"You're what?!?"

Please note: The following post is just MY opinion for MY wedding day. I love all weddings!

Eloping. Yes, that's what we're doing. As to where or when, that's our little secret. It may be a little hard for friends and family to swallow at first, but once you explain your decision, they'll eventually come around. Hopefully. So, why elope? Well, according to The Knot's 2014 Real Wedding Survey, the average wedding costs around $31,000. Let that thought just marinate for a little. THIRTY-ONE THOUSAND DOLLARS. I don't know about you, but I can think of PLENTY of things to do with that amount of money. 

 My fiance and I are trying to buy a home of some sorts within the next two years. Becoming homeowners is our top priority. We currently rent a space at my parents' house and would really love to have a nest of our own. With that being said, we're sorry to disappoint you friends and family, but it's our day and our wallet! No hard feelings?

I've heard a few of our loved ones suggest that we hold a tiny get-together after we return from our elopement. Ugh. I know, I know. I'm kinda being an anti-bride here. Truth is, I really hate to be the center of attention. I've had birthday parties in the past and never really enjoyed them  because I get so worried wondering if my guests are having fun or not. It's stressful! I'm still on the fence about that one...maybe a small dinner, maybe.

 We want our nuptials to be a celebration of our journey - to be as stress-free and and as easy as possible. Most couples get caught up in all the wedding hoopla that they forget why they wanted to get married in the first place. It not about the party, its about love! Don't lose sight of that!

I always think back to the Sex and the City movie. Carrie and Big were ready to take the plunge, but it quickly became a circus. Don't let the wedding run you, you run the wedding! As long as you and your partner are on the same page, you will have a great time no matter how big or small your nuptials are. What do you have in mind for your wedding day? Leave a comment below!

Breaking the news

So, you've decided to elope.Congratulations! Now, how will you break the news to your family and friends? Back in the day, eloping was something that young lovers did when their families didn't approve of their relationship; when they were so crazy in love they just had to be together ASAP. Running off, leaving the world behind them...so exhilarating!

Couples still do this to this day. I would assume mostly due to the high cost of weddings and not because they want to avoid the parentals. Eloping also eliminates all the stress that goes along with planning. If you're like me and not the spur-of-the moment type, the best way to prevent your loved ones from feeling out of the loop is to inform them of your plans. You don't have to tell them where or when, just let them know what's going on.When I say loved ones I mean immediate family and best friends. You don't have to tell the everyone!

When I got engaged, it didn't take long before I started receiving emails from distant relatives inquiring about invitations. This really put some pressure on me. That's when I talked it over with my fiance and we decided elopement was the route for us. Your immediate family and best friends are the most important people in your lives. It would be a little heartbreaking for them to discover you've tied the knot via a Facebook post (I posted a video of our engagement on FB and my brother was a little offended that I didn't call and tell him before hand. Sorry Louie!).

I'm all for fun and adventure, but by skipping town without a word, you run the risk of damaging a relationship. It sounds very petty, I know. After all, it is YOUR day. Weddings have a strange affect on people. We tend to get very emotional and take things to heart when we aren't included in such an important life event. So before you exchange you 'I dos', sit your loved ones down and explain to them why this is so important to you and your partner. They might not agree with you 100%, but they will appreciate your honesty in the long run.

Strike a Pose

Since you'll be saving several hundreds of dollars on your little/big day, it is crucial that you hire a photographer and/or videographer to help capture the essence of your union. Ladies and gentlemen, you will not regret this decision! If you're going to spend big bucks on anything, please spend it here. 

There are so many couples out there that do not have a photograph or video commemorating their day of love! (It's not too late for you spur-of-the-moment couples either. Consider an anniversary photo shoot or renew your vows!) For the love birds that are ready to fly the coop: I know elopements are generally something that couples do on short notice, but I believe that there should be some type of planning involved.

Here are a few things to consider when choosing a photographer/videographer: 

1. Budget - I know I said you should splurge, but you should also be able to afford these services. We're not trying to go into debt here people!
2. Style - Are you the outdoor-sy type?  Are you in search of a romantic, rustic feel? Think of how you want to set the tone for your day and if your candidate can help you convey that. 
3. Location - Are you getting married in your hometown or having a destination wedding? Can you find a local photographer/videographer or are you willing to pay for their travel expenses? 

So, do your homework. Planning is essential for any occasion; no matter how big or small your nuptials are. Let a professional work their magic and deliver the goods. You can thank me later. :)