Alright, let’s talk about figuring out what to wear for our court wedding. Once we decided that’s how we wanted to do it – low-key, just focused on us – the next big question popped into my head almost instantly: the outfit. It sounds simple, right? But honestly, it threw me for a loop for a bit.
My first thoughts were all over the place. A big white dress? Definitely not the vibe for the courthouse, felt way too over the top for the setting we chose. Okay, so something less formal. Maybe a nice cocktail dress? I looked at a few online, but they still felt a bit… much? Like I was trying too hard for a setting that’s inherently quite straightforward and official.
Hitting the Shops (and the Web)
So, I started looking around properly. First, I spent hours scrolling online. Pinterest, boutique sites, department stores – you name it. Saw lots of pretty things, but nothing clicked. Everything felt either too bridal or too much like regular office wear. I wanted something special, you know? It’s still a wedding day, even if it’s at the courthouse. But it also needed to feel appropriate, respectful of the place.
I considered a few options:
- A sleek pantsuit – very chic, but maybe a bit too business-like for me personally?
- A skirt and top combo – could work, but felt fiddly to get right.
- A simple dress – this felt like the most promising direction.
I decided to actually go out and look in physical stores. Went to a couple of big department stores first. Tried on a few dresses. One navy blue sheath was okay, but a bit boring. Another floral one was nice but felt too summery for the time of year (and maybe too casual). It was getting frustrating. I just couldn’t picture myself standing there, saying “I do,” in any of the things I’d seen so far.
Finding the One
Then, kind of on a whim, I walked into this smaller, independent boutique I don’t usually go into. And there it was. Not on a mannequin, just nestled on a rack. It was this beautiful, cream-colored dress. Knee-length, simple cut, but the fabric had this lovely subtle texture, and it had elegant three-quarter sleeves. It wasn’t trying to be a wedding dress, but it felt special. Sophisticated but understated.
I tried it on. It just felt right. Comfortable, elegant, and totally fitting for a courthouse ceremony followed by a nice lunch. It wasn’t white, but it felt bridal enough for me, for that moment. It felt like me.
Accessorizing was easy after that. I already had a pair of simple nude heels that worked perfectly. Found some classic pearl stud earrings. Didn’t even bother with a necklace. Just kept it clean and simple. Added a small clutch bag I owned.
And that was it. The whole process took longer than I expected, lots of back and forth in my head and quite a bit of searching. But finding that dress, the one that just felt right for the specific, simple occasion we planned? Huge relief. Made me feel ready and excited for the day, knowing I’d be comfortable and feel like myself, just a slightly more polished version.
