Planning a semi-elopement a year out?

Or, if I should stop using the term elopement, someone correct me!

I feel like the modern day elopement has changed so much from what it used to be, so what I'm planning may not be described as one.

It's really your choice. It may seem strange to some people, but who cares?

I'm definitely biased though because FH and I are planning an "elopement", but it won't be for a while either.

Only because we need to have the funds to do so first. We don't want to marry at the courthouse in NJ or Philly. So we'd rather wait and have our elopement later.

Intimate may be a better word.

I don't think it's weird. I finish grad school in May. No matter what my FH and I knew we would wait till then. My FH and I really wanted an intimate 15-20 person wedding in Quebec City Canada but our parents put up a stink. Not going to lie, there are days I wish I stood my ground better. But I digress

I consider that an intimate wedding. Check out some of the weddings under the "real weddings" section on intimateweddings.com. You will fall in love. I don't think it's unreasonable to wait a year because you still have a lot to plan: venue, clothes, food, drinks, cake, guests, invites, decorations, photographer, officiant, etc.

This is my same situation.

we've been everywhere also as far as planning. as of right now, we are getting an officiant (because i want to be married on 4th of July), then the same day, we're going on a "group honeymoon" with those that would be considered our "wedding party". then two weeks later having a big reception. i feel EVERYWHERE. all over the place. smh.

You can call it whatever you want. We generally don't plan our REALLY little weddings (like four people) more than a couple of months in advance, but if you're looking for officiants (as opposed to the clerk's office) restaurants, photogs, etc, in prime season, it's not too early.

Here is the thing that you may encounter though. Most pros have a finite amount of dates they can sell, and are not as likely to book a very small job on a prime date. It's not that we're mercenary, it's just that until Tuesday weddings really start to take off, we have a limited amount of days to make a living. You're more likely to find a photographer who will do two hours on a Friday in April than a Saturday in May. I hope that doesn't sound cold, but it's reality.

I have heard the term planned elopement used, but I think intimate might be the best fit. Do what is right for you and FH. I think if someone was in school and waited to get married, I wouldn't bat an eye at all, regardless of size.