There is nothing wrong with eloping. I have to say that because for some reason couples get this idea that they have to meet some kind of wedding requirement. Elopements can be just as great as a traditional wedding without the added cost and extra stress. Each wedding and couple is different and these days there is a lot of pressure from parents and the internet to be “extra” when it comes to your wedding day planning. If you’re considering ditching the big wedding day celebration for a smaller intimate kind of ceremony ask yourself these questions to clear up any uneasy feelings.
Do You Like Big Parties
This is a serious question. I love a good party, but I hate throwing them. The thought of coordinating 150 people into one room and getting the perfect decorations and worrying that someone won’t be pleased with their meal? I’ll hard pass. If throwing parties makes you excited and you’ll miss seeing your friends break it down after a few tequila shots, then you may be better suited for a bigger wedding. If you’re more interested in the experience and having a party will give your anxiety for weeks before your wedding day you may want to avoid that stress all together.
Would You Rather Spend Your Wedding Day in an Epic Location?
Destination weddings are glorious but getting people there can be expensive and bring us back to that party planning thing. If you value the experience of spending the best day ever with your love and a couple of your closest family members in a beautiful location over choosing a so-so location that will fit everyone you know then an elopement may be a better fit for your style. Plus, there are some beautiful destinations for elopements like the beaches in Florida or the Blue Ridge mountains in Atlanta that won’t break your budget.
Are You Less Traditional than Your Relatives?
Let’s face it. Me and my great aunt Irene have very little in common. I would love to dance barefoot in the sand during sunset over a stuffy formal dinner in some dark venue hall. Instead of thinking about our own wedding needs we get anxious worrying if every aunt, uncle or cousin will have a good time. It’s your wedding – don’t sacrifice your good time for some relative you only talk to once a year through a holiday card. I have experienced too many weddings where the bride is really upset because she tried to please everyone, and (of course) someone gets annoyed. Guess what, someone will always be upset no matter what you do so I say just do what you want and enjoy it.
What Would Put More Pressure on Your New Marriage: Money or Family?
Ah, the taboo question no one really wants to answer. No newly married couple wants to spend their first year fighting over money. If spending $10,000 gives you more heartburn than Domino’s pizza you may want to elope. There are many ways to include family and get past the awkward conversations, but most people will get over it in a few days, those wedding bills could last for years down the road.
In the end you do what makes you happy and remember saving money on decorations means more reason to have amazing photos to show your friends and family (wink wink).
For more elopement inspiration check out my elopement page here.
