All your friends and relatives had big weddings and loved it, but for you the idea just doesn’t sound right and you’d rather just grab your fiancé, hop on the plane and get married somewhere in a small ceremony. Before you actually elope, though, you might want to consider both pros and cons of such a move, so your decision is an educated, not an emotional one.
One of the biggest pluses of eloping is saving a lot on your big day. Not only is it the reception hall, catering and the band that you don’t have to worry about, but also a gown and fancy accessories that can set a bride back quite a bit. On the other hand, if you decide to elope, you still need to shell out some money on travel and accommodations, and you might not be shopping stores with designer affordable bridesmaid dresses, but you do need a special outfit for this very special occasion. So sure, you’ll be saving significantly, but don’t think you won’t be spending any money at all.
Among the biggest disadvantages of eloping is dealing with the families, and especially mothers of the bride and groom. Every parent wants to be at their child’s wedding, and by eloping you cross that event from your family’s to-be-there list, possibly causing some friction and setting yourself up for a tough start in your new family. On the other hand you avoid issues like deciding who should be your maid of honor, telling your cousin you don’t want her as a bridesmaid, picking out a band or bridesmaids dresses, and that means your wedding preparations will be a lot less stressful.
Some people claim eloping is an adventure and it brings the newlyweds closer together, making it a bit of an us-against-them situation. Others react by saying that eloping couple is sure to be sorry to not have their family and friends at the most important ceremony of their lives, and since it can’t be undone, they’re sure the newlyweds will regret their decision for years to come.
So what to do, should you elope or not? The decision is up to you and your fiancé. If you don’t have a dream of a fabulous, fancy wedding with a princess-like gown, friends in pretty bridesmaids dresses, mom crying while you walk down the aisle and a first dance in front of all your loved ones, an elopement may just be for you. But if you do it just to save money, consider having a smaller, more budget friendly reception yet having it at home, so you don’t regret being alone on your big day in the years to come.