Eloping Elegantly: Embracing Intimacy Over Extravagance

Planning a wedding can be stressful, but there are ways to avoid a big, overwhelming celebration. Firstly, it's important to define what you don't want from your wedding. This might include not wanting to invite extended family or distant relatives, not wanting a white dress or cake, or not wanting to follow traditions that don't resonate with you. By setting boundaries and defining your wedding don'ts, you can ensure your day reflects you and your partner.

Another way to avoid a big wedding is to keep venue tours and vendor appointments to a minimum. Visiting too many options can be confusing, and it's often helpful to narrow down your choices by visiting websites and reading reviews first. Pick vendors and a venue that suit your taste and will take care of you on your special day. It's also crucial to spend your budget wisely. Pick four to five things that are important to you, such as the dress, food, florist, cake, or videographer, and allocate your funds accordingly.

Additionally, don't feel pressured to invite everyone you're vaguely related to or feel obligated to invite people you don't genuinely want at your wedding. It's your day, so invite only those people who make your life better and will improve your wedding day by being there.

Finally, remember that your wedding should be a reflection of you and your partner. Go with your gut and make choices that feel right for the two of you, rather than following trends or doing things just because they're considered traditional.

Avoid visiting too many venues and vendors

Wedding planning can be stressful, but it's important to remember that it should be a fun and exciting process! To avoid visiting too many venues and vendors, follow these steps:

Firstly, it's a good idea to do some research online before scheduling any visits. Visit the websites of venues and vendors to get a sense of their style, services, and pricing. Reading reviews from other couples can also provide valuable insights and help you narrow down your options. Aim to select four or fewer venues and vendors that align with your taste and budget. This will save you time and energy in the long run.

When you do visit venues and meet vendors, come prepared with a list of questions and specific requirements. This will help you make the most of your time and avoid confusion down the line. Ask about their experience, services offered, availability, and pricing. It's also essential to assess how well you connect with the venue coordinators and vendors. You want to feel confident that they will take care of you and your needs on your special day.

While it's tempting to visit numerous venues and vendors to find the perfect fit, this can quickly become overwhelming. Trust your instincts, and if a venue or vendor stands out to you, there's likely something special about them. By keeping your options limited, you'll be able to make more confident decisions and avoid the hassle of comparing too many similar options.

Additionally, consider enlisting the help of a wedding planner or coordinator. They can provide valuable guidance, streamline the planning process, and often have established relationships with venues and vendors, which can make the selection process much more manageable.

Remember, finding the right venue and vendors is essential, but it's also crucial to trust your instincts and maintain a clear vision of what you and your partner want for your wedding day.

Avoid listening to too many voices

Planning a wedding can be stressful, especially when you have a large family. Here are some tips to help you avoid listening to too many voices when planning your big day:

Talk with your partner

Before planning any major parts of your wedding or starting a guest list, it is important to chat with your partner so you know that you’re both on the same page about the size of your wedding. Be sure to clarify important details such as your maximum number of guests, whether extended family will be invited, and whether friends, coworkers, etc. will be included. This will help you both have a smooth planning process without any confusion.

Host a destination wedding

A destination wedding is a simple and effective way to slim down your guest list due to the time commitment and finances of a trip, so only those who are closest to you will be there for your wedding day.

Limit plus-ones

One easy way to keep your guest list from exploding with a larger family is to limit your guests' plus-ones. Depending on your list, you can consider allowing a plus-one only for guests who are in long-term relationships or even consider stating that only adults over the age of 18 are invited.

Plan a larger reception

You can always reserve your wedding ceremony for just your closest family and friends, and follow it with a larger reception a few days later (or after your honeymoon) so everyone can attend. This gives your extended family that didn't snag a wedding invite a chance to congratulate you and your partner, while your whole family can celebrate together as well.

