5 Tips for Planning Your Elopement

Figure out the legal side. A traditional tribal wedding ceremony on an exotic beach might be breathtakingly beautiful, but it doesn't make your marriage legal. So if you are thinking on getting married abroad, make sure to learn all legal requirements in advance and take care of all the legal details. If you're getting married in your home country, take care of all the legal details nevertheless.

Make a guest list but don't worry about it too much. Eloping doesn't necessarily mean getting married in Vegas with only an Elvis impersonator present. It's your elopement so you can invite whoever you want (just make the list really short). Don't feel guilty for not inviting someone; the usual guest politics doesn't work here. And remember that your guests may need some time to prepare for your wedding, so don't break the news last-minute.

Make it all about the two you. Many couples choose to elope because they don't want to fulfill other people's expectations about their wedding. When you elope, you don't have to follow any traditions if you don't what to. Dress however you want, be as formal or as informal as you like, all that really matters is that your wedding is all about the two of you. If you want to splurge on something special, go for it. You've already saved a lot of money, so it's okay to indulge yourself.

Hire a photographer. However small, intimate and cost-saving your wedding are, make sure your hire a photographer. Your wedding day is special and you'll want to save these memories. Besides, wedding photos are especially important for elopements because they allow to share the moment with friends and family who weren't present.

Get ready to spread the news. Eventually, you'll have to let your friends and family know that you're married now. You should be prepared for a wide range of reactions. Some people might get offended by not being invited. Don't let them guilt trip you, but be sensitive to how they are feeling. And don't let Facebook or Instagram do your dirty work. Share the news on social media after you've told your nearest and dearest, not before.