In 2021, the average cost of a wedding is $30,433. We know that many couples looking to wed are finding creative, money-saving ways to share their special day with close friends and family despite the ongoing pandemic. Instead of investing thousands in a traditional wedding, lovebirds are discovering that elopements, microweddings, and virtual ceremonies are the right options so that they can enjoy a more lavish honeymoon in the future or put the extra saved money toward other goals. If you’re considering a small wedding or elopement, check out our top tips here:

1. Check the legalities of eloping in your area. Always check the marriage laws in your state before you decide to elope so that you’re not faced with unpleasant legal surprises. Make sure you have all your paperwork ready to go (e.g., marriage license) and proper witnesses and an officiant (if required) at the elopement location with you. 

2. Take time to plan. Although elopements have the reputation for being spontaneous nuptials, there is some planning involved to ensure your day goes smoothly - just like a traditional wedding. The main details you will most likely focus on are your elopement wedding attire, the location, your vows, and your photographer. Other details you may include in your elopement are: 

• How many guests you want to witness your elopement (typically 2-20 people at these very small ceremonies);

• If you want a vendor like a florist (for a bouquet) or catering for a micro wedding; 

• If you want to have a special small wedding cake to share with you and your spouse; 

• If you want to host a small post-elopement reception or a celebration later with your friends and family - you can also have a wedding gift registry ready for your guests to send some love and blessings your way! (Be sure to have thank you cards prepared, too!)

You can also contact a wedding planner to see if they have a special elopement package exclusively for couples like you, and they’ll help you plan a smaller wedding ceremony without having to work out all the details yourself. 

3. Plan the rest of your day around the two of you. Your elopement means that you’ll have plenty of time after the ceremony to enjoy this new life together, so go out for dinner at your favorite date spot; take a honeymoon trip for a week; indulge in a day on the beach in your wedding attire; or anything else that would make your elopement day extra memorable. 

4. Prepare yourself for your family and friends’ reactions. There is that fun surprise element that comes with an elopement with just the two of you. But some people in your life may feel left out. Talk to loved ones beforehand about your plans instead of announcing your elopement unexpectedly. 

5. Consider streaming your elopement on Zoom or YouTube. With live streaming, you don’t have to worry about limiting your guest list or your family and friends missing out. You can also help your family and friends feel connected by sharing photos or having a post-elopement party at a later date.

Every couple is different, and if you know that an elopement is the right way to go for you, take time to apply these tips so that you have a beautiful elopement and memory to look back on for years to come!

If you have any questions about elopements and how to plan one, you can reach out to me for wedding planning guidance any time!