Ways to Figure out if Planning an Elopement is The Best Pick For You
Before you decide what your own elopement will look like, you should first determine if opting to elope is the right decision for you. The most important part of this selection is being true to yourselves. I encounter so many couples who consider an elopement vs a wedding and end up regretting choosing the traditional route. Here’s how to figure out if planning an elopement is the best way to ensure your wedding day holds zero regrets!
3 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Planning an Elopement
Can we financially handle the expense of a traditional wedding?
Conversations surrounding a wedding budget breakdown can be quite controversial. The wedding industry tells us that we shouldn't put a price tag on such an important day. We are also told that we can always make more money and the expense will be worth it in the long run.
But, I wholeheartedly disagree with this.
While there is some truth to these statements, I think the most important question you should ask is "will this put a financial strain on us at the very beginning of our marriage?" Starting such a big chapter in life, we should do our best to set ourselves up for success.
Sometimes, a financial burden of this kind can seriously hinder the very beginning of your new life together. That’s why choosing the more affordable option of planning an elopement can be a fantastic compromise! It’s still an incredible way to celebrate your day without worrying about the major costs inherent to a larger wedding.
Before this topic causes potential arguments between you and your partner, I recommend trying out free wedding planning spreadsheets with budget calculators to get a real look at what your budget could potentially include.
How do we know if planning an elopement will make us happier?
I use the following key questions to help couples determine if eloping will fulfill their wedding dreams:
Do you dread the number of people you will have to talk to on your wedding day?
Do all the little details that come with having a large wedding party make you feel exhausted?
Are you nervous about being the center of attention and making sure guests are happy?
The heart behind all of these questions can be determined by this singular question: are you making choices for yourself or are you trying to make others happy? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then you should consider planning an elopement!
Eloping can turn each one of these stressors into beautifully intimate moments between you and your partner. Transform stressful wedding planning into daydreaming about the beautiful scenery and your private wedding vows! There is nothing wrong with answering “yes” to any of these questions, it just provides you with the information needed to plan your day!
Does not knowing where to begin with elopement planning mean we shouldn’t elope?
No matter how impossible planning an elopement may feel, this never means that you shouldn’t have one! As your elopement photographer, I never expect my couples to know all that they want out of their day. When you plan to elope, it’s OK to not even know where to even start. That's what I'm here for–helping you figure out the entire planning process of what would best fit you and your partner.
I walk alongside you starting with our very first call! Together, we’ll figure out your elopement date and destination and choose the best options for where to stay in your chosen elopement location. I will also provide recommendations for wedding vendors and elopement activities to make the experience extra special!
I walk my couples through finding the parts of their day that best fit them, so they don't need to have all the answers in order to start planning.
When You Really Know that Planning an Elopement is for You
There is never going to be a one-size-fits-all elopement plan. This is good news because it means you can craft your day entirely to your own preferences and personality as a couple. Take these couples as examples:
Jonny and Anna chose an intimate elopement at the First Landing State Park beachfront in Virginia Beach, Virginia. They knew this would best fit them after deciding to get married sooner rather than later!
Collin and Delaney decided to elope at Pass-a-Grille Beach in Florida after they realized it would be easier on them and their families to wait to do a big wedding.
Courtnee and Josh were ready to take that step, but felt it more like them to keep it just the two of them in Glacier National Park.
The lesson from these stories is that it is possible to start off this new life journey in the absolute best way! Planning an elopement doesn't mean you can't go that extra mile and add that little sparkle to your big day. In fact, eloping can be a great way to highlight those beautiful moments even more!
Ready to choose? Let’s talks elopements vs weddings!
