The Big Decisions to Consider for your Elopement
IT’S TIME TO MAKE THE BIG DECISIONS.
So you’re eloping and you’re ready to start the planning process? Where do you start? What things should you consider? Throughout the elopement planning process, there are a ton of things to think about. Although you will likely be working with a planner who will guide you through this process, there are a few conversations you can start having as a couple beforehand.
1- WHO ARE YOU INVITING?
What do you think of when you hear the word Elopement? Many people still think an elopement is when a couple runs away in secret to get married. While that is still true for some couples to do- an elopement doesn’t have to just be two people. You can choose to celebrate when family and friends while keeping the day centered around you and your love for your partner. What does this look like? Well this is where you can start the conversation.
Maybe you want to have a private ceremony and then celebrate with your family and friends at an intimate dinner? Maybe you want your family and friends at your elopement standing by your side as you commit your life to your partner? Maybe your ceremony location isn’t easily accessible for your family and friends so you incorporate them in other ways - include them when you’re getting ready, video chat them after the ceremony, have a celebratory party before or after your wedding day.
Take your time as you work through your thoughts and ideas with your partner. Whether you decide to include your family & friends or have a “just us two” ceremony, remember there is no wrong answer. How you celebrate your day should be solely about the love you share and what feels right for you and your relationship.
2 - Where should we Elope?
Picking your elopement location is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make throughout the planning process. The location you choose can really set the tone for your elopement experience. Want my advice? I recommend you pick a place that represents you as a couple. That could be a spot that has a special meaning to your relationship, somewhere that makes you both happy, or maybe you want to incorporate a few different locations. Have a couple spots come to mind? Great! But theres a few other factors to consider as well…
Season, Weather & Accessibly - Every landscape shines at certain times in the year. Although you may have a plan in your mind of what your day will looks like, season and weather may alter that plan. You also need to consider accessibility to this spot at this time of the year you’re wanting to Elope? Many mountain roads are closed for long periods of the year due to snowfall.
Seclusion - Is it important to have partial or total seclusion for your elopement location? The easier your spot is to access, the more likely there will be less privacy. Time of the day will affect the amount of visitors as well. Eloping earlier in the day usually provides more privacy.
Activities - What else do you want to do on your elopement day? Remember this day is about you and what feels true to your relationship so there are no rules. Whether you want to hammock in the trees, canoe on a lake, dip your feet in an icy stream, or enjoy a picnic with views, consider how long from your ceremony location it would be to access these activities.
3 - How long should Our trip be and what about additional celebrations?
The decision you make about your elopement experience and any celebrations before and after the wedding is solely yours. From Single-day to Multi-day Elopements to the Post-Elopement Reception, there are so many ways you can celebrate. Why not have a Multi-Day Elopement? This would allow you to visit explore multiple locations without feeling the stress of trying to “fit it into one day.” It’s not often you hear someone wish they had been there for less time.
Another way to cut back on the planning stress is to plan your reception party 3-6 months after the actual ceremony. Your reception can be anything you want- a casual outing at a park with family and friends to a sit down dinner at a venue. You can even wear your ceremony day attire again if you want! Thinking about your reception party in advance can help you decide on guests for your actual Elopement day.
Although this is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to planning, these are all great conversations to start having as a couple. Just remember to take your time throughout this process and of course, have fun with it! You are creating a incredibly special day that deserves special attention!
Are you ready to Elope?
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