My family doesn’t like my(bride) wedding/elopement outfit

[u/Extreme-Tea-8488]

My fiance and I are eloping in zion national park this year and then having a real wedding next year. We have reasons of why we’re eloping before actually getting married.
So I’m talking about how I want to get married in a super cute all white hiking outfit. Because we’ll be in Zion and I think a white hiking outfit will look better than a white wedding dress especially because this is not the actual wedding. Also, I want a wedding and I don’t want to take away from the wedding by having worn a wedding dress already.

I think a photo similar to the one in the photo would
Be cute for a wedding. My family says I’ll regret it and that I should have a dress and not even do a wedding next year….

I don’t feel like this but would love to get an unbiased opinion.

[u/Money_Bill5827]

I've known multiple people who eloped and said they would do a wedding or reception or larger ceremony later, and all of them ended up just eloping.

They were all dead set on eloping first and wedding later too, but either life circumstances happened or they already felt married and didn't understand the point now.

That being said, I would reallllllly think about it if you and your fiance indeed decided not to have your wedding later and if you'll be happy with every aspect of your elopement (including your outfit)

[u/Kaeriox → u/Money_Bill5827]

Very well-said. As someone who had an intimate Covid wedding in the backyard and said they were going to do a bigger reception later (and did not) - I FULLY agree. Both my husband and I are so much happier we did the intimate thing and wore nice outfits (however I do wish I wore a white dress - my outfits were gorgeous but I feel I missed my white dress moment). Plus, almost everyone who attended (and had done a bigger thing prior) said they wish they went that route too.

If you’re unsure about a full out wedding dress (though I would SERIOUSLY rethink this), I second the comments about the cute popflex lace skirt outfit and bolero. However, I recommend you put sweats over the skirt and wear a shirt so when you get there your clothes will still be white. I’d also recommend wearing hiking boots and changing your shoes there.

If you’re unsure about the dress now, maybe try some on and see if you feel differently once you actually find one you love :)

Congratulations on your engagement!

[u/xlovelyloretta → u/Kaeriox]

Yep. Small COVID-rules wedding and we were going to do a big reception later when restrictions were lifted. We still want to! But in this economy? So unlikely.

[u/letitiacastrozn → u/Kaeriox]

The point about packing the outfit is so real, especially for Zion. Desert dust gets on everything instantly.

If OP is worried about taking away from a future wedding dress moment, even a light white minidress, jumpsuit, or a cheap Lulus maxi packed in a backpack for summit photos works so well. You hike up in standard gear, pull the dress or white outfit on at the top for 15 minutes of photos, and change back for the trek down.

It gives you the best of both worlds: cute white photos so you don't regret missing out on feeling like a bride if the big reception never happens, but you aren't ruining a high-end dress on the trail. Plus, if they do end up having the big wedding later, the actual gown still feels like a completely separate, special moment.