10 Tips for a Beautiful Elopement
If you are planning to elope, first of all… congratulations! Elopements are incredibly personal, and you have so much opportunity to customize your wedding exactly as you want it! Here are my tips for pulling off a dream elopement.
Pick a location that’s personal. With an elopement, you’ve got all the flexibility in the world to make your wedding perfectly your own!
Still get the dress (IF that’s your thing). Just because you’re eloping doesn’t mean you need to go casual. Amazon has tons of dresses around the $100 mark, and there are wonderful consignment shops in Pittsburgh where you can find something gorgeous at any budget. Treat yourself!
Do something fun after. It can be anything from a nice dinner at your favorite restaurant, to something meaningful to you as a couple.
For photos, focus on details, details, details. You will have less photos of people (obviously!) so focus on detail shots like rings, shoes, bouquet, jewelry, etc. Toss some petals. Get the classic champagne spray picture!
Set up a tripod for your phone, or a small table with a laptop on it, and stream the wedding over Zoom for anyone you’d like to have watch remotely.
Similarly, you can set up a camera (or hire a videographer) to record your ceremony, so you can share it with loved ones later. Plus, you’ll be glad to have it.
For vendors, use one-stop shops. Think floral rental packages (waves… hi), all-in-one venues, and elopement packages that include an officiant and photographer.
You won’t need a big cake, but how about something fun to celebrate? A bottle of champagne split between you, with a box of macarons or donuts in your accent color.
Keep it a secret! You don’t need to hide that you’re engaged, but the moment you tell people when you’re getting married, you invite in outside opinions. The purpose of eloping is to keep it sacred between the two of you, so try to keep outside input to a minimum.
Send out announcement cards after - to let those you love see photos and memories of your day. You can even include a QR code people can scan that links to your full wedding gallery or video! It’s a great way to share your joy with anyone who wasn’t present.
