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There exists a significant range of interpretations when it comes to defining an elopement wedding. The below guide sheds some light on what constitutes an elopement wedding in the modern day.
ELOPEMENT DEFINITION
Back in the day, elopement meant sneaking off without letting the family know to tie the knot. There was a bit of a negative vibe around elopement, and some of that still hangs around today. But things are changing. Nowadays, couples are looking for something different and more personal. They're giving elopement a new spin, focusing on making it their own.
Elopement by my meaning:
ELOPEMENT MEANING:
"When you elope, you opt for a small, private wedding ceremony set in a stunning location, with only a handful of loved ones present. The spotlight is on the couple, highlighting their unique love story and journey."
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN AN ELOPEMENT AND A WEDDING?
GUEST COUNT
When it comes to elopement versus a traditional wedding, the number of guests plays a pivotal role in distinguishing the two.
Elopements deliberately limit the guest count. This number is subjective and your call. Generally, elopements involve fewer than 20 guests. The crucial aspect is the intention to include only those closest to you. This might encompass parents, immediate family, and a few close friends—individuals who share an intimate bond with you.
It's worth noting that in Australia, a legal marriage necessitates two witnesses to sign the marriage certificate. If you're eloping without guests, the role of a witnesses is often taken on by the photographer, videographer, stylist, or even someone from the venue. Alternatively, you can opt for a symbolic elopement ceremony and handle the legal formalities separately.
Traditional weddings usually witness a larger gathering, ranging from 50 to even 1000+ guests. In a wedding scenario, you might not be familiar with every guest at your wedding.
PLANNING
Elopements generally entail less planning than weddings due to their smaller scale. Although you'll need to arrange for accommodations, a ceremony spot, and a few other wedding vendors, it won't be as extensive as planning a wedding.
A traditional wedding, given its larger scope and guest count, demands more planning. Let's say you're hosting a wedding with 150 guests. Just for the attendees, you're responsible for invitations, follow-ups, accommodation suggestions, maps, seating arrangements, programs, umbrellas, blankets, refreshments, meals, flowers, decorations, and potentially transportation arrangements.
COST
Elopements often come with a lower price tag. With fewer guests, costs automatically decrease. However, this isn't a rule set in stone. Elopement expenditures can sti
ll be substantial, but they tend to align with what holds significance for the couple. Rather than spending on a large guest list, elopers might channel their funds toward a luxurious resort, dream wedding attire, favoured photographers, celebrants, or even their honeymoon.
On average, weddings tend to be pricier than elopements. In Australia, couples often spend around $30,000* on weddings. Weddings with 100+ guests can particularly get costly.
*This heavily varies depending on size, location and personal preferences.
CEREMONIES & RITUALS
Elopements typically centre around the legal marriage ceremony itself. While the legal requirements must remain such as the legal vows, section the celebrant must read, many traditional wedding rituals are often omitted to keep the focus solely on the couple and their bond.
Weddings, on the other hand, can involve a multitude of ceremonies. From marriage vows and speeches to cake-cutting, dances, tosses, and cultural elements, weddings incorporate various traditions that contribute to the celebration.
TIME FRAME
Elopements, being smaller affairs, can be organised in a shorter time frame. In Australia, a 'Notice of Intent to Marriage' needs to be lodged at least one month before the wedding. So, you could potentially plan an elopement in just over a month.
Traditional Australian weddings usually take nine to twenty-four months to plan, often due to venue availability and logistics.
LOCATION
Elopements offer unmatched versatility in terms of location – from picturesque parks to serene lakesides or enchanting mountaintops. The only limit is your imagination and obtaining necessary permissions.
For weddings, logistical considerations often dictate venue choices, accommodating transportation, accessibility, and facilities for a larger crowd.
TIME TOGETHER
Surprisingly, eloping often allows for more quality time between the couple. Spending the night together, getting ready jointly, and enjoying the entire day side by side creates an immersive experience.
Traditional weddings, however, often involve separate pre-ceremony preparations and can result in substantial periods apart.
In essence, both elopements and weddings share common elements – celebrating love and being surrounded by cherished individuals. The distinction lies in their scale, planning intricacies, and the unique experiences they offer. There's no one-size-fits-all answer – the choice between eloping or having a wedding hinges on your preferences, values, and what aligns best with your love story.
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