Escaping somewhere to say your vows, being there – just the two of you, sacking off the guest list, the budget spreadsheet – if you love that all, eloping is for you. even if you are eloping, planning it should be done right: you need to figure out where to go, what to wear, where to hold your ceremony and where to go afterwards and many other things. Here are some tips that are sure to help you with that.
Don’t Feel Guilty
There are many reasons to elope: saving money, avoiding fuss, keeping things intimate and personal, or avoiding family drama. Make sure you are happy with your decision and imagine the moment itself: you won’t be able to share it with anyone you love except for your partner. Is that okay? If no, then it’s time to invite somebody else.
Don’t feel guilty about your elopement: all good friends and family will understand, and for any that have difficulty coming to terms with it, try to remember it’s only because they love you and want to share your moment too, not because they’re being difficult. Don’t feel upset if somebody isn’t that happy to hear the news.
Make It All About You
If you’ve decided to elope, then one of the biggest benefits is that you can make it all about the two of you! Make sure you do exactly what you want to do, be as formal or as informal as you like, all that matters is that the day is special to you as a couple, say hello to your personalities and show them off during your elopement.
Hire A Wedding Planner
Most of us think that if you are going for a smaller scale wedding, you can manage everything yourself and of course you can but that’s gonna be hard. If you are going abroad and are unfamiliar with the area, you’ll have to hire a wedding planner. There may only be two of you, but you still need to source each of the suppliers, so hire yourself a helping hand. A planner also knows some quiet locations for your vows or portrait session, so take advantage of their insider know-how.
Meet everyone who’ll be in attendance, ahead of time as you’ll be saying personal vows in front of these people. Meet the photographer and make sure you are happy with him or her, it’s very important.
Don’t Dismiss The Legalities
Make sure you read up on the legalities of where you’re getting married; how long you need to register in advance, what ID and paperwork you need to bring, and whether the marriage will be valid in your own jurisdiction. Don’t forget to collect your marriage cert before you fly home!
Expect Some Costs
A lot of couples plan an elopement to save on the expense of a big wedding, but that doesn’t mean there won’t be costs. Your wedding license, bouquet, outfits, hair, makeup and celebrant will all cost the same, no matter how many guests you have.
If you can afford it, splurge on a fancy hotel or a plush suite on your wedding night, treat yourself to a fabulous meal or go all in on the champagne – what’s the point in eloping if you can’t indulge a little?! Do whatever it is that will make your wedding day feel special and truly memorable, don’t be afraid to splurge!
Wear Something Gorgeous
Your attire doesn’t have to be white or formal, and it doesn’t have to be a dress or a suit. And it certainly doesn’t have to be “wedding appropriate”. Wear whatever you like on your wedding day, whether it’s a sequin bridal jumpsuit, a little white dress, your granny’s pearl necklace, your favorite Hawaiian shirt – or indeed full formal wedding day attire. Have some fun with your look and make sure you feel incredible on your wedding day!
Don’t Make A Wedding Day Timeline
Take time with your hair and makeup, have a long breakfast or pre-ceremony lunch, have a couples’ massage, or go all out with your photography session – just make sure there’s a flow to your day so you can keep up the excitement and momentum.
Have a Reveal Plan
You might want to throw a big party when you get back, and let all your pals know you’ve eloped, you may want to send out announcement cards, or perhaps you want to quietly tell your nearest and dearest about your good news and leave it at that. When it comes to parents, siblings and close friends, it’s important that they hear the news from you, ideally in person, and not on Facebook! You both need to be on the same page when it comes to letting friends and family in on your big surprise.
by Chloe