Choosing a wedding dress isn’t easy and isn’t about what you want. It’s also influenced by where you’ll exchange vows. A beach gown can look like it doesn’t belong in tall pine trees and a heavy ball gown can be hard to maneuver on a grassy lawn. Choosing a wedding dress in Julian, California — a historic mountain town an hour from San Diego — that will look gorgeous and feel nice throughout the day.
Allow the setting to inspire your fashion
Julian is located at an elevation of approximately 4,200 feet surrounded by oak and pine forest. It looks quite natural, warm, and rustic, but it isn’t a requirement for your dress. Gowns that are traditional or vintage style usually complement the mountain scene, particularly when held at historic locations.
When you’re booking a Julian wedding venue, like The Dempsey, a restored lodge first built in 1912, consider how you’ll look on the outside on the lawn and how you’ll look on the inside. A lace detail is appropriate to historic interiors, as is a soft crepe and vintage look; while clean, simple lines stand in contrast to the deep green of the pines.
Select fabrics to suit mountain conditions
The weather can change rapidly in the mountains. Afternoons can be hot and sunny and evenings can get cold after the sun sets behind the trees.
- Chiffon, organza and light tulle breathe well in the spring and summer — during an outside event.
- Fall: crepe, satin and heavier lace will stay shaped and will warm you up as the evening gets cold.
- In winter, if the weather is likely to be snowy, then a combination of mikado, velvet accents and long sleeves are elegant and functional.
Focus on the ground beneath your feet
Lawn ceremonies are beautiful but are not kind to long trains and skinny heels. This can be helped by a few simple choices:
- Be sure to select a train that is at least the length of a chapel train, or have a secure bustle for the reception.
- Select block heels, wedges or elegant flats because they will not sink in the grass.
- Get your seamstress to cut the dress to fit the shoes you’ll be wearing on the day.
Plan your layers
A gorgeous layer can be an integral part of the look, not an accessory. For fall and winter evenings, try a lace bolero, a sheer cape, a long sleeve topper or faux fur stole. These pieces will also make wonderful photos against the forest at golden hour.
Pack for the entire weekend!
Julian California wedding venues, particularly those offering lodging, have many weddings that are weekend events. You might need to dress for the bridal shower dinner, bridesmaids’ dress, dancing dress, and comfy dress for Sunday brunch. A bridal suite, like The Dempsey, will also provide you with a peaceful private area to get ready and change between events.
Colors that work well with the pines
Ivory, champagne and soft blush colors reflect on green trees and warm wood. Consider your shortlist out of doors under strong mountain light, as it may appear stark. Sage, dusty blue, terracotta and deep burgundy all work well for bridesmaids and in Fall, rust and gold match the leaves.
Checklist for quick fitting
- Take wedding shoes to each fit and any layers.
- Walk, sit and dance in the dress prior to the final alterations.
- Practice the bustle with the person that will be helping you on the day.
- Pack a small emergency kit with safety pins, fashion tape and a stain pen.
A wedding on the mountain is more about comfort than beauty. Wear a dress that will allow you to move, breathe and enjoy every moment from the first time you look in the mirror to when you’re holding that last dance.
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