Difference Between Elopement and Traditional Wedding? Which One Is Right For You

You just got engaged and aren't sure what to do next? In this article, I'll cover the main differences between eloping and traditional weddings so you can choose the option that’s right for you!

A wedding is one of the most important events in our lives - it’s not just another party where we come to eat, dance, and socialize; it is much more than that! It symbolizes the union of two people who, through this act, convey to each other: "I know you are not perfect, and neither am I - but I have decided that I want to grow, change, learn, lose, and win with you." For this reason, many couples find themselves torn between a traditional wedding and eloping to another country to get married! In this article I'll cover some main differences so you can make an informed decision!

Below are a few questions that will help you make this decision:

1. Elopement vs. Wedding Planning: How Much Time Do You Really Need?

When it comes to weddings, there are basically two main paths: the traditional big bash or the intimate elopement. If you’ve ever been involved in planning a large wedding you’ve got to coordinate with a small army of people, from the bride and groom to the caterers, photographers and of course, the guests. When inviting 300 people you’ve got to think about accommodations, transportation and seating arrangements! Having that in mind couples usually take 12 months and sometimes up to 18 months to plan their wedding* (Anticipation Events, 2021).

On the flip side, there’s the beauty of eloping. With just the two of you (and perhaps a witness or two), the planning becomes much simpler. You can focus on what truly matters: each other. The only opinions you need to consider are your own, which means less stress and more fun. I've had experiences where the couple's time was limited, and I had only 2-3 months to plan an elopement.

So, if you’re someone who values simplicity and has a short fuse for drama (like me) eloping could be your best bet but if you feel like you want to share this experience with a larger group of friends and family - then the traditional route would be a better fit for you!

2. Is Elopement the Right Choice for You?

I will give you an example from my experience to help you make this decision - before I started getting into photography and planning elopements, I knew I wouldn’t have a large traditional wedding because it simply didn't resonate with my character.  

I’m not particularly traditional; the wedding customs in the country I come from don’t align with my ideals and values, and the thought of being the center of attention all day scares the introvert in me! I have always viewed a wedding as an event that should be private and one that I want to share only with my partner and my family... the fewer people, the better!

So try to imagine yourself 20 years from now when you'll be going through your wedding album - what kind of memories do you want to keep? An exciting, wedding adventure exploring distant cultures or do you want to look at your wedding photos where you shared your wedding day with your closest friends and family?

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3. What Is Your Wedding Budget?

According to the 2024 Global Wedding Report "couples in Europe experienced a higher degree of economic impact in 2023 compared to previous years. Approximately 40% of couples in Spain reported that the economy affected their wedding budget and the impact was even more pronounced in France, where 47% of couples stated that their budget was affected" (The Knot Worlwide, 2024).

This is a very important point to consider, and it's crucial to agree with your partner on a budget that is acceptable to both of you and how much you are willing to spend on your wedding. Not everyone has the same priorities, so it's essential to be on the same page about this, as it will be difficult to organize a wedding for 200 people if your budget only covers the costs for 20 people.

4. Is Eloping Better?

Like many things in life, there is no definitive right or wrong answer - the truth lies somewhere in between. Eloping is ideal for those who wish to celebrate their wedding day in a more intimate, private manner, free from the stress of arranging accommodation, food, and transportation for 300 guests.

Conversely, if you're an extrovert who thrives in large social settings and is willing to take on that challenge, a grand traditional wedding may be more suitable for you! Additionally, remember that it's your wedding, and you can be creative - why not plan a big dinner with your friends and family when you return home? You're encouraged to step out of the box get creative!

5. Unpredictable Elopement or Elegant Ballroom Wedding: What’s Your Style?

   
   

Eloping with its promise of spontaneity and adventure is both thrilling and a bit scary. The idea of jetting off to a distant country, exchanging vows beneath a stunning sunset in Bali or midst the breathtaking landscapes of Iceland is incredibly exciting!

While eloping offers an exciting break from tradition, it can also leave some feeling a bit nostalgic for those grand celebrations and all the heartfelt moments they may miss.

So, think carefully when making your decision – what is more important to you, the spontaneity and intimacy that comes with an elopement or the luxury and sharing of emotions with a wide circle of friends and family that comes with a big traditional wedding?

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I hope this article helped you with your decision and remember, no matter if you decide to elope or go for a grand traditional wedding, make sure to soak in every moment of your special day! Trust me, it’ll fly by faster than you can imagine!

Sources:

(Anticipation Events, 2021) Elizabeth. “How Long Does It Take to Plan A Wedding.” Anticipation Events, 18 Nov. 2021, anticipationevents.com/how-long-does-it-take-to-plan-a-wedding/.

(The Knot Worlwide, 2024) “2024 Global Wedding Report - The Knot Worldwide.” The Knot Worldwide, The Knot Worldwide, 15 July 2024, www.theknotww.com/blog/b-company_news/2024-global-wedding-report/.