Photos: Jessica Arden Photography
Wedding planning can be overwhelming, which is why more and more couples are choosing to elope. But gone are the days of young couples sneaking out in the middle of the night to secretly wed. These days, elopements are planned weddings with just the two of you. Many brides choose to still hire photographer, buy their dream dress, and jet off to an alluring locale with the officiant of their choice. So what are the rules for this new-found form of nuptials? Our etiquette experts are here to answer all of the common questions about eloping.
If I choose to elope, can I still celebrate with family and friends afterward?
If you're family and friends really want to celebrate with you following your elopement, there's no reason why they can't throw you some sort of reception. However, usually people elope to avoid a big party, so maybe convince your parents to do something more low-key and intimate. If not a formal reception, a house party or nice dinner could be a good way to ring in this new union.
Is it rude to have a small, city hall wedding with no reception if we can afford a bigger celebration?
Not at all, especially if that's what you want! Remember, this is you and your groom's day, it should be about you two and what you want, not what your friends or family are pressuring you to do. If you don't want to field questions from family and friends, though, don't mention until anything after your "I do," and be sure to mark in your announcements that it was an elopement rather than a traditional wedding. This way, they'll feel less left out.