What does elopement mean? 

Elopement no longer carries the weird stigma it once did. It has a whole new meaning now. People are not necessarily “running away” to get married. In the past, couples had to get married in secret somewhere if their parents did not approve of their union. Elopements could also happen after a night of too much partying and off the wall decisions. 

This term has evolved over the years, and elopement is now much more attractive and acceptable in our society. Elopement now is simply more meaningful to some people. Large weddings are not for everyone. Eloping can be great if you have a limited budget to work with, or you just want to keep things very simple and more intimate and personal. For some, it is for destination purposes. They would rather take a trip somewhere together that is special to them and have a lifetime of memories than spend all that money on a big wedding that will be over in one day. 

There are some things to consider if elopement sounds like a good option for you. 

Perks of Eloping 

1. Weddings can be crazy expensive!
2. A big wedding is not your style.
3. Ditch a huge part of that wedding planning stress!
4. Very romantic and intimate.
5. Short time to plan.
6. Elopements are environmentally friendly. Weddings produce a serious amount of waste!
7. Wedding and honeymoon wrapped into one. Bam!
8. You can do whatever you want! The possibilities are endless!

Obstacles of Eloping 

1. It’s possible you could regret not having a “wedding.” Make sure to think it through.
2. Very few or no guests (some view this as perks ;))
3. Your loved ones may feel excluded and offended.
4. Elopements are environmentally friendly. Weddings produce a serious amount of waste!
5. You may miss some of the traditional wedding ceremony practices such as the bouquet toss, or the guests sending you off with a shower of bubbles or sparklers.

These are just things to consider when eloping is an option for you. Think it all through thoroughly. This is a decision you will not want to regret. Don’t forget, you can always have a post-elopement gathering with all of your friends and family if you choose to. 

What is an intimate wedding? 

It sounds a lot like eloping, but it is a little different. Intimate weddings involve inviting people but on a much smaller scale. Typically, the guest list is 50 people or smaller. It can be even as small as six guests. Because of this, these weddings are usually less expensive and a little less stressful. However, some can be just as difficult. It just depends on what kind of details the couple wants at their wedding. 

Here are some things to consider when trying to decide if an intimate wedding is right for you. 

Perks of an intimate wedding 

1. It is more intimate. Just as the word implies.
2. You get to invite only the people you care most about. No weird obligations.
3. Lower cost means higher quality! You can have better choices in the things you need and want for your special day, including your venue or location since you will not be hosting as many guests.
4. You can put more of your personality into it. With fewer restrictions on your budget and guest list, you can let your creativity shine through. Get fun with it! It’s your day!
5. You don’t have to have an elaborate dress unless you want to.
6. You can have a smaller wedding party or no wedding party.
7. A little less planning stress.

Obstacles of an intimate wedding 

1. You might regret not having a bigger wedding if it is something you have always dreamed of.
2. You may miss out on some of the more traditional wedding practices as mentioned earlier in the obstacles of elopement.
3. You can’t invite everyone, so you will have to make your choices very carefully.
4. People are going to be offended because of number three.
5. If you have very many no-shows it’s going to be a little awkward. If you have ten guests and five do not show, it’s going to be a little weird and the financial impact could be upsetting.

Only you and your counterpart can make the decision to elope or have an intimate wedding. Don’t rush your decision. Consider every aspect and communicate both of your concerns as well as your dreams. 

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