Lessons That Eloping Will Teach You

We love reading about other people’s experiences with elopement and when we came across a post on Offbeat Bride about the things one couple learned when they eloped it got us thinking about some of the things that eloping couples may not be prepared to deal with. They say forewarned is forearmed, so let’s take a closer look at one couple’s experience and what it taught them so that maybe you can avoid some of the same elopement issues.

1 – Putting in The Effort is Worth it

Some people think that elopements are cookie cutter wedding ceremonies that happen in an instant. However, they can be fully personalized and planned months in advance. It is well worth making the effort to ensure that yours is special!

2 – Don’t Underestimate the Importance of Photographs

Photographs can be very important. Not only do they serve as treasured memories for you, but they can help some of your friends and family to get a chance to see how your big day went down. Look for elopement packages that include photography or think about paying for a professional to make memories of the day. Regret can be an elopement issue, so you will want to make sure you have those great memories.

3 – A Courthouse Ceremony Can Be Special

We do agree that it is possible for a Courthouse ceremony to be special, but we also maintain that eloping to an intimate romantic inn or bed and breakfast can be even more so and it often won’t cost much more than a courthouse wedding!

4 – Hurt Feelings Are Unavoidable

Something we have covered lots of times here on WhereToElope.com is the fact that there will be some people who are upset by your choice to elope. It is not that they are not happy for you, they just always imagined being part of your wedding day and they are sad to not be included. It is unavoidable, but you can be sensitive to their feelings and take some of the sting out of it. However, never feel obliged to apologize or compromise. This is your wedding not theirs!

5 – People Will Share Your Excitement

We love the fact that this particular couple felt so much support from their community. There will definitely be two types of people in your lives – those upset that you eloped and those who think you did something brave and exciting!

6 – It is Important to Plan How You Will Share Your News

Think carefully about how to break the news of your elopement. As already noted, there will be hurt feelings, so try to soften the blow if you can. We are actually not huge fans of the surprise elopement and believe it is always advisable to tell your family before the elopement happens.

7 – A Little Getaway Afterwards is Great

Here at WhereToElope.com we are great fans of the elopacation! Take a short break and get married while you are away! This is a great way to start off married life with a little bit of rest and relaxation. Check out our All Inclusive Elopement Packages for weddings that include some accommodation.

8 – Set Boundaries With Your Parents

One of the most common reasons for eloping is to avoid family politics. The couple who posted the original article have suggested that eloping is not going to fix family issues and that it may even make them worse. This could be true to an extent, but we believe that if you talk to your parents and other family members ahead of your elopement and set clear boundaries then it can smooth your path. Don’t ever feel guilty about choosing to avoid the family drama!

You can read the original article in its entirety here, and if you have eloped already and learned Lessons That Eloping Will Teach You that could help others, then we would love to hear from you.

By Dave Westfall