What's the Difference Between an Elopement and a Traditional Wedding?
Off the cuff, you might assume that elopements and weddings are simply about weddings being all carefully planned, while elopements are those hush-hush, small ceremonies, right?
The major theme when it comes to having a big wedding: it’s designed around the guests & how to optimize their experience. Your focus is what they will see, what they will eat and drink, how to entertain them, will they have a good time, and what they will remember about the event.
All too often, the dream of throwing a big celebration turns into major overwhelm. What seemed like a romantic idea at first becomes a real circus. You end up tinkering with the seating chart for an exhausting number of hours when all you want is a lovely celebration with your soon-to-be spouse.
Elopements (or intimate weddings), on the other hand, are designed to be about the couple & what they want, rather than on the experience of the guests (although you can of course plan an elopement that provides an incredible experience for everyone!). Eloping is about choosing love over drama, stress, and the pressure from family or society. Elopements are often held out in nature instead of a traditional venue, maybe somewhere the couple has never been & really wants to go, or a place that means a lot to them.
The guest count is significantly smaller (usually 5-15 for elopements, 15-30 for intimate/micro weddings), which means the couple gets a lot more privacy throughout the day + time to themselves. Most couples plan elopements anywhere between 2 weeks to 16 months in advance. And the great thing about elopements is that they don’t need to follow a strict timeline, since there aren’t as many guests to take care of, and the focus is more on letting the day flow naturally than planning out every minute. This leaves much more room to plan activities + fun experiences for everyone to enjoy!
The choice seems pretty simple, huh? But whether you go for eloping, a cozy intimate wedding, or a big, traditional bash, the decision is actually a big deal. Everyone's got their opinion (including me), but at the end of the day, you gotta go with what feels right for you. Don't just follow the crowd, a trend or give in to the pressure. Do it because it's what you really want, and because you're making that choice on your own terms. Remember, you're not a cookie-cutter couple.
Keep scrolling down for "10 Easy Steps for Eloping"
10 Easy Steps for Eloping
Now, how are you going to do it? Are you thinking of saying "I do" while at the local beach, state park, on your favorite hiking trail, in your grandma's backyard,? Or maybe a simple courthouse ceremony is more your style. The options are endless, and it can feel overwhelming. So, how to elope, right?
This guide is here to help you figure out how to elope and make it truly your own. Here are 10 steps to help you on your elopement journey:
Step 1. Dream and Scheme:
Before diving into Pinterest, take a moment to envision your day. What's your vision? Close your eyes, picture it, write it down, and discuss it. Let your imagination run wild before seeking inspiration from Instagram, and, of course, starting that Pinterest board.
Step 2. Determine Your Budget:
Even though elopements are generally more budget-friendly than traditional weddings, you still need to consider costs. Create an Excel spreadsheet to estimate and track your expenses, and remember that investing in a professional photographer is crucial.
Step 3. Decide Where to Elope:
The world is your oyster. Visualize the location where you want to say "I do" - a small wedding venue Houston, on the beach in Galveston, on a rooftop overlooking downtown Houston, the woods, next to a lake, or a serene field. Consider the season, activities, and/or the destination for your dream honeymoon.
Step 4. Lock Down the Date:
Don't procrastinate. Plan your date well in advance, considering factors like weather, budget, and season. And here's a tip: choose a weekday to avoid tourist crowds.
Step 5. Choose Your Vendors:
Start with booking your photographer early. They can connect you with reliable vendors. Think about hair, makeup, flowers, and other details well in advance.
Step 6. Make That Guest List (if any!):
Decide who you want to share your intimate day with. It's your day, so don't compromise on your guest list.
Step 7. What to Wear:
Plan your attire based on the location, weather, and season. Consider comfort and practicality, and remember that your clothes can make or break your confidence on the big day.
Step 8. Paperwork, Legalities, and Logistics:
Ensure you have all the necessary documents and licenses in order, but don't stress the small stuff. It's your love that makes it official.
Step 9. Make Travel Arrangements:
Get those tickets and hotels booked. Consider a credit card that gives you bonus points for your expenses. Look for discounts and make your reservations for lodging, transportation, and fun activities.
Step 10. Have the Best Dang Elopement Day Ever:
This is the fun part! Enjoy your elopement day like crazy kids in love.
And that's how to elope! So, go out there and make your elopement day truly special. You've got this!
Keep scrolling down for "Where to Elope in the Greater Houston, Tx Area"
