If you’ve ever seen the behavior of an upcoming bride, you’ve probably witnessed all kinds of ugly stress over the dress, the party, the guest list….it can get way out of hand – and fast. No wonder that many throw up their hands and take a serious stab at…eloping.
Weddings are a huge business. A 2016 study shows that the cost of an average wedding runs upwards of $35K. Besides that exorbitant price tag, there are all kinds of other related anxieties: who to invite (or not), getting the date just right, the list goes on and on…No wonder eloping has become a trend.
Also, for many Millenials, the typical cost of a wedding is way out of reach. Plus, they’re dealing with student loan debt (the average is a little under $40K). Not to mention, these couples are also hoping to buy a home.
So it’s no surprise that more young couples are opting to elope, taking the money normally used for a big wedding and putting it into paying down debt or towards a down payment on a house. According to Forbes, that’s a smart money decision.
Elopement once meant running down to a courthouse at the last minute. No more: eloping has developed its own sort of unique glamour. Brides can still get The Dress, have the photographer, an exotic destination (if they want it) and a number of their closest friends (if they want them). What they don’t have to deal with is a huge guest list, an expensive venue and the headaches involved in juggling all of those details.
If all of that sounds good, here’s a checklist of important tips on how to do the Eloping Thing in a smart, efficient way.
- Big Wedding or Eloping, you’re still going to need the legal paperwork. Depending on where you plan to do the deed, consider how long a period is required between applying for the marriage license and actually being able to get married. Also, will you need to make any kind of appointment at City Hall? Despite the movies, it’s not always as simple as “just deciding” and running off to the nearest judge.
- Do you need witnesses? Who would you like to “stand up” for you and to sign the official paperwork?
- What about an “officiant”? This is a fancy way of saying “minister” or something similar. Witnesses are a legal thing; an officiant is more of an option. Many couples these days choose to “wed” themselves, with their own vows. When it comes up to eloping, it’s up to you.
- Speaking of which….vows. Are these important to you? Then, think them out ahead of your ceremony.
- Rings. Again, are they important? If so, better order them ahead of your event.
- Clothing and Flowers. Many eloping brides still opt for The Dress of Their Dreams, along with a great floral backdrop. And these may require some planning to get them in time. Although, when it comes to flowers, many smart brides opt for simple bouquets picked up from a local flower mart – even a grocery store!
- Makeup. Sure, brides, you can do your own. But there’s no reason you can’t hire a pro to make you look your absolute best. Like with everything else, plan ahead.
- Photographer. Despite the seemingly “speedy” nature of your union, most couples want a record of their Big Day. So make sure you book a photographer. The good news about an elopement? Many photographers will work on an hourly rate (meaning: you save $$).
- Party? After-party? An elopement still warrants a celebration. Consider if you want some kind of happy toasting/partying event. This also applies to any couple who might want to run off to an exotic locale for their ceremony: you’ll need to plan ahead, especially if you want to include any friends or family.
- Announcements. Many brides-to-be send out invitations; eloping brides can opt for an announcement after they’ve done the deed. Is this something you’re up for (you might get extra presents….!)
There’s another super-smart way to save money on a wedding: namely, opting or a dazzling cubic zirconia wedding ring. Our CZ’s are gorgeous, nearly indistinguishable from diamonds, and altogether, a better value than diamonds. You don’t need to worry about losing them on a vacation, having it stolen or paying extra for insurance. And the best part? Unless you’re an expert, you won’t know the difference between a quality CZ ring from Birkat Elyon and a diamond.