Is Eloping For You?

Believe it or not, there is etiquette on how to elope, and how to handle all the important people in your life who may feel spurned by your not including them. In addition, there are also some important questions you need to ask yourself before you run off and get hitched without including those most important to you. Here's a rundown of things to consider when planning to run off like some of the kids are doing nowadays.

What are your family obligations? Will your immediate family be hurt by not being included? And, do you care?

This, before money and personal feelings, comes first. You may want to consider calling your parents before you make the big leap, just to let them in on the secret. Or, perhaps you feel like it would do more harm than good. You might want to include them in the runaway, like so many couples do who simply want to avoid a huge, expensive wedding: a few of you get on a plane to some exotic destination, and wed there.

Then, there's announcing your marriage afterwards. Some couples do send a formal announcement, and some throw their own "reception" or big party after they've wed, which is a great way for family and friends to feel included on your big decision. Others send what's called an "At Home" card, which simply announces that the two of you are married, you're home, and your new names (and addresses, etc.). A personal note explaining why you eloped is often included, to assuage possible hurt feelings

Lastly, most couples that elope give the advice that in the end, you should do what you want to do. It's your marriage, after all, and if you want to be alone, then so be it.

Should We Still Register and Receive Gifts?

This is a bit of a complicated issue, because many times people close to you may feel insulted or hurt that you didn't want to include them in your ceremony, but you still want them to buy you gifts. Most etiquette mavens recommend that you not register for gifts, but if you want to have a reception for your family and friends, you are more than welcome to accept any gifts they may bring.

Can We Send Announcements?

Eloping, by definition, is a secret, unplanned, getaway wedding without anyone's consent. So, if you plan to tell everyone you just want to have a private ceremony, you're actually just having a non-traditional, destination wedding. Announcements are recommended, and gifts are acceptable.

The internet has a plethora of suggestions about where to go if you're planning a wedding getaway.If you want to pay the price, you can certainly hire a coordinator to arrange your plans for you, like they do in Puerto Vallarta or Australia, or even Scotland. Choose where you want to wed, and then begin comparing prices to see where you can get the most bang for your buck. Be sure you research marriage license and passport requirements as well as waiting periods. Also be sure there will be an officiant who's able to marry you.

Even eloping can be a complicated wedding plan that will require a bit of organization and money. It all depends on what your image of a "dream day" is. Take that idea, and run away with it.

Jennifer Baumann is editor of Wedding Gazette, the resource for real-world wedding planning that's packed with info on how to plan your budget, how to avoid killing certain family members, exhaustive theme ideas, plus tons of resources on finding favors, necessary accessories, and much more.

---

Fitness Tips For Looking Your Best On Your Wedding Day

Every bride wants to look perfect on her wedding day.... Read More

Mens Diamond Rings ? The Ultimate Wedding Ring For The Modern Man

Mens diamond rings are becoming more and more popular with... Read More

Wedding Save the Date Cards?Best Ideas and Wording

The sole purpose of save-the-date cards is to give the... Read More

Planning A Wedding? Tips On How To Attend A Bridal Show

If you're getting married, a Bridal Show is a great... Read More

Mexico Honeymoon Vacations

Mexico, a country rich in arts and ancient cultures and... Read More

An Inexpensive, Yet Beautiful, Wedding: One Brides Story

Most girls know by the age of 12 what kind... Read More

A Promise Ring- More Than Just a Pre-Engagement Ring

When one thinks of a promise ring it is common... Read More

Unique Beach Wedding Receptions

The most unique beach wedding reception ideas are sparked by... Read More

Now You?re Engaged, How Do You Choose A Mens Wedding Ring?

So, you've just got engaged.Whether you are a man or... Read More

Dealing With Your Spouses Sexual Past

"Couples who've had sex before marriage will inevitably have sexual... Read More

The Most Important Things In Marriage

When it comes to marriage, there are things that you... Read More

Restore Your Marriage - 5 Ways to Feel Connected to Your Spouse Even on Opposite Schedules

We've all been through times in our lives when it... Read More

Atlanta Wedding Receptions

The beginning of the journey of two souls begins with... Read More

The Greatest Love Story Ever Told

When people think about great love stories, more often than... Read More

Choosing a Maui Wedding Photographer

You can rest assured that the charm of your Maui... Read More

Bridezilla Bride!?

Nobody, I repeat nobody likes a bridezilla bride. If you... Read More

Create A Beautifull Wedding Album With A Simple And Fun Way

Hi If you are getting married or have a Bar... Read More

Anniversary Gift Guide

An anniversary gift is the opportunity to show your loved... Read More

Wedding Photography - Tips for a Wonderful Session

Every couple wants wonderful photos of their wedding day that... Read More

How to Have a Sizzler of a Honeymoon! Article No. 4

When Maria Callas first appeared on the international scene, she... Read More

The SURGE of the URGE!

Have you ever heard the expression, "The Urge to Merge"?It... Read More

Marriage Dreams When Fails!

Marriage and Attraction: Relation is successful as long as there... Read More

Flower Girl Flowers

There are many options available to adorn your flower girl... Read More

How A Marriage Counseling Secret Can Save Your Marriage

How do you react if your spouse announces "I want... Read More

Celtic Diamond Rings ? A Combination of History And Romance

The symbolism of Celtic Diamond Rings is relevant to all... Read More

Keeping A Marriage Romantic

My belief is that most relationship problems should be given... Read More

Beyond Her Grasp

I am a woman, 42, who three years ago married... Read More

Setting a diamond - What to know.

When it comes to placing your new diamond in a... Read More

Wedding Flowers ? What Every Bride Should Know before Her Big Day

Whether your wedding will be coming up roses, daffodils, or... Read More

Caricature Entertainment: A Surefire Way to Liven Up Your Wedding Celebration

Caricature entertainment will make your wedding celebration stand out and... Read More

How to Have a Sizzler of a Honeymoon! Article No. 10

What about this business of food for lovers? Is it... Read More

Are You Fully Present in Your Marriage?

"Presence is more than just being there," states Malcolm S.Forbes.... Read More

Mens Wedding Bands ? A Whole World Of Choice

Mens wedding bands are an emerging phenomenon. Whilst women have... Read More