Sentimental Elopement Trends
Four Sentimental Elopement Trends
With more and more couples choosing to elope instead of hosting a wedding with guests, I’ve gathered some recent elopement trends to heighten the intimate experience. These suggestions not only add memories to your day, but add that sentiment that you’ll look back on with joy.
1. Multi-day experience
Picture this: you have an entire day to soak in your special place before you say your vows the following day. You have time to explore the area, see new sights, find that perfect spot to say “I do”, enjoy meals, and set your intentions for the following day. Then the big day comes and it goes by in the blink of an eye because you’re so high on cloud nine that you nearly black out the entire day. (Trust me, it happens.) But then you have *another* full day after you elope to continue soaking in your experience. You don’t have an alarm set or check out time to rush to. With an additional day to revel in your newly wedded bliss, you add that much more sentiment to your memories.
2. Full day photography coverage
It’s common that photographers offer around 3-4 hours of coverage for elopements, but I’ve found it to be so beneficial to have a few more hours. This offers a more free flowing photo experience without any rushing, as well as more time to travel between locations if you’re keen on exploring on your elopement day. For this reason, my elopement packages include 5 hours as a minimum. This gives my couples to time to be intentional and feel steady rather than rushed in their sentimental moments. Time to just be, all the while I’m documenting those slow and special happenings.
3. Styled love nest or dinner
To add a little spice to your elopement day, you can opt for hiring a planner to create a styled love nest or sweethearts dinner. By adding this element to an elopement, you get the fancy feel of a wedding, but for a fraction of the price. And the kicker—it’s just for you two. Imagine a little love nest adorned with floral arrangements, cozy cushions, and snacks with vino (or cannabis—you pick your party). Or perhaps ending your elopement with a styled dinner, candles and all, with the bonus of your favorite desserts.
4. Mini reception with family and friends
For those who just couldn’t say no to sharing their special day with their people, having a small receptions after the I do’s are said is a great way to include your loved ones. This gives you the opportunity to have your ceremony in private and then share a celebration with company later in the evening. Referring to the former, having a styled dinner is a nice touch. And even more, having a few extra hours of photo coverage to capture it all.
With elopements gaining more of the spotlight in the wedding industry, it excites me to see all of the ways couples add uniqueness to their day. Beyond what’s trending or popular, the ability to truly cater the day to yourselves and focus on what YOU want to experience is the epitome of sentiment. Without the stress of traditional wedding obligations, elopements offer a clean slate for any and all visions to come true. The sky’s the limit!