What to wear to your courthouse wedding, according to a bridal stylist
Struggling with what to wear to your courthouse wedding?
We've got you covered.
For many people, wedding day attire is a big deal. And whether you have a vision for your look or are starting from scratch, it can be hard to find a dress that's just right.
We tapped bridal stylist Hope LaVine to help brides decide what to wear to their courthouse weddings.
"I think one of the most exciting things about dressing for a courthouse wedding is that there are no rules or societal pressure," LaVine told "Good Morning America" in an e-mail. "The most beautiful thing to me about a courthouse wedding is that the love of a couple is truly the focus of the day. You can wear anything, and I encourage brides to keep it authentically them!"
To start, LaVine suggested considering how you want to feel in your dress, as well as any activities happening on the big day.
"I think how you feel is a big factor because if you want to be fun and flirty, maybe that's a minidress with some fun feather details. Or maybe you want to be chic and timeless, and to you, that’s a vintage Chanel tweed dress. Or maybe you want to be cool and effortless, so to you, that is a silky slip dress with stunning draping," LaVine says. "None are wrong for a courthouse wedding, but they're all going to make you feel differently. So, think about how you want to feel at your courthouse wedding and take it from there!"
If you're looking for a trendy wedding dress, LaVine suggested a minidress styled with a cathedral-length veil.
"Minis have so much character packed into the short wedding dress silhouette! You can say a lot with a little dress," she said.
For something more classic, LaVine said to look out for a dress with buttons down the back, a halter or off-the-shoulder neckline, pleating, and silk or satin fabrics, among other styles.
"I also love seeing vintage gowns or vintage-inspired elements in a look!" she said. "There are so many gorgeous vintage wedding dresses and slips out there. How special to incorporate something borrowed or old into your bridal look."
However, there are a few things LaVine said she would avoid for the courthouse.
"Personally, I would never wear a ballgown wedding dress with a 10-foot train," she said. "You want to keep in mind your location, the setting, and your surroundings. I think the beauty of a courthouse wedding is the effortlessness ... [That] doesn’t mean you can’t wear something fabulous, but it takes away the pressure of wearing something loud."
Your courthouse wedding dress is one you can certainly re-wear. For example, if you opt for a minidress, LaVine suggested wearing it again to a birthday party or an anniversary.
"I think wearing something sentimental is always appropriate," LaVine said. "This is one of the reasons I encourage wearability to brides! Consider pieces you actually love in your wedding wardrobe and not just pieces you want to wear for a day."
She added, "But if you don't re-wear that is totally acceptable as well. It's not a one-size or one-solution-fits-all."
No matter what you chose, LaVine said you can make your courthouse wedding bridal look feel special.
"Perhaps you style your wedding dress with family heirloom jewelry, or you borrow your best friend's veil," she said, adding, "Don't not dress up or make it super special, because it is!"
To help you start finding your dream dress, we've rounded up some picks below.
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SOLACE London Elina Mini Dress
- $645
- Revolve
Helsa Matte Jersey Off Shoulder Maxi Dress
- $238
- Revolve
Michael Costello x REVOLVE Kylen Midi Dress
- $268
- Revolve
L'IDEE Gatsby Gown
- $450
- Revolve
Rodarte White and Green Floral Printed Silk Satin Cape Dress
- $1955
- Amazon
Reformation Violet Dress
- $298
- Reformation
Reformation Valencia Dress
- $498
- Reformation
Reformation Annabelle Silk Dress
- $448
- Reformation
Reformation Josefina Knit Dress
- $190
- Reformation
The Drop Women's Snow White Long Sleeve Maxi Dress
- $79.90
- Amazon
ELOQUII Bridal by ELOQUII Mesh Applique Jumpsuit
- $249
- Eloquii
Watters Strapless Ballad Crepe Mini Dress
- $395
- Anthropologie
MISHA Pauline High-Neck Asymmetrical Ruched Slinky Side-Slit Dress
- $380
- Anthropologie
Bridal by ELOQUII Floral Mini Dress
- $199
- Eloquii
Oscar de la Renta Unfinished Floral Cotton Poplin Shift Dress
- $1690
- Amazon
Realtix Satin Silk Backless Tube Tops Maxi Dress for Women
- $48.99
- Amazon
ELLIATT Rays Dress
- $240
- Revolve
MISHA x REVOLVE Evianna Satin Gown
- $447
- Revolve
Watters Ambrosia Bow-Strap Lace Midi Dress
- $725
- Anthropologie
Sachin & Babi Gemma Strapless Back-Bow Pearl Midi Dress
- $598
- Anthropologie
Bridal by ELOQUII Dramatic Sleeve Dress
- $119
- Eloquii
Rodarte Off-White Silk Satin Mid Length Slip Dress with Silk Flower
- $966
- Amazon
Amsale Draped Off-The-Shoulder Midi-Dress
- $495
- Saks Fifth Avenue
Reformation Liliwen Dress
- $428
- Reformation
