The Top 5 Things to Remember on Your Elopement Day
After years of photographing elopements for amazing couples, there are probably thousands of different things I could say about what couples should focus on remembering on their wedding day.
Never forget layers in Colorado because the weather can be unpredictable.
Don’t stress about the paperwork and focus on your day–the signatures can wait!
Your family’s opinions on your wedding dress doesn’t matter–as long as you love it, it’s the right look.
The list could go on forever. And it’s a topic I could endlessly (and ecstatically) discuss.
But ultimately, there are a few very specific things that I want every single couple out there–no matter where, how, or when they elope–to remember on their wedding day.
And I’m sharing it with you right here, right now.
It’s About You & Your Partner–So Plan Your Most Authentic Day
It’s your day. It’s about your love. It’s about spending this once-in-a-lifetime moment exactly the way you want.
Make this the theme of your elopement. Seriously, I’m talking about every aspect. Every plan you make, every guest you invite, and every choice on your day should be the most genuine, authentically you decision possible.
Your vows, your ceremony, your location, your activities–even what you wear and eat–should all be exactly what you and your partner want, no matter what that looks like, and no exceptions.
Looking for some adventurous, authentic ideas for planning the perfect-for-you day of your dreams? Check out my blog, The Best Elopement Ideas, for a little inspiration.
You Should Be Your Most Comfortable Self
Your elopement day should feature you and your partner at their most authentic. This means how you feel, what you do, and how you interact with each other–but it also includes how you look. There’s a misconception out there that says wedding day attire has to be a certain way–white dresses for women, black suits for men.
But here’s the thing, none of those things are true.
The real truth about your elopement day is that you should be your most comfortable and genuine self–and if that means getting married in something a little non-traditional, then that’s exactly what you should do.
Maybe your ideal wedding day outfit is the wedding dress of your dreams. That’s amazing. Find the dress that makes your eyes light up and your heart skip a beat. White isn’t your favorite color for wedding day attire? That never has to be a deal breaker. Maybe traditional garb doesn’t suit your day, either?
Wear a dress, skirt, suit, tie–anything in any color or pattern you want.
And this goes for hair and makeup, too. If you’re a person who loves creating a makeup look that takes a few hours or wants to go full-glam–do that! Hire someone, create your own look–whatever makes you most comfortable. If your day-to-day style rarely (or never) includes a tight updo or excess makeup, then go bare-faced and natural. There’s no wrong look for your elopement day.
The right look is the one that makes you feel your best.
Be Mindful, Present, & Ready to Enjoy Every Moment
The adage is true–wedding days do tend to go by in a flash. But often, with traditional weddings, this blur of a day is welcomed. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard from brides and grooms with big, traditional weddings that weren’t right for them that they just wished it was over.
Elopements are supposed to be the exact opposite of that. They’re supposed to be the culmination of everything you want on your day without any compromise. Adventure elopements are supposed to be where you want them, how you want them, and with whoever you want there. If you’re planning a day just like this, you’re already setting yourself up for success in the mindfulness department.
When I say that you should be mindful on your elopement day, I really mean that you should be fully present in the moment. Don’t think about the future, don’t stress about the past–focus on the here and now, acknowledging every moment without judgment.
There’s no need to worry about who’s waiting back at the Airbnb. It’s not necessary to stress about if you’re running late for your dinner reservations (that’s what flexible elopement timelines are for!). Maybe you slipped on the snow in the past, and now you’re nervous you might do it again. Why let something that happened then impact how you feel now?
Enjoy, breathe, soak it in–you cannot get these moments back. Being fully present is the ultimate gift to yourself and your spouse on your wedding day.
Your Reasons are Your Reasons–No Explanation Needed
On your wedding day–and before it, too–remember this–it’s your elopement day. Whatever the reason was that you chose an elopement over a traditional wedding, it’s your reason.
Maybe you adore your family, but you wanted your wedding day to be an experience only you and your spouse shared. Maybe you wanted to ensure the focus of your wedding day was where it belonged–on the two of you. Maybe you simply adore the idea of eloping outdoors in the landscape of your dreams.
No matter what your reason is, it’s your reason. No one else’s opinion matters. Choose what you want because it’s what you want–you never have to explain that to anyone.
You Can Include Your Loved Ones–Or Not
So many people think that eloping is about excluding loved ones, family, and friends from the day. But to be totally honest, that’s not what eloping is about at all.
On your wedding day, remember that your choice to either have your loved ones with you or not with you is perfect. If you want to include them in person on your day, that’s great. If you want a private ceremony for you and your partner with a celebration including everyone, that’s perfect. If you want a two-day experience where you spend an entire day just what your soon-to-be spouse and the second day with your guests, that’s fine, too.
And, of course, you can choose not to include your family–in person or at all.
When advising couples on who to invite, I always make sure they know there’s no hard and fast rule. But generally, I do offer them something to consider so they can make the best choice possible for their day.
First, think about how you want to feel on your elopement day. Then, think about who you can invite to ensure–without a shadow of a doubt–that you’ll be able to feel that way. It might sound overly simplified, but whoever doesn’t qualify shouldn’t come to your elopement.
Want to Enjoy Every Moment of Your Elopement Day? I Can Help
Making sure you have the best day ever isn’t just about picking the perfect location or finding the perfect wedding attire–it’s also about setting yourself up for success in enjoying every moment of your day. How can you make that happen? I can help! Not only am I here to help you document your most authentically you elopement day– I’m also here to help you plan it all out to make sure that’s exactly what you experience.
Are you ready to learn more about planning your best elopement day ever? Reach out to me anytime, check out some of my couples’ real elopements, and explore some helpful elopement resources for planning your day.
