Top 8 tips to plan your Elopement.

If you’re considering an elopement, it’s likely that you want the wedding experience to be simple, mindful and heartfelt. Maybe you dread all the lengthy planning associated with a traditional wedding, and are looking for a way to make things easier and cheaper as well as more unique? By choosing to have an elopement, you’ve taken the first step in making wedding planning fun: you’re going for something that you are both excited about, without letting yourself be swayed by expectations and conventions.

To start your journey, I have created a guide to help make the most of the experience. This includes some practicalities, some advice, and some inspiration too.

1.     One of the most exciting elements of an elopement is the chance to make a momentous connection with your partner in a visually breathtaking landscape.  Don’t limit yourself to places you are familiar with already; follow the compass of your own passion. Consider what sort of surroundings you love most and decide if you’d like to say for a mini-honeymoon afterward and make the most of a bucket-list destination. Without the constraints of accommodating a large group, you are free to choose anywhere you like to get married. It’s also helpful to take the time of year you want to get married into account and consider the climate at your destination. Why not get ready together? Make breakfast together, put on some music and dance, or maybe you play guitar and want to write/sing a song for your love one.

2.     Don’t have things just because they are established practice. Weddings are steeped in tradition, but don’t assume yours has to follow a template! If certain aspects don’t appeal to you or don’t apply to your relationship (such as getting ready separately or making a speech before dinner), ditch these elements in favor of things you’re comfortable with.

3.     Research the marriage laws at your chosen destination. You’ll need the correct documentation in plenty of time and to decide who you’ll want for your witnesses. Depending on where in the world you are getting married, you may have to have two adults to legally witness your ceremony and make your marriage official. It’s totally up to you if you’d prefer to ask your celebrant to organize these, rope in strangers in the area when you arrive, or bring along a pair of close friends for this role. Take note of any cultural laws that might affect your day as well, such as those involving the purchase or consumption of alcohol.

4.     Select your vendors with intention, based on your shared vision. Choose a photographer to tell the story of who you are; what brought you together, and to document the beauty of your wedding day, so that you can treasure the memories forever. You’ll be spending a lot of time together on your wedding day, so good communication in the run up will reassure you that they will be a perfect fit.

5.     Don’t try to do everything by yourself. Planning an event, however small, in a destination you’re unfamiliar with or at short-notice can be daunting, so once you’ve chosen one supplier, ask if they can recommend others in their area (such as a videographer to work alongside your photographer). Also, give yourself plenty of time in the morning so that you can relax while getting ready. This may mean enlisting other vendors to help prepare the décor, such as a florist or stylist, and consider bringing a hairstylist and makeup artist on board too, to take some of the pressure off.

6.     Prepare yourself for your friends’ and family’s reactions. You’ll need to plan how you would like to reveal the news to your loved ones, either before you go, remotely on the day, or when you return home. Remember that an elopement is about what is right for you as a couple - you don’t need to justify yourselves to anyone - but considering how best to break the news in a positive, thoughtful and honest way will avoid any upset or offense.

7.     Make plans for how to spend the day after the ceremony. Depending on the time of day you choose to wed, you might have just a little or quite a lot of time to fill – why not check out my article on ideas for activities to do on your elopement day for inspiration HERE?

8.     Think of ways to make your elopement unique, personal, and sacred. Think about what hobbies and activities you love to do together and what meaningful routines you have in your relationship, right down to the little details that make you both smile. Choose special outfits to suit your surroundings and make you feel beautiful. These need not be typical wedding day attire and of course, you can get changed partway through if you wish!

I hope this guide helps you feel enthusiastic and confident about the decision you’ve made, as this is the beginning of something incredible. For further inspiration, read about the Top 30 underrated elopement destinations in Europe HERE