Thinking about eloping? Choosing to elope for your wedding can sometimes be spontaneous, but it doesn't have to be and it definitely doesn't have to be basic! Opting for an elopement can be a great way to have an intimate wedding ceremony that focuses on what's most important - your love, your vows and your union. Whether you decide to invite a small number of close family and friends to join you or you plan your elopement for just you two, there are still some important wedding traditions you won't want to forget. In this wedding planning advice post, we are talking all things weddings and eloping, including how to do it and tips for how to make it even more meaningful, plus an elopement shopping guide that you won't want to miss! Shop this elopement sign:Wooden, Custom We Eloped SignMade by: Z Create Design ********** Deciding to elope doesn't mean that you need to be rushed and chaotic or boring and basic, it just means that your wedding is going to be small and intimate. There's a big difference! You'll love these tips for how to have a meaningful elopement, no matter where you go or how big it is. Tips For A Meaningful Elopement For this edition of Garter Girl Loves we're sharing some tips and ideas for eloping! Important details that shouldn't be passed over and great options sourced from Etsy for your elopement. 1. Make It All Picture Perfect Make your elopement picture perfect by choosing a location and the little details that will make your photographer swoon. Elopements are known for showcasing the couple exchanging vows amid beautiful scenery and amazing views. And, since your wedding will be small, those little details like bunting or custom signs will really add up and make a huge impact. Even if an amazing view is out of your reach, no matter you location, be sure to scout out an area that offers a beautiful backdrop and incorporate a show stopping ceremony arch for exchanging your vows. Use fun signage to show off your choice to elope and exchange vows! Shop this Elopement Idea: Round Floral Wedding Arch for Elopement Backdrop Made by: Center Stage Decor ********* Shop this Elopement Idea: Wood Hexagon Backdrop for Elopement Wedding Ceremony Made by: Eventory ********* Shop this Elopement Idea: We Eloped Banner Made by: Banner Cheer********* Shop this Elopement Idea: We Eloped Wood Sign Made by: Simple Southern Crafts********* Shop this Elopement Idea: Just Married Wood Sign Made by: All About The Bride********* Shop this Elopement Idea: Just Married Car Sign Made by: Kimberley George Art********* 2. Keep The Tradition Alive Remember when we mentioned not to skip some of those wedding traditions? Here's where that starts to come into play. With an elopement, everything is dialed way back, which means that every detail that you do choose to incorporate into your wedding has that much more meaning. When you stripe away all the excess and all of the extra for your elopement, it's a chance to focus on what matters to you and your partner and your union together. This is a great chance to incorporate those family traditions and those family heirlooms into your wedding. The smallest details, like a grandmother's handkerchief, will have the biggest impact with an elopement style wedding. You know we love a wedding garters around here. Whether you make your garter from your mother's wedding dress or you have us hand make you a garter, the wedding garter is a cherished heirloom and you'll love having it for years to come or even to pass down in your family. We love this beautiful wedding garter handmade from the bride's grandmother's bridal crown and her grandfather's tie... Shop this Elopement Idea: Wedding Garter Made From Grandparents' Materials********* Shop this Elopement Idea: Wedding Garter Made From Grandmother's Silk Robe********* Your elopement might be small, but if you're having a ring bearer, this is a great chance to make is special! We love ring pillows made from the bride and groom's family materials... Shop this Elopement Idea: Ring Pillow From Mother's Wedding Dress********* Shop this Elopement Idea: Ring Pillow From Grandmother's Veil********* The wedding is small, but the tears will be plentiful! Happy tears, that is! We've also been known to make handkerchiefs from family materials too. We can't get enough of these hankies made from the bride's mother's and her grandmother's wedding dresses.... Shop this Elopement Idea: Handkerchief & Garter Made from Grandmother's Wedding Dress Lace********* Shop this Elopement Idea: Handkerchief Made from Aunt's Wedding Dress Lace********* Remember, no matter what you choose when you're using family materials for your wedding heirloom, your piece will be unique to you. No one else is using your material, such as your grandmother's dress or your mom's veil, so your garter or ring pillow will be unique to you and your wedding day. We can't think of a bigger way to celebrate your elopement than by using your family materials in something special and meaningful that you can pass on through the generations in your family. You can find our entire gallery of family materials heirlooms right here or get started custom designing your heirlooms with us today. We can't wait to hear from you and find out how to use your family materials to make your elopement or mini wedding even more special! 3. Make It Fashion Sometimes the simplicity of an elopement can mean a change in your choice of wedding dress...and sometimes, it doesn't! What's for sure...this is your once in a lifetime, memory-making day and an elopement is the perfect excuse for a jaw dropping dress and all the fashion. From the dress to the bow tie to the bridal party (if you're having any at all!), can use your elopement as a chance to get dressed to the nines. If you're having a bridal party, sometimes it's fun with an elopement to tell them to wear whatever they want, as long as it's amazing and they feel amazing. Since the elopement will be small, the focus will be on you and your partner - that's it. We suggest that both of you take the time to really think about what you're going to wear and make sure that you feel your best. ********* Shop this Elopement Idea: Blue Velvet Elopement Dress Made by: Silk Fairies********* Shop this Elopement Idea: Modern Vintage Elopement Dress Made by: Thea James Bridal********* Shop this Elopement Idea: Lace Elopement Dress Made by: Desiree Marie Designs ********* Shop this Elopement Idea: Short Sleeve Lace Elopement Dress Made by: Saldana Vintage ********* 4. Don't For Get The Littles I know we talked a lot above about all of the heirlooms for your elopement style wedding, but there are a few little extras that you won't want to forget either! From vow books to champagne flutes, it's all about the sentiment at your elopement. You have the time and energy to focus on the little details that will make it so, extra special for you and yours. Don't forget other heirlooms and keepsakes like ring boxes and vow books. With an elopement, you can toast to each other with a glass of champagne during the ceremony if you'd like! There are no rules! Shop this Wedding Budget Planner: Personalized Contemporary Champagne Flutes Made by: Little Things Favors ********* Shop this Elopement Ideas: Grey Vow Books Made by: Our Vows********* Shop this Elopement Idea: Custom Monogram Wedding Ring Box Made by: Hundred Hearts ********* 5. It's All About The Decor & Details Whether it's just the two of you for your elopement day or some close family and friends, create a stunning tablescape for celebrating. With only one or two tables to design and decorate, take the opportunity to 'go all out' and design the wedding table design of your dreams. When you're having a bigger wedding, it isn't always budget friendly to go big with the details, that's why we love elopements so much. Your guest list is smaller, like way smaller, so you can afford to splurge on your tables, your decor and your guests. From a super delicious meal, to flowers that WOW, an elopement allows you so much more room in the budget to really focus on those little details that really make your wedding extra special. And, don't skip the wedding cake! Enjoy an appropriately sized wedding cake and incorporate a fun cake topper to commemorate the occasion. Shop this Wedding Budget Planner: Velvet Table Runner Made by: Kraftology Studio********* Shop this Wedding Budget Planner: Romantic Chiffon Table Runner Made by: Mrs Freund ********* Shop this Elopement Idea: Macrame Bridal Bouquet Wrap Made by: My Mini Maine ********* Shop this Elopement Idea: Custom Monogrammed Bouquet Ribbon Made by: Oatmeal Lace Design ********* Shop this Wedding Budget Planner: Let's Elope Cake Topper Made by: Thistle and Lace Design ********* Shop this Wedding Budget Planner: We Eloped Cake Topper Made by: Little Dance********* 5. Say It Loud & Proud Now, it's time to announce it to family and friends. Just because you didn't invite everyone to your wedding, that doesn't mean you can't tell the world! Send an elopement announcement card to everyone and let them know...you tied the knot! If you're following up with a wedding reception