To elope or not to elope : Our top tips

Elopement v traditional wedding - Photo Jimmy Raper

Elopement v traditional wedding - Photo Jimmy Raper

Eloping is becoming a popular option for some couples. There are lots of reasons why couples would choose to have an elopement or small wedding.

There are a number of factors to take into consideration when planning a wedding, so deciding if you want the full blown traditional, small or elopement wedding will take some thought. Consider whats right for you, look at your budget, personalities, family, cultural backgrounds and life circumstances.

Just us two Photo Jimmy Raper

Just us two Photo Jimmy Raper

There are also lots of options for an elopement style wedding. Maybe you would like to keep it intimate with only a small close knit group or you want to get married right away.

Planning an elopement is the perfect way to take the stress out of planning a large event.

We have put together some tips on how to put together your elopement wedding.

Indianna - The perfect wedding gown by Moira Hughes Couture. Photo Jimmy Raper

Indianna - The perfect wedding gown by Moira Hughes Couture. Photo Jimmy Raper

Here are our tips to plan your elopement

What to wear

This is the part we love and of course can help brides out with. We love creating gowns for unique weddings and something

Just because you are having an elopement or small wedding doesn’t mean you can’t have the dress of your dreams.

But …. it doesn’t mean you have to go traditional either, have fun with what you wear. Could be a cool jumpsuit or sequin knee length dress.

The Florence jumpsuit

The Florence jumpsuit

Where to have your elopement wedding

You can plan to have your wedding pretty much anywhere on earth. Its no longer just at the local registry that you can have your legal ceremony.

Maybe there is a place that is special to you both and has significance. A favourite holiday destination, somewhere you grew up or even the place of your proposal. Wherever you choose , just be sure its somewhere you will cherish forever.

Elopement wedding at The Blue Mountains NSW. Photo Sascha Kraemer

Elopement wedding at The Blue Mountains NSW. Photo Sascha Kraemer

Make sure its legal

You may dream of running away to Europe for your elopement nuptials. But are you sure of what the legalities are of getting married there, and does it mean you are legally married when you come back to Australia.

If you decide home is the place to tie the knot, ensure you have a registered celebrant or the correct government requirements covered.

Write your own vows that are meaningful to you both.  Photo Jimmy Raper

Write your own vows that are meaningful to you both. Photo Jimmy Raper

Capture the moment - Hire a local photographer

Just because you are only having a small wedding don’t think there wont be precious moments and memories that you will want to capture to cherish forever.

Research photographers local to the location of your planned wedding. They are the ones with insider knowledge of hidden locations to capture the perfect shot.

It’s especially important for couples that elope to have images and video as it allows them to share the day with family and friends.

Capture the day. Photo Jimmy Raper

Capture the day. Photo Jimmy Raper

Walk down the aisle

You can make a grand entrance , no matter where you have your ceremony. Have your favourite song playing, make an aisle using flower petals, walk down a mountain trail., or draw one in the sand There are countless ways you can mark the space and make it beautiful.

Coming up with ideas that are out of the box is half the fun!

Create your own alter. Photo Sascha Kraemer

Create your own alter. Photo Sascha Kraemer

Raise a toast

Cheers to your newlywed status by toasting with your favourite champagne, or whatever drink you love!

Just be sure to check if there are any restrictions on alcohol or glasses at your location ahead of time.

You could head to a local cafe or bar to celebrate.

Celebrate your own way. Photo Sascha Kraemer

Celebrate your own way. Photo Sascha Kraemer

Do it for the right reasons
There are so many reasons why to choose to elope, however make sure you are both sure it is the right thing for you.

Cost of a big traditional wedding is one of the main reasons couples chose to elope. Many consider it easier & cheaper, which it usually is, just be sure to weigh up al the pros and cons.

Many couples do consider not having friends and family at the wedding. You will. need to think carefully about who does come & how you break the news to those closest to you.

Consider your options before deciding to elope. Photo Jimmy Raper

Consider your options before deciding to elope. Photo Jimmy Raper

Whatever your reason your wedding day is one of the most special events in a couples life. Do what makes you happy with memories that you will cherish for a lifetime.

We can help brides find the perfect gown for any style of wedding. Our gowns are created from the highest quality fabrics using traditional couturier techniques in our Woollahra Sydney workroom.

Moira and the team are available to design your dream gown and style your look to suit an elopement wedding in any location. Our gowns are lightweight and travel well.

Book an appointment with us now.

Indianna Custom couture wedding gown by Moira Hughes Couture. Photo Jimmy Raper

Indianna Custom couture wedding gown by Moira Hughes Couture. Photo Jimmy Raper

DETAILS

Dress Moira Hughes Couture

Images

Jimmy Raper

Sascha Kraemer

Love & joy. Photo Jimmy Raper

Love & joy. Photo Jimmy Raper

Photo Jimmy Raper

Photo Jimmy Raper

Photo Jimmy Raper

Photo Jimmy Raper

Indianna gown by Moira Hughes. Photo Jimmy Raper

Indianna gown by Moira Hughes. Photo Jimmy Raper

Photo Sascha Kraemer

Photo Sascha Kraemer

Photo Sascha Kraemer

Photo Sascha Kraemer





Moira Hughes