Elope Eloping Elopement
What does elopement mean to you? The answer may depend on the generation you belong to, because the words elope, eloping, elopement have taken on new meaning in recent years. There was a time when any couple choosing to elope was assumed to be escaping the disapproval of their family or hiding an unplanned pregnancy. Since starting WhereToElope.com I have come to understand that this is no longer the case for most people. Sure, there are still traditionalists, usually the older generations, who look down on elopement. However, for the most part, modern elopement has taken on a different meaning. It is no longer something to be ashamed of!
Modern Elopements
Did you know? Couples in the United States are choosing to marry later in life? While researching my new book BIG Weddings SUCK! I learned that the average age for a first marriage is 27 for women and 29 for men. That is still reasonably young, but when you consider that back in 1960 those averages were 20 and 22 it is a considerable jump. Couples are choosing to have a career first, travel the world or get an education before tying the knot. Choosing a small wedding has become more about avoiding debt than anything else!
For millennial’s, it isn’t about what the wedding is called. Elope, eloping, elopement – whatever you want to call it, the key is doing it your way! Why spend in excess of $25,000 on a wedding when you could put that money towards a house or start a college fund for your future children? The more you think about it smaller weddings make sense! For once, it seems like the younger generation knows best!