What is an elopement? the modern definition of eloping
Have you heard of any couple that has eloped? Did it surprise you or were you open enough about elopement? Unlike before, when eloping was considered a taboo, nowadays many people have embraced it. If you still think that weddings are the only way to get married, then you are misled.
Eloping means that you forego a formal wedding and instead, choose to elope for the ceremony. It doesn’t necessarily mean that you secretly run away with your partner without telling anyone.
This is the notion some people still have when they hear about elopements. It is an interesting way of celebrating your union, and especially if you don’t want to do a traditional wedding. If you feel like a traditional wedding is not for you, you can plan to elope with your partner.
Both of you can plan to visit your ideal destinations during this period, as you mark the special day. It is a fun option which doesn’t involve many people, unlike a wedding which requires that you invite many people. Read on to learn more about the elopement.
The Modern Definition Of Elopement
Since there are many misconceptions around elopement, you must understand the real meaning of elopement. Some years back, people used to think that elopement is shameful and that couples that choose to do secretive weddings are not happy with themselves. Some thought that the families had disapproved the relationship, and that is why the couple decides to flee. Some even believe that elopements are not real weddings because they were fed with misconceptions, which then became their truth. People must understand that old elopement was valid during ancient times. However, times have changed, and practices have changed as well. The definition of elopement back then is now outdated.
In these modern times, elopement is considered a non-traditional, intimate and intentional way of getting married. Today, elopements come in many flavors. While some will just involve a small wedding with two people, necessary witnesses and the officiant, others will include a lot more. Some couples will ask their family members to join them while others will choose to have a very private union. Unlike traditional weddings which primarily focused on the guest experience, and everything was done to ensure the guests enjoyed themselves, elopement focuses on celebrating the eloping couple.
Why Is Eloping More Popular?
Check out this full article listing the 8 main reasons why couples elope
Elopements Are Intentional
One of the main reasons couples choose to elope is that it allows you to be intentional about how you spend your wedding day. Traditional weddings seem to often turn into something couples do for everyone else to enjoy. If a big party doesn’t sound quite right, eloping allows you to decide what feels best! It can be a ceremony in your backyard, with your family, or you can jet off, just the two of you, in a country you’ve never been to. There are no rules, which means the meaning of eloping is whatever you want it to be!
Elopements Are Meaningful
There’s a misconception that couples who elope are just not willing to invest time, money, or effort into their wedding day. That they just want a quick ceremony.
But, this is so not true! If anything, I think the fact that you’re eloping, and choosing exactly what will make it the best day ever, makes it more meaningful than many traditional weddings.
Elopements Are An Experience
Along with being meaningful and intentional, an elopement is really about the entire experience. It isn’t just a ceremony – it’s everything from getting ready to hiking, or kayaking, or stargazing, or having a picnic, or whatever adventure you decide is right for your day. It’s about getting to experience the entire day together, and really be present in the moment when you commit to the love of your life.
Elopements Aren’t “Cheap”
Ask your grandmother, “what is an elopement?” and she might say it’s a cheap way to get married for couples who don’t want to invest in their wedding day. But, that’s not the meaning of eloping anymore! While elopements are often less expensive than traditional weddings, the cost can vary so much.
The difference is that with an elopement, you can spend money on experiences, not things. You get to decide what matters to you and what doesn’t. This means you can spend more on plane tickets, and less on centerpieces you’ll only use once!
Elopements Are Less Stress
Since weddings are family affairs, you will find that some of your family members, especially from the extended family may not be in good terms with each other. Others may bring drama because they don’t approve of the person you have chosen to spend your life with. It leaves you with a lot of issues to deal with. You might even end up having a lot of resentment towards your in-laws. Elopements are great because you don’t need to invite the extended family. In short, you get the freedom to choose what you want, as opposed to what your families want. Nowadays, people are rejecting the notion of what their families expect of them and instead, they choose to do what makes them happy.
Elopements Allow Couples To Have Their Privacy
The other common reason couples consider elopement is because they want to experience an intimate celebration with the people they love and care about. You don’t have to get stressed over why the caterers did not arrive on time or why some guests don’t have seats. Some of the couples that have chosen to flee do it because they want to avoid the anxiety, pressure and obligations that come as a result of holding a wedding. With an elopement, you get to choose how things will go. If for example, you decide to visit the scenery in another country, you get the freedom to organize and plan your ideal vacation. Elopement allows couples to create a magical and intimate experience that they will remember for the rest of their lives. Both of you get the chance to focus on each other and celebrate your love in an uninhibited way.
Elopements Are Less Planning
Planning a big wedding can be fun for some people. However, most find it stressful because there is a lot that is expected of you. You need to make a lot of calculations and arrangements if you want the wedding to be successful. First, you need to list down the people you want to invite. Then you need to choose which of your friends gets to be in the bridal party. In other cases, you might even forget to add some of your friends to your list. Such issues cause a lot of drama. You also have to choose a mode of transport for your guests. Matters of wedding insurance have to be discussed as well, just in case, an incident happens during the wedding. In short, you and your partner will have to spend a lot of sleepless nights trying to handle every aspect of your wedding.
Elopements Aren’t Selfish
A lot of couples worry they’re being selfish. And a lot of families tell them they are! But, what’s selfish about wanting to enjoy your wedding day? What’s selfish about getting married in a way that feels right to you?
No one gets to make decisions about your wedding day – because it’s your wedding day! Making the decision to elope can be stressful for a lot of couples, but if it feels right to you, you’re making the right choice.
Elopements Aren’t Lonely
While you totally can have an elopement with no guests, you don’t have to! Eloping doesn’t mean you can’t invite anyone, it just means your guest list might be shorter, and you decide who you want to be with you on the best day of your life. If your favorite people support you and your decision, an elopement with 20 guests can feel just as special.
But, for a lot of couples, an elopement experience that’s just them, no guests, feels right. And eloping just the two of you isn’t lonely! It just means you get to experience the day how you truly want to, with no outside opinions.
Elopements Don’t Require A Venue
This is one of my favorite things about eloping! When you aren’t confined to venues, you get to choose where you elope! Your backdrop can be mountain peaks, or forest groves, or sandy beaches – whatever kind of scenery you want for your ceremony, you can find. No rules, remember?
Elopement Photography
Another misconception about elopements is that you don’t need a photographer – but as you’ve probably gathered from the rest of this post, this isn’t true! Your day is meaningful – it’s the day you get married! And having a photographer there is one of the most important things you can do, because you’d be surprised how quickly memories fade. Having photos of the entire day ensures you’ll be able to look back on the whole story of your experience, and remember every wonderful moment.
If you’re ready to start planning, contact me! As an elopement photographer, I help couples with the entire process – from finding the perfect spot to get married, to planning the adventures you’ll have, I’m here to support you through the whole thing.
Elopement is the new lavish wedding for millennials because of the freedom and intimacy it provides the wedding couple. Since it is the most important day of your life, you need to prioritize your happiness and needs.
