Elope or don't?

If you won't be able to afford this venue without your parents' contribution and you and your FH are comfortable eloping, then it sounds like that's the best decision. You can't base this decision off anyone but the two of you. If my parents were to back out right now with their financial contributions, we would absolutely elope. We planned on having a very small wedding, but after my parents offered to contribute it's turned into a 100 person event. I don't really mind since we're only paying for about 30%, but if we didn't have that kind of help, we would've eloped. Best of luck to you in whatever you choose!

I don't think eloping is a bad option. You can always have the wedding you want that you can pay for later. Or it's also not bad for if you want to scrap the whole idea with your parents for something you yourself could afford even if it's not ideal

Hey Justine! Congratulations on your engagement!

I’m sorry that you are feeling such confusion around your wedding plans.

As Amber said, it is not a good idea to plan a wedding that you know you will not be able to afford. Even though it was so kind of your parents to offer to help financially if you know that they may not be able to contribute it may be a good idea to explore your options.

Think about what is it that you and your FH want from your day. Would you be happy to elope together? Have you thought about where you would like to do it?

Alternatively, you could also consider a small wedding with a simple ceremony and a celebratory meal with your close family and friends.

Have you discussed a budget that you would be able to afford if you pay for the entire wedding yourself?

You could always have a vow renewal or anniversary party in a few years if you feel like you would still like a big celebration of your marriage.

Hi Justine, i am in a similar situation right now except my parents are not contributing because they just do not have the money. We’ve been to a few vendors and even considered a backyard wedding but it’s just to much for us to pay alone considering the amount of people and we do not want to have a wedding with just immediate family because we have others that will feel left out that we care about. So we have decided eloping is the best way for US. And I am one hundred percent okay with that, we will still take pictures and have a beautiful private ceremony it will just we with us two. A plus is you have lots of money to put towards other things! Like splurging on a great photographer! Or a special honeymoon !