Model wearing Ronald Joyce destination wedding dress style 18618, a beautiful crepe and lace A-line dress with a plunging v-neckline and open back detail

If the fabulous weather, laidback planning experience, stunning scenery and opportunity to get everyone together in a fun and relaxed environment has appealed to you and you’ve opted to elope abroad, we can help you in your search for destination wedding gowns. Unlike other styles, destination wedding dresses need to not only suit your style and budget but also the weather and journey. With more criteria to meet, you could be mistaken in thinking shopping for destination dresses is a stressful experience, but you’d be pleasantly surprised. Armed with a little knowledge of materials and styles, it’s no different to buying a wedding dress for a ceremony closer to home. 

In this blog, you can discover the different styles we recommend for dreamy destination wedding gowns and what you need to consider when purchasing a wedding dress, you need to pack. First stop - fabrics!

Bridal fabrics fit for destination wedding dresses

We all know linen is incredibly prone to creasing and not the best outfit choice for travelling but which wedding dress fabrics should you opt for when eloping abroad - and which should you leave at home? We spoke to our award-winning wedding dress designer Veni to find out. 

Back profile of model wearing Ronald Joyce Victoria Jane destination wedding dress style 18604 with matching overskirt. Model stands against a wall by the sea.

“Although Mikado looks fabulous all year round, it’s a weighty fabric made from heavy silk and is much more suited to structured styles than floaty destination wedding dresses you’d find on the beach. Satin is another fabric best left at home,” explains Veni. “Despite being a popular wedding dress fabric for years, its susceptibility to creasing makes it a poor choice for packing. Instead opt for lace, crepe or chiffon.

“Crepe is an opulent fabric suited to every destination thanks to its ability to keep you warm in cold climates and cool in the heat. What’s more it doesn’t crease easily and works well in simple styles that are better suited to intimate nuptials.”

When asked for other suitable bridal fabrics, Veni continued: “Lace is also a fabulous option. Because it’s available in an array of patterns, textures and weights, there’s a style to suit every climate and body shape.

 Close up of model wearing Ronald Joyce Victoria Jane destination wedding dress style 18605, an A-line lace dress with a plunging v-neckline and modesty bodice. nation wedd

“Chiffon is another perfect wedding dress material for intimate summer weddings thanks to its lightweight, breathable and translucent properties and natural ability to drape. Other lightweight options suited to summer heat (and packing) are organza and tulle. Just make sure they’re protected as these are all fragile fabrics so pack your gown in its protective dress bag with nothing else inside.”

Before we ask about specific styles we can wear on the beach or mountain range, we query whether silk is a good fabric choice or not.

“Silk is surprisingly suitable! Not only is it durable and versatile, but it’s also suited to all seasons thanks to its different textures and styles,” exclaims Veni.

Destination wedding gowns - our top picks 

Photo of an altar on a beach in the Maldives

When it comes to destination wedding dresses, we recommend opting for lighter dresses with minimal layers, open backs and sleeveless arms over long sleeve gowns. As Veni suggested, lightweight breathable fabrics like lace, crepe and chiffon are also popular, providing a comfortable choice and easier option to pack on a plane. Floaty silhouettes also provide a perfect option for breezy beach weddings and boho brides while bold splits are fabulous for a more relaxed vibe and showing off sun-kissed legs.

With destination weddings in mind, our award-winning designer Veni has handcrafted a selection of wedding dresses perfect for packing. Five styles from her Spring 2022 Victoria Jane collection caught our attention;

Style 18602

Model in Ronald Joyce destination wedding dress style 18602, a floaty chiffon A-line dress with an illusion v-neck, leg split, ruched waistband and bold floral shoulder detail Back profile of model in Ronald Joyce destination wedding dress style 18602, a floaty chiffon A-line dress with a leg split, ruched waistband, floral shoulder detail, and open back.

Floral romance meets boho beach bride in style 18602. This floaty and feminine chiffon wedding dress has a striking open v-shaped back and matching illusion neckline complete with a distinct leg split - perfect for hot humid climates. A ruched waistband, soft draping and floral shoulder embellishment add picture-perfect detailing. 

Style 18604

Model stood in Ronald Joyce destination wedding dress style 18604, a strapless dress with a beaded sweetheart bodice and plain fit and flare skirt. Model wears tulle overskirt. Back profile of model in Ronald Joyce destination wedding dress style 18604, a strapless dress with a beaded sweetheart bodice and plain fit and flare skirt.

Our second dress - style 18604 - is slightly more traditional. This elegant strapless wedding dress has a beaded sweetheart bodice and contrasting crepe fit and flare skirt complete with open back and beautiful bridal button detailing - ideal for warmer climates and any setting. 

Style 18611

Front profile of model in Ronald Joyce destination wedding dress style 18611, a lace illusion halter neck dress with plain chiffon skirt and 2 splits.  Back profile of model in Ronald Joyce destination wedding dress style 18611, a boho lace illusion halter neck dress with a plain chiffon skirt and open back

Another style suitable for your suitcase is 18611 - a chiffon, lace applique and tulle halter neck that Veni designed with an Ibiza-loving bold boho bride in mind. Featuring distinctive and daring leg splits and a striking open back profile, it’s like no other wedding dress in the collection and the perfect party wedding dress. 

Style 18614

Model in Ronald Joyce destination wedding dress style 18614, a classic fit and flare dress with a beaded halter neckline and keyhole open back. Back view of model in Ronald Joyce destination wedding dress style 18614, a plain fit and flare dress with a beaded halter neckline and keyhole open back

Suited to the most sophisticated bride is style 18614, a classic chiffon and crepe fit and flare wedding dress with a striking high neckline complete with a beaded collar and a distinctive keyhole open back. Such exquisite embellishment allows for minimal accessories - perfect for saving on packing. 

Style 18618

Model in Ronald Joyce destination wedding dress style 18618, a beautiful crepe and lace A-line dress with a plunging v-neckline and open back detail  Back profile of model in Ronald Joyce destination wedding dress style 18618, a crepe and lace A-line wedding dress with a plunging v-neckline and open back

Our final pick is style 18618 - a beautiful crepe and lace A-line wedding dress with a plunging v-neckline and open back detail accented by floral lace appliques and a stunning illusion train. This strappy style is suited to the feminine bride and is the perfect material for packing. 

We hope you feel armed with knowledge of the best bridal fabrics and styles suited to destination wedding dresses so you’re confident to browse the rails for the one. 

Have fun wedding dress shopping!

 

Written by Lucinda Bell