GUEST BLOG BY HAWAII VISTA WEDDINGS

What does it mean to have a TRUE ELOPEMENT? The word elopement is derived from the Anglo-French word aloper, meaning to run away or abduct. This romantic idea involves a private and intimate wedding. In the past, elopement was reserved for secretive couples who wanted to avoid the drama of a traditional wedding. A true elopement means “to run away secretly with the intention of getting married usually without parental consent” as found in the dictionary. Although many people consider an elopement up to 20 people, it really is just the two of you and an officiant .Anything more than two is really a small wedding. Eloping is just about what you want SOLEY for yourselves.

Here Are 4 Reasons To Have A True Elopement

1. Wanting to Be Stress Free

If you are tired of the stress of planning a traditional wedding, opt out of one and have a true elopement. Be sure to discuss all the details with your partner. What's most important to you? Do you want to be casual barefoot in the sand on a nice tropical island, or married at the edge of a mountain? You should still hire a wedding planner to help you with the planning because usually an elopement still requires great vendors and coordination which can be very stressful. If your whole intent is to relax and enjoy yourselves, spend the money to have someone help you plan. Another thing that causes stress is family and friend drama. Elopements give couples the freedom to get married without the stress of family problems, expectations, and traditions. Many families are dysfunctional, and a wedding can bring a painful reminder of past misunderstandings. Parents may start to take over the planning and make it the wedding of THEIR dreams. Suddenly you are attending a wedding that you did not want and with people you don’t know.Who to invite and who not to invite can be stressful in itself. Will one ex parent get along with the other? If you don’t invite one to avoid the drama, will feelings get hurt for the one who is not invited? Will your best friend be mad at you if you invite her ex who is your cousin? Making the list can be a stressful one that starts off your wedding with a bad taste that only continues during picture taking and table seating arrangements.

2. On a Budget

The average cost of a wedding is $30,000 dollars!! Instead of spending thousands of dollars on a large, over-the-top wedding, consider a small, intimate elopement and make it truly magical. You will save a lot of money on unnecessary party favors , gifts, bridesmaids dresses, travel fees, lodging, food to feed an army with elaborate table settings,and the list goes on. You will be surprised how the cost keeps growing and growing as unexpected wedding costs pop up. Once you are committed to one thing, it’s hard to back down with the others. If you are paying for hair and make up for your mom, you probably should pay for your future Mother in law. If you are paying for airfare and lodging for the brides sister, the grooms sister may feel hurt if hers is not paid for too. At this point you are already in too deep to back out.

An elopement can be done any day of the week, saving lot’s of money. You can have your wedding on a weekday since you aren’t worried about everyone taking off from work. Many venues and vendors are cheaper on weekdays and non holidays.

Most couples are young and starting off in life. Blowing your whole savings while thinking about buying a house and starting a family can be a financial burden. Money is a big issue in marriage so why start your marriage off in debt and uncertainty?

3. Have a Unique Wedding

Pictures from Pinterest

If it is just the two of you, you can do whatever you want! Want to sky dive out of a plane and say “I do” 14,000 feet in the air? Go scuba diving 130 feet under the water or have a snowmobile race and get married in a secluded spot on a chilly mountainside to mark your special day. Once you are done, you can have an amazing picnic for the two of you. Have a first dance with a musician to serenade you while a local artist paints a scene of your love story. Fly to another country the next day and explore the world newly married. There are officiants and wedding planners out there that will have an adventure with you. So find one and get creative.The ideas are endless and nothing seems more romantic than just being with the one you love. If you are planning to have kids right away, this may be the last time you are alone together for a while so make it great!

4. Don’t Like Big Weddings

Just because you are getting married, does not mean everyone needs to celebrate with you. With a true elopement,you won't have to worry about coordinating 200-300 guests or planning for large groups and families. If you're an introvert, a big wedding might be overwhelming and uncomfortable. It's hard to enjoy and be yourself when you're surrounded by so many family members and friends all wanting your attention. Feeling obligated to talk to everyone can be a challenge. The idea that so many people made the time to come see you can be intimidating with expectations mounting. This is supposed to be one of the best days of your life and for some people being the center of attention just sounds like a nightmare. Even with a small wedding, having people looking at you and admiring you can be so awkward and uncomfortable. With an elopement you can still pamper yourselves by getting your hair and makeup done, hiring a photographer and videographer, have champagne and cake. Friends and families can still send you gifts or cards to congratulate you but if you are a quiet person, a true friend or family member will understand.

An elopement allows you to focus on your partner and to make your wedding exactly the way you want it to be.Just make sure that you're comfortable and relaxed, as elopement ceremonies can be fun and memorable! If you let everyone know that it is really going to be just the two of you, then it sends the message to everyone “it’s all about us”! So grab your partners hand, leave the drama behind, and start your life together as one.

XOXOXO

Happy Planning!

(A Perfect Day)