Busting 5 Most Common Elopement Myths
To elope or not to elope? That, my friends, is the big question these days.
With so many couples considering the elopement route, there may still be some lingering myths that are keeping you from committing fully. So whaddya say we get you off that elopement fence (it looks super uncomfortable) by poking majorly needed holes in these all-too-common elopement myths?
Let’s do it!
What is an Elopement?
Just so we’re on the same page, real quick, an elopement is just another type of wedding day. It is a type of wedding day that gives you the most flexibility and freedom to explore, enjoy and really live into every minute of the day you commit yourself to your best friend.
As we’ll dig in, elopements are a fantastic alternative for couples who hate being the centre of attention or who are more on the introverted side of the scale. But they are just as planned and intentional as big weddings! The focus of the day, though, becomes completely about YOUR experience.
Pro tip: The difference between eloping vs weddings, and if you’re extra curious, check out what defines an adventure elopement (I promise, it’s not as intense as it sounds!)
Myth #1: Elopements Are Rushed or Last Minute
Let me be clear for the peeps in the back. Choosing to elope does NOT mean getting married in a way that’s rushed, last-minute, or less than compared to a big wedding.
In my experience, this is far from the truth, and in fact, elopements are just as, if not more planned than big weddings. They are often planned more intentionally, thanks to details like being able to say your vows in a place that’s super special to you vs. having to choose a venue based on your guest list. Or getting to include an adventure as part of your day instead of cocktail hour.
Sometimes the more options + choices you have, the more planning is needed.
Myth #2 Eloping Is Selfish
Yeeeeah, no. I can hardly even entertain this one! The decision to elope is the furthest thing from selfishness. It’s a brave call that couples make with care, intention, and tons of heart.
If you’re eloping, you have made the sometimes controversial decision to plan a day that includes everything you love wholeheartedly, while letting go of every single “should” and “have to” that society shoves down our throats in the process. In my books, that’s courageous and authentic AF.
So please please please, don’t let anyone tell you that eloping is selfish.
And if they do, f*ck it! It’s YOUR wedding day! If there’s ever a day in your life that you should be allowed to be selfish, it’s your wedding day. So be selfish!
Related: How To Tell Your Family You’re Eloping
Myth #3 Eloping Is Cheaper
Sometimes yes, sometimes no.
Depending on your reason for eloping and what you want to include as part of your day, eloping may or may not save you on your wedding costs.
Just like every elopement is unique to each couple, so is the budget.
For example, you may not have to feed 120 guests, but maybe you splurge on the room upgrade for your wedding night.
And there are certain wedding costs, like your wedding outfits and wedding photographer, that cost the same whether it’s a big wedding or just the two of you.
You can certainly find ways to spend less. But if you’re eloping for reasons that aren’t budgetary at all, know that you don’t have to dial in the celebrations. It’s your wedding day, so it deserves the full main character experience as you can afford to and want to give it. There’s no shame in saving, and there’s definitely no shame in going all out, no matter the size of your guest list.
Myth #4 It’s Just The Two Of You
Okay, sometimes this is a myth and sometimes it’s not. It will vary from couple to couple. Some people choose to make their elopements private, intimate affairs with only their witnesses, officiant, and photographer there to share the day.
Others include a small number of ride-or-die guests. It all comes down to who you are and who you feel close enough with to include on your wedding day.
Going back and forth on the idea of having guests?
Here are a couple of ideas of ways you can include your families and friends to share your joy:
1) Keep most of the day private, and invite them to join you for a celebratory meal at the end of the night.
2) Throw a post-elopement party after you elope. It can be the next day, or a few weeks, months, even a year later!
Myth #5: You Have To Skip The Traditions
Eloping doesn’t mean you have to skip all the big wedding traditions you love.
Choosing to elope gives you the freedom to include your absolute favourite traditions and make them your own!
Have a first dance! On a floating dock in the middle of your favourite lake!
Cut the cake! Or 10 cakes!
Wear the killer dress + bespoke suit! In your favourite city in the world!
Pick the ones that feel so you and skip the production of it all.
Let Me Help You Get This Day Right
Your elopement day will be the knock-down, drag-out, amazing day you want it to be if you keep the focus on the things that matter the most: the two of you, any ride-or-dies who make the guest list, a couple of rings if you’re into that, and a photographer who’s ready and willing to photograph the hell outta your day.
Want that photographer to be me? Sweet, I do too! Book a consultation call and let’s make sure we’re the perfect fit.