils, capes, and florals.
Ailsa works with one bride from the United States every couple of years and recommends reaching out at least 6 months ahead of your elopement, so be sure to get in touch with her to get your chance for your own gown. Her response times are quick and her dresses are too magical to miss out on! Gowns range from about $2,300 to $3,325 USD (£1,800 to £2,600).
5. Nordeen Bridal
With ethereal, flowing details adorning gowns made with natural fibers, Nordeen Bridal “is built with the commitment to be an honest brand focused on designing beautiful quality product whilst preserving production integrity.”
”The collection is made in collaboration with manufacturers and suppliers that share the same values of responsible production. Mainly using materials woven with natural fibers, each piece in the collection is individually sewn by skilled hands located in New York City and Los Angeles.”
Nordeen Bridal is GOTS and RWS Certified (Global Organic Textile Standard and Responsible Wool Standard) and perfectly inspired by nature and timeless design. Brenna’s gowns fit effortlessly into all kinds of outdoor landscapes, blending beautifully with her commitment to create sustainable, ethically-produced wedding gowns.
6. Christy Dawn
While Christy Dawn isn’t a bridal brand, I couldn’t leave it off my list of favorites. The “Athena” Dress is crafted with 100% regenerative silk and organically dyed, making it a truly eco-friendly elopement dress. This gown is made to order with a 4 week turnaround time an an optional 2 week rush order, making it a perfect option for a short notice elopement. It embodies the personality of a free-spirited, boho, wanderlust bride.
Though their site doesn’t specifically categorize them as wedding dresses, Christy Dawn also offers two other made to order pearl silk organically dyed gowns: The Britta and The Fitzgerald. Both are 1920s inspired gowns crafted from 100% regenerative silk charmeuse. The three of these dresses range from $2,500 to $3,000, and are available in sizes XS to XL.
Christy Dawn is one of my all-time favorite clothing brands because of their commitment to ethical, regenerative clothing creation and sustainable fabric use. I’m completely in love with all of their dresses and sweaters, and for those having an intimate wedding, I highly recommend sharing with your guests their inventory of regenerative cotton dresses.
Christy Dawn
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Learn more about how to have an eco-friendly elopement here.
No matter which dress brand you choose for your elopement, the most important thing is that you feel utterly and completely like yourself in it.
Hey friend! I’m Andrea, a New Hampshire Elopement Photographer, and I’m so glad you’re here. I love helping couples plan elopements in the beautiful region of New England, and this blog is just one of the many ways I enjoy providing information that will help my couples enjoy a beautiful, fulfilling elopement experience.
Ready to begin planning your own elopement? Reach out and let’s get started!
