Elope, Destination, or Traditional Wedding

You’re Engaged! YAY!! Now one of the things you need to decide before starting your planning process is what type of wedding best fits your style.

The three main types of wedding are eloping, destination, or traditional (local) wedding. We will explain the pros and cons of each and try and help you decide what works best for you and your soon to be spouse. And yes even eloping does take some planning.

Eloping per wikipedia “elopement is often used to refer to a marriage conducted in sudden and secretive fashion, usually involving a hurried flight away from one's place of residence together with one's beloved with the intention of getting married “

There are a few reasons that couples elope; limited time, funds, not their first marriage. Not all elopements have to be done in secret, sometimes time is of the essence for whatever reasons. So you tell your immediate family, pack bags, or head to the courthouse for a quick ceremony. Sometimes couples take a vacation and get married, then once back they have a reception.

Pros: no fuss, quick, focus on the marriage not the wedding, cost effective

Cons: normally no guests or family, may upset family, not documented for later,

This is a good option for those who have limited amount of family or not first marriage.

Destination: A wedding that is not where you live. This can be your hometown you no longer live in, someplace warm, sentimental place of your relationship. Most destination weddings occur in exotic places.

Planning a destination wedding can be a bit difficult since you do not live in that area. Finding vendors and a local planner is key to a destination wedding. This will help relieve stress on you and your soon to be spouse. This is a great option if you are not wanting a large wedding and are more adventurous. Most coastal destinations often have an all inclusive package you can choose and then you are already in a place to take your honeymoon.

Pros: unique like the couple, honeymoon ready, limited guests, more intimate

Cons: limited guests, can be costly, some family or friends may not be able to afford or come to the wedding, time consuming

Traditional wedding: a wedding that is near the place you live.

Having a wedding near the place you live is helpful in the planning process. You are familiar with the city and know an idea of which vendors suit your style. It is also helpful for scheduling meetings with vendors and not having to worry about traveling. If you are having a larger wedding this is the key to a fun filled night.

Pros: supporting local, many vendors in area, easier planning process

Cons: maybe cookiecutter, too many choices,

Whether you choose one of these or a combo of them, planning a wedding is not easy and can be stressful. Do yourself a favor and take time to think about what is really important to you and your soon to be spouse. Find a great planner in the area, ask lots of questions and remember the wedding is only one day but the marriage is a lifetime!

Cheers to planning.

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