Alternative Wedding Terms: What Do You Call a Wedding?

What Do You Call a Wedding?

Unfortunately, despite the growing popularity ‘elopement’ can still conjure up negative assumptions. I’ve never believed in bothering with what other people think, but it can be hurtful when people assume you must be unexpectedly pregnant if you choose to elope, or that your family must not approve of the union. It is an old-fashioned way of thinking, but unfortunately still a very common one! It is because of this that many vendors use alternative wedding terms to describe their small wedding elopement packages. So what’s in a name –  and does it really matter?

Alternative Wedding Terms

Over the years working on WhereToElope.com I have learned that small wedding vendors have many different wedding terms that really mean elopements! I would approach them about advertising their elopement packages and they would say it wasn’t something that they offered. However, as we spoke they would explain their mini weddings, intimate weddings, and other alternative wedding offerings. I realized these were elopements with a different name tag! In my new book, BIG Weddings SUCK! I share with readers some of the wedding terms I have seen vendors use to describe their small wedding elopement packages.

Why Do We Need So Many Wedding Terms?

It might seem strange that there are so many different ways to describe a small wedding or elopement package. In the beginning, I wondered why it was necessary. I’ve come to realize that there are a few key reasons why vendors might choose to use alternative wedding terms. 

1. To Avoid the Stigma Once Linked to Eloping
2. The Vendors Views Eloping as Something Different
3. Because Vendors think Elope means only the Couple

So, the question remains – does it really matter what you call a wedding? In my opinion – no! All that matters is that two people who love each other are making a commitment to spend the rest of their lives together.

You can learn more about 21 alternative wedding terms in my book BIG Weddings SUCK! that is available now on Amazon!

By Dave Westfall, the Alternative Wedding Planner