Is Eloping For You?

Believe it or not, there is etiquette on how to elope, and how to handle all the important people in your life who may feel spurned by your not including them. In addition, there are also some important questions you need to ask yourself before you run off and get hitched without including those most important to you. Here's a rundown of things to consider when planning to run off like some of the kids are doing nowadays.

What are your family obligations? Will your immediate family be hurt by not being included? And, do you care?

This, before money and personal feelings, comes first. You may want to consider calling your parents before you make the big leap, just to let them in on the secret. Or, perhaps you feel like it would do more harm than good. You might want to include them in the runaway, like so many couples do who simply want to avoid a huge, expensive wedding: a few of you get on a plane to some exotic destination, and wed there.

Then, there's announcing your marriage afterwards. Some couples do send a formal announcement, and some throw their own "reception" or big party after they've wed, which is a great way for family and friends to feel included on your big decision. Others send what's called an "At Home" card, which simply announces that the two of you are married, you're home, and your new names (and addresses, etc.). A personal note explaining why you eloped is often included, to assuage possible hurt feelings

Lastly, most couples that elope give the advice that in the end, you should do what you want to do. It's your marriage, after all, and if you want to be alone, then so be it.

Should We Still Register and Receive Gifts?

This is a bit of a complicated issue, because many times people close to you may feel insulted or hurt that you didn't want to include them in your ceremony, but you still want them to buy you gifts. Most etiquette mavens recommend that you not register for gifts, but if you want to have a reception for your family and friends, you are more than welcome to accept any gifts they may bring.

Can We Send Announcements?

Eloping, by definition, is a secret, unplanned, getaway wedding without anyone's consent. So, if you plan to tell everyone you just want to have a private ceremony, you're actually just having a non-traditional, destination wedding. Announcements are recommended, and gifts are acceptable.

The internet has a plethora of suggestions about where to go if you're planning a wedding getaway.If you want to pay the price, you can certainly hire a coordinator to arrange your plans for you, like they do in Puerto Vallarta or Australia, or even Scotland. Choose where you want to wed, and then begin comparing prices to see where you can get the most bang for your buck. Be sure you research marriage license and passport requirements as well as waiting periods. Also be sure there will be an officiant who's able to marry you.

Even eloping can be a complicated wedding plan that will require a bit of organization and money. It all depends on what your image of a "dream day" is. Take that idea, and run away with it.

Jennifer Baumann is editor of Wedding Gazette, the resource for real-world wedding planning that's packed with info on how to plan your budget, how to avoid killing certain family members, exhaustive theme ideas, plus tons of resources on finding favors, necessary accessories, and much more.

---

What Can You Do To Make Your Reception a Success?

This is something that we've started to send to all... Read More

Moissanite Bridal Rings ?True Choice Of The Young Heart

What best way can a bride think of rising to... Read More

Wedding Etiquette for the Best Man, Groomsmen, and Ushers

Undoubtedly, the groom will want to choose a few good... Read More

Unique Beach Wedding Receptions

The most unique beach wedding reception ideas are sparked by... Read More

Is Eloping For You?

Believe it or not, there is etiquette on how to... Read More

Subtle Danger Signals on the Domestic Front

If you've been around long enough, you're aware of the... Read More

Seven Ways to Survive a Remodel (And Save Your Marriage) Tips from Pisa Design, Inc

Remodels are tough on everyone. The house is out of... Read More

Wedding Day Savings

A little strategizing can go a long way when trying... Read More

Building Up Your Marriage with Healthy Communication

Would you like to have a stronger, healthier, more enjoyable... Read More

Fun Dating Ideas to Spice up Your Marriage

One of the best benefits of marriage is that you... Read More

Belize Honeymoon Resorts

The enchanting Belize honeymoon resorts captivate every visitor through the... Read More

Five Ideas for a More Romantic Honeymoon

Candles, rose petals, satin, succulent foods, perfume-you're probably already familiar... Read More

Restore Your Marriage - 5 Ways to Feel Connected to Your Spouse Even on Opposite Schedules

We've all been through times in our lives when it... Read More

Engagement Rings & Celebrities

Whether we like it or not current trends in engagement... Read More

Destination Weddings in Oregon

Oregon is one of the most marvelous places in the... Read More

To Choose a Wedding Planner or Not to Choose a Wedding Planner

When I was the owner of a major wedding facility,... Read More

Dressing Your Bridesmaids

For a bride, shopping for bridesmaid dresses can be one... Read More

10 Secrets to a Successful Stress-Free Wedding

Your wedding is supposed to be the most important day... Read More

Las Vegas Wedding Receptions

Las Vegas wedding receptions are where people tend to go... Read More

Florida Beach Weddings

There is nothing more romantic than a wedding by water... Read More

Weddings - Who Pays For What?

Of course, times have changed and there are occasions where... Read More

Bridal Budget Beware

Getting hitched, taking the plunge, tying the knot, jumping the... Read More

Proper Etiquette for the Wedding Invitation

The invitation is the first impression of the type of... Read More

Marriage Advice: Twelve Steps to Creating an Affair-Proof Marriage

There's no way to absolutely guarantee that your marriage won't... Read More

Replacing Your Lost Wedding Ring

Imagine it's Halloween evening and you've just gone to the... Read More

Saving Money on Photography for Your Wedding

Weddings are momentous occasions to all people involved; especially the... Read More

The Bigger the Carat the Better the Wedding?

Ahh . . . sweet romance.The flowers. The chocolate. The... Read More

Is Conflict Healthy in Marriage?

Today my three-year-old daughter told my husband that she wants... Read More

10 Common Wedding Reception Mistakes

Every bride wants a fairytale wedding. Therefore, this article is... Read More

How to Have a Sizzler of a Honeymoon! Article No.1

Henry Vlll and Elizabeth Taylor, who between them had fourteen... Read More

Selecting Your Wedding Centerpieces

Wedding centerpieces help tie together the look of your entire... Read More

A Butterfly Release; Alternatives to Throwing Rice

Brides are looking for different ways to make their wedding... Read More

Wedding Planning: Benefits of Online Wedding RSVPs

Want to manage your wedding guests with style and ease?... Read More