Elopements - The Many Reasons as to Why
“Let’s Elope!”
The thought crosses every couple’s mind at some point during their wedding planning. sometimes it occurs in the early stages of engagement. Often or not however, it occurs much later - somewhere between choosing bridesmaids and groomsmen, and the florals along with the last minute additions to the guest list, as your parents must have them in attendance, even if you’ve never met them before. the bigger the wedding.. the bigger the stress! It’s in those moments, you just want to escape (Vegas anyone?).
Once upon a time, the idea of eloping was defined as two lovers running away together to get married. today, eloping can encompass anything from tiny weddings with just your beloved and two witnesses to small intimate weddings of around 10-20 guests to even spontaneous weddings. In truth, an elopement is whatever you want it to be. that I find, is the beauty of them. For some, forgoing the norm for the likes of adventure and seclusion is worth it.
Whilst I do love big weddings, I find I am quite partial to elopements. If you don't have your own already, this post will give you some reasons to elope.
It’s All About You
Of all the reasons to elope, this is the biggest! No matter how hard you may try to inject as much personality and style as you can, a full-size wedding inevitably has to factor in the needs of others. If you’re a people pleaser at heart (guilty!), it can be really difficult to satisfy those nearest and dearest to you.
Eloping allows you to strip back many of the logistical aspects of a wedding that focus on the enjoyment, entertainment, and contentment of your loved ones. Put simply, eloping is about one thing - marrying your beloved. There is no need for you to worry about your two left feet during the ‘first dance’, or even the stress that comes with choosing what appetisers to have. instead, you can be authentically you.
Stress Less
Unsurprisingly, many couples elope because the idea of planning a big wedding is stressful. For some, this pressure can be absolutely thrilling - think The Wedding Planner - but for many, putting all that focus and all those expectations on one day is no fun.
If the idea of planning a wedding feels overwhelming, take a step back and check in with yourself, ask yourself whether eloping may be a more healthier and fun alternative. Another major bonus is that you don’t have to invite anyone you don’t want to. Say no more to guest list woes!
Financial Matters
In Australia alone, the average cost of a wedding was about $32,000 in 2020. Depending on your personal circumstances, this can definitely be an ‘ouch!’ moment. Wedding planning inevitably comes down to budget. Deciding to elope is no different, however it offers a great solution to those with a tighter budget. There is the ability reprioritise and to allocate funds to what’s most important to you.
For example, your dream dress may not have been realistic with a full-sized wedding, but is totally doable for an elopement. Not having to feed hundreds of guests may allow you to travel across the world for your honeymoon, or allows you to go all out on elopement announcements, or even to hire both a photographer and a videographer to capture all those special moments. Whilst money shouldn’t necessarily be one of your main reasons to elope, it’s definitely a perk!
You’re Not Limited to Just One Day
Elopements don’t have to be the beginning or even the end of your wedding story. Wome think of it as part one of their celebration and opt for an elopement first and a wedding reception later. Even if you are already legally married when it happens, the celebration after can be just as special. There’s endless possibilities, be it a grand wedding reception after or even a vow renewal party on your first anniversary. Cos boy, will everyone want to celebrate!
If you hadn’t considered eloping but are having major thoughts now, why not have a look at our ‘Wild Heart’s’ package created for our Melbourne lovers in collaboration with some of the best suppliers in the industry.
Photos from our ‘Cairns Elopement Shoot’
the talented team:
photographer @vanessarochellephoto - florist @naomirosefloraldesign - cookies & jars @regniercakes - celebrant @ptcelebrant - rings @eliisemaarjewellery - stationery @_minushay - stylist @the_arthouse_studio - videographer & film @the.runaway.hearts - hair & makeup @coastalhairandmakeup - gowns @gwendolynne - models @bryonycarter @lochie_carey - hire @simonslinenhire @bayeventaus