Eloping used to mean running away to get married — maybe without telling parents, friends, and extended family. These days, the ‘secrecy’ element is gone, but there is still a sense of getting away with something attached. If you elope, you’re forgoing a formal ceremony. Elopements might be spontaneous, intimate, and extremely romantic. As a downside, you’ll miss out on celebrating your union with loved ones. If you’re torn between these two options — elopement or wedding — here are some things to consider.
1. What does your heart (or gut) tell you?
Follow your instincts, my friend! Instincts guide us to the answers we’re looking for. While your mind might be caught up wondering whether elopement or marriage is right for you, your intuition probably knows what’s actually right. So listen to your heart. For some people, instinctive answers also show up in the gut. When you think of a wedding ceremony, do you feel a fluttery, happy feeling in your chest, or heaviness? Try the same test for eloping.
2. What will your family think?
It’s nice to consider what your family will think. It is your day, but it’s also a gift to your loved ones. If you know your father has his heart set on walking you down the aisle, take that into consideration.
3. Have you been married before?
Sometimes, couples who are on a second marriage don’t want to go through the formalities of planning a big event for a second time. If you or your partner is on a second or third marriage, you might want to host an intimate wedding with a select group of friends and family, instead of a huge gathering. Or, you might feel an elopement is perfect.
4. What does your partner want?
Since this is a decision both of you need to be excited about, engage in open dialogue about it before committing to one path or the other.
If you had to answer question one — “What does your heart (or gut) tell you — right now?” what would you say? Leave a comment with your answer, in the space below. Don’t over-think it! Just answer:)
Leave a Reply