For some brides and grooms, the planning of a wedding can be nerve-racking.  In frustration many say "Let's just elope" as a way out of all the craziness.  If eloping sounds good to you, make sure you weigh out the goods and bads of it.

Eloping can mean many different things - from the two of you going to City Hall one afternoon to taking off to Las Vegas for the weekend to a drive-thru chapel.  But keep in mind whatever you decide will effect a lifetime of memories, and possibly hurt feelings by parents and loved ones that wished to see you wed.

So lets go over some goods and bads of eloping:

Goods

• Less expensive
• Less planning
• Quicker
• No need to reserve a chapel or ceremony location months in advance
• No feuding family members or divorced parents to have to accommodate
• Spontaneity and perhaps the thrill of a tropical island location or Elvis marrying you

Bads

• Hurt feelings by family members, especially mothers
• Missing out on the photographs with family and friends on your special day
• The planning (some brides have dreamed about their wedding day for years and enjoy the planning of the event)
• Having the beautiful wedding gown, the big bouquet, and the perfect hair and makeup that make you feel like the most beautfiul woman for your wedding day

If you decide that eloping is the best option for you but you feel that you still want to involve family and friends, consider these options:

• Invite just your parents and a best man and maid of honor
• Have a reception when you return.  Send out an announcement letting everyone know you eloped but would like to celebrate then event with them at a local botanical garden, hall, or restaurant.  I've seen many brides choose a botanical garden and have close family and friends bring appetizers and side dishes.  If you have a baker in the family ask if they'd be willing to bake your wedding cake.  Our Wedding Cake Kits come in handy for this.
  
• Send out an announcement with a photo of the two of you on your happy day.  Announce your plans to celebrate with everyone at an anniversary party in one year, five years, or even ten.  This can be a great idea for couples who want to be married today but can't afford to have the reception right away.  A one year mark gives you time to save up, but is still close enough to have the same effect.

The only people who can make the decision whether or not to elope are you and your fiance.  If you are open and honest with each other about wedding day expectations, whatever you decide will be the perfect decision.

Congratulations and Best Wishes!

Sincerely,

Simply Weddings