by Christina Andrews
What is an Elopement?
"Back in the day," an elopement was "running off with a lover with the intention of getting married." In the modern wedding world, the term elopement refers to small weddings with anywhere from two to ten guests, often planned at the last minute, but sometimes planned months in advance. The common thread between these variations on the "elopement" theme is the idea of a wedding ceremony that is small and focused on the couple, in an environment that is intimate and without pretense.
Should You Elope?
For numerous reasons, elopements are rapidly becoming the most popular type of marriage. A depressed economy, soldiers on a limited income returning from war, same-sex couples preferring a more private event, emphasis on less wasteful and extravagant events and a return to simpler ways of doing things all point toward weddings that are less expensive, more focused on the couple and that are more meaningful spiritually. Elopements are in style for many good reasons. The challenge is really determining whether you are considering eloping for the right reasons!
Addressing the questions you may have about eloping is important. Many couples deciding to elope do so impetuously. In some cases this works out fine, the couple is ready for the responsibility of marriage, but in other cases, quick decision-making is not advisable. Eloping should not be a cheap excuse for escaping the scrutiny of caring parents and friends or as a means for avoiding important issues related to your suitability as a couple in a long-term relationship. Eloping should be about finding the perfect setting and time for expressing your commitment to one another… a place where you can fully focus on each other without the distraction of your everyday problems and challenges. Your elopement should be about building a strong core for your life as a couple.
Creating the Perfect Elopement
Creating a wedding ceremony should be done with the goal of setting apart this important moment in time so that it stands in relief to your everyday life. Your wedding needs to be an experience rich in memories and meaningful symbolism so that during the challenging times in your life and relationship, recalling it will help to revitalize the joy and love you have felt as a couple. Building a personally meaningful ceremony and honeymoon should be based on this premise. Your wedding and the days following need to be a "story" you will lovingly recall for years to come with both of you as contributing authors. Good riddance to the expression "the wedding is for the bride." If narcissism were in style, that might be the order of the day, but it doesn't bode well for marriage. You should build your event on the things that make both of you feel wonderful. Dress beautifully with the thought of presenting your very best to your loved one. Sweet music, beautiful surroundings, colorful and fragrant flowers, invigorating champagne and luscious wedding cake should be presented as a feast for the senses… helping to keep you as present in this important moment as possible. You will more vividly recall an event full of sensual experience!
Your honeymoon should be built on things that give you joy as a couple… foods and wine you love, enjoying each other physically, experiencing the beauty of natural surroundings or taking in invigorating intellectual or aesthetic experiences. Make these days absolutely precious! Your elopement and honeymoon is a time to insulate each other from outside worries and to nurture each other. Do not let anything else get in the way of this important goal! Hopefully you will make this a habit that will keep your marriage strong and which will in turn give you the strength you need to tackle all the challenges life throws your way.
The best part of eloping is that it is much easier to create an event that is just right for the two of you. You won't have to tackle the logistics of a larger wedding, you can avoid issues related to appeasing family and friends, there is less financial stress and there are so many beautiful spots available for a ceremony for two… you can get married almost anywhere!
About the Author…
Christina Andrews is a seasoned event professional who resides in both Napa and San Francisco, California. Christina is the owner of NapaWeddingSource.com
and SonomaWeddingSource.com and is closely connected to all the best wedding-related resources in Northern California. She is also the owner of California Wedding Packages which offers complete wedding/honeymoon packages to couples planning elopements and small weddings in Northern California.
For more information on eloping in Northern California, contact Christina at: (707) 225-1862 or Chris@NapaWeddingSource.com.
