We’re Eloping! Now What?

I think you are on your way if you looked into elopement packages. Most of the venues that cater to elopements have coordinators who can answer your questions. I am super jealous, I would love to elope. I would look at photos of weddings done where you are choosing to elope and get some ideas.

Good for you! We're having an intimate DW (just 10 people) and I've found searching for "elope" "elopement" and "eloping" in these forums to be a big help! Good luck!

Did you send out STDs? If so, I'd print a postcard explaining that you've decided to elope and the previously planned ceremony and reception have been cancelled. I doubt anyone except relatives will be really upset and they might not be either. It depends on the person and family. If you have the funds, it would be nice to plan a small reception sometime after the elopement to celebrate with family and close friends. It doesn't have to be anything elaborate.

As for the rest. Find a nice dress. It doesn't have to be a wedding gown. It could be a bridesmaid dress or a formal. If you want a wedding dress, what about something tea length or shorter? Does your package include a bouquet? If not, you might think about ordering one in advance that you can pick up in Hot Springs.

Most of all, enjoy yourselves!

Our wedding is basically an elopement, 10
guests. We’re sending out we’re married announcements the day after the wedding.

View Quoted Comment We haven’t sent out STDs just because we didn’t have a date lol.
We’re planning to go back to Florida to celebrate with our families, but I also have family up here. Would it be okay to have them there or should we just have the two of us?

View Quoted Comment If you have them there just remember you have to provide and feed them.
i would just elope and send elopement cards after.

View Quoted Comment I think it would be hurtful for only those local to be invited. Elope just the two of you or have a small wedding with VIPs, and you make it sound like there are some VIPs in Florida.

I legit eloped (on Kauai) and LOVED IT!!!
What do you want to know?

View Quoted Comment All of our VIPs (parents and immediate family) are in Florida. I have one set of grandparents that lives close and the rest are extended family.
Would we still need a witness? Do we just pull someone off the street? 😂

View Quoted Comment They’re announcements... mine are super awesome!

View Quoted Comment

Once you start inviting people it suddenly grows. The people who were not invited will find out others were there and be upset that they didn't get a chance to come. My first marriage was basically an elopement and we agreed to have parents and siblings and 1 friend each. People were SO mad that they didn't get invited. We couldn't afford to invite more people and they didn't get that. Barely anyone congratulated us since we did it less than 3 weeks after getting engaged and they assumed we just blew everyone off. We planned it quickly because I was pregnant when he proposed and his sister was in town so we picked a date before she left so she could come.

Any way you do it some people will be upset. If you don't invite the people close enough they'll be upset. If you do and leave out everyone else they will be upset. Basically it comes down to what you want. You can't make everyone happy.

This time around we are doing a DW and were going to do a party when we got back home but it's just not in the budget so we invited all of our family(the ones who talk to us at least) and our close friends. Some people are mad we aren't throwing a party but it is what it is.

Here is what my FH and I are doing, as we too are eloping because of family dynamics were causing a lot of stress.
First, we have told no one other than the people who will be at our ceremony which is both of our best friends, their spouses and my son who will be officiating. We figure that if no one else knows then they can not ask questions or try to get involved.
Second, we rented a place that will accommodate us all plus we can do our ceremony there. After there is a lovely restaurant near by that we will have dinner, that we are paying for, along with the accommodations.
I bought the dress of my dreams, long white A-Line with beading and FH will be in dress pants, shirt and tie. BM and MOH are asked to dress in their Sunday best without buying new.
We hired a photographer because we still want to capture the day and we plan to make photo cards that say we eloped to mail out to family and friends after.
BM wife will be cutting one fresh wildflowers the morning of and making 2 bouquets and a flower for the guys. She and MOH hubby will set up the ceremony area for us.
We have written our own vows and the ceremony as we are non religious. Included a hand washing portion that we believe is very symbolic.
Over all, planning our big day has been a lot of fun for us as we have done it all together. The stress has been very minimal and we couldn't be happier with our choice. 31 days until we say.... I DO!

View Quoted Comment That sounds lovely! Good luck and I can’t wait to see pictures!

View Quoted Comment I can't wait for the big day!! Back out on the road until 4-5 days before. Will definitely have to post pics!!

View Quoted Comment Everything! Lol
I’m not quite sure how to set this all up, we can’t go up to Hot Springs until next month, so do I need a wedding planner or can I just save the little money we have and do it myself?
Also how did you tell people? That’s a major concern with his family, mine will pretend to care after the fact lol.
If you have any advice/tips/dos and donts at all, I would love to hear them