It’s 2020 and something is shaking up the wedding industry–elopements! The popularity of having an elopement compared to larger, traditional weddings has soared in the past 12 months, with many couples choosing simplicity over stress, and affordability over size. There are so many decisions to make when it comes to getting married, but the biggest issue seems to be the expensive price tag. With the average wedding venue in Australia costing approximately $15,000, that’s a lot of money to feed your guests!
Eloping used to mean running away to get married without telling anyone– especially parents. Now, it’s a fabulous way to focus on what’s important to you–the ceremony, the location and maybe a few guests. What could be easier? And in the Dandenong Ranges and Yarra Valley, you are absolutely spoiled for choice.
BENEFITS TO ELOPING
Forgoing a traditional, larger wedding to elope doesn’t mean you need to miss out on celebrating and it can have so many benefits. You can choose to have a more intimate and quiet ceremony location–perhaps a place that’s special to the two of you e.g. a park, at home, or an Airbnb. Some celebrants offer their home to accommodate elopements, which makes it a simple, affordable and streamlined process. You can then go out to lunch or dinner and celebrate with your chosen few.
PERSONAL DECISION
Every couple has their personal reason for choosing to elope. Sometimes the guest list itself can be way too difficult to navigate, there could be dissention within the family, lack of funds or a preference to allocate those funds elsewhere. For many, the idea of a traditional wedding is overwhelming.
THE CEREMONY
When you elope, the amount of decisions you make is entirely up to you. You can still write your own vows, exchange rings and have a professional photographer there to capture your ceremony! In fact, aside from finding your ideal celebrant and who your two witnesses will be, the decision making can stop right there.
BE MINDFUL
There may be some people whose feelings could be hurt should you choose to elope—especially parents. Consider carefully and include the people closest to you if you can. You don’t want to mar your post- ceremony happiness by disappointing the people you love the most.
TIPS & IDEAS FOR A SUCCESSFUL ELOPEMENT
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Find an awesome celebrant, complete the first legal document and ensure you have one calendar months’ notice before the date you wish to marry.
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Choose a weekday ceremony for the ultimate, affordable ceremony.
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Invite your parents and best friends to come with you–the small group can go out for a celebratory lunch or dinner afterwards.
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Hire an affordable wedding or event photographer–then send out some great pictures of the event with your marriage announcement.
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Or have an elopement with just the two of you, your witnesses and celebrant, then throw a gathering at a later date to announce your wonderful news.
Website: lisanewman.com.au