Be strict about your guest list

“Small wedding” means different things to different people. You and your partner should first sit down and figure out roughly what number of people you want to invite. From there, start planning a guest list based on that number. If you really want your guest list capped at a certain number, be strict with yourself about who you really want in attendance at your wedding.

Be thoughtful with activities

For those who aren't big dancers, consider removing the dance floor from your layout or supplementing dancing with other games and activities. Choose crowd-pleasers that appeal to you, your partner, and most of your guests. Some ideas include lawn games, a live painter, or karaoke.

Scout out your most important photo

The most important photos are the ones that capture the moments that are most special to you. It's a good idea to make a list of these moments and share it with your photographer in advance. That way, they can plan to capture these moments while also allowing themselves the freedom to be creative and capture the organic and fun scenes as they develop.

• The couple's first look at each other
• The couple walking down the aisle
• The couple exchanging rings
• The first kiss as a married couple
• The couple's exit from the ceremony site
• The couple's first dance
• The couple cutting the cake
• The couple's exit from the reception

In addition to these key moments, there are many other details you may want to capture in your photos. For example, you may want photos of the wedding attire, accessories, bouquet and boutonniere, getting-ready moments, family and wedding party portraits, venue shots, and reception details.

Remember to communicate your wishes to your photographer and work with them to narrow down the list of photos you definitely want. They are the experts and will be able to guide you in creating a shot list that captures all the important moments of your special day.

Avoid overdecorating

When it comes to wedding planning, it's easy to get carried away with decorations and end up overdecorating. Here are some tips to help you avoid that:

Planning and Editing

Planning is crucial to avoid overdecorating. Take the time to evaluate what you already have and consider carefully what you truly need before shopping. Be intentional with your purchases and avoid impulse buys or settling for "good enough" items. Remember, it's better to wait for the perfect piece than fill your space with items that don't truly belong.

As you plan, keep in mind the concept of negative space. Every room benefits from breathing space, and too much colour, decor, or stuff can overwhelm the eyes and create a sense of confusion and displeasure. Embrace the beauty of empty space and allow your decorations to have their moment without competing for attention.

When bringing new items into your space, consider the 60-30-10 rule. Allocate 60% of the room to one colour or style, 30% to another, and 10% to an accent colour or style. This ratio creates a sense of balance and prevents any one element from dominating the space.

Storage and Organisation

Ensure everything has a designated place, including seasonal items like holiday ornaments or sentimental pieces. Utilise attractive storage solutions such as pretty baskets and boxes to keep things out of sight when not in use. This helps to prevent clutter from building up and gives your decor a tidy, neat appearance.

Beauty and Function

Consider the purpose and functionality of each item in your space. Sometimes, an item can serve both a functional and aesthetic purpose, creating a perfect balance. For example, a comfy couch can be enhanced with stylish slipcovers, or thick drapes can provide privacy while adding beauty to a room.

Avoid Layering

Resist the urge to layer decor excessively. More is not always better, and too many layers can make a space feel cluttered and overwhelming. Instead, opt for quality over quantity and choose pieces that stand out on their own, allowing your guests' eyes to rest and appreciate the beauty of each individual item.

Avoid spending money on things that don't matter to you

When planning a wedding, it's important to set boundaries and define what you don't want as much as what you do. This will help you create a day that truly reflects you and your partner.

One of the biggest mistakes couples make is spending their budget on pointless things. It's crucial to pick four to five things that are important to you and stick with them. Spend the most money on your venue and photographer. You want a venue that you are confident will take care of you and sets the stage for the wedding photos. Picking your favourite photographer is equally important. The photos are what will last forever and what you will show your children one day. Setting a hard-line budget at the beginning of your wedding planning journey will help you prioritise.

It's also important to avoid overspending on reception table decor. Wedding table decor is not the centrepiece of the wedding—you are! But if you are determined to have a fancy setting, try to rent the decor rather than buying it all yourself.

Remember, this is your day, so make sure you sit down as a couple and map out exactly what you want from your wedding and work towards that.

Frequently asked questions