With everything going on in the world right now, it may be some time before we can gather our friends and family for a wedding in the way we’ve always done. So more and more couples are considering an intimate elopement with a handful of witnesses followed by a “Happily Ever After Party” or “We Do, Take Two” with all of their loved ones as soon as they get the chance! Here are six reasons why this is a fantastic idea – and not just because we’ve had to trade ballrooms for backyards for a minute.
In This Story
- Share a private moment
- Make your commitment official
- Wear your wedding outfits twice
- Avoid family drama
- Spread the costs
- Plan a party without pressure
Eloping might seem less complicated than hosting a traditional wedding, but there’s still a surprising number of questions that need to be answered to plan this special experience. How to Plan Your Epic Elopement will help you work through every detail step-by-step to realise your dream of a private and personal celebration that’s big on love and small on stress.
1. Share a private moment
Even limelight-loving celebs crave some privacy for this personal occasion. The true purpose of a wedding is for two people to commit to one another for a lifetime and eloping allows you to focus on the significance of this moment without any distractions.
There’s no need to worry about what your guests are doing, thinking and feeling. How you exchange your vows and celebrate afterwards is entirely up to you. It’s a simple and sentimental expression of love in its purest form. What better way to begin your married lives!
2. Make your commitment official
There are some practical benefits to being married in the eyes of the law. If you’re facing military deployment, an expiring visa, job move, serious illness or something else outside your control (we’re looking at you, COVID-19), there may not be a perfect time for your wedding.
An elopement is a memorable way to start the next chapter of your lives together even if circumstances aren’t on your side. Then you can wait until the time is right to party with the people you love.
3. Wear your wedding outfits twice
No one’s stopping you from lounging around the house in your wedding getup any time you want, but it’s nice to have another legit excuse to wear it in public! A lot of couples wish they could don their wedding attire again. And no wonder, as these outfits make you look and feel your absolute best. So why not pull them out of the closet for a second go round?
4. Avoid family drama
There will always be someone who doesn’t agree with your decision to elope. But sometimes the alternative is harder to face, especially when you have to walk a tightrope between different cultures, religions, traditions and complicated relationships.
Often described as the perfect middle ground, eloping now and partying later can mean less angst, fewer arguments and no need for a degree in diplomacy!
5. Spread the costs
You might not have the funds for a big bash right now but still want to tie the knot. Without a head count to contend with, eloping is easier on the wallet. Then you can plan your post-elopement party for a date that works better for you and your budget. That means you get two special experiences exactly the way you’ve envisioned them, with no need to compromise on the details that are important to you.
6. Plan a party without pressure
Your nearest and dearest will no doubt want to celebrate this milestone moment with you, even if they’re not witness to the legal ceremony. A vow renewal, celebration of marriage or anniversary party are all great options for this.
Eloping can provide an escape from the etiquette and expectations of a wedding. If you still want to enjoy all the trimmings of a traditional ceremony and reception, you can. If low-key and laid back are more your style, that’s possible too. Either way, you can choose which formalities to keep and toss for your elopement after party. There really are no rules!
Simply put, eloping now and partying later offers the best of both worlds. One is an intimate and heartfelt exchange of promises, the other a joyous gathering of all your favourite people. What’s not to love?
NOW READ: The Best and Worst Reasons to Elope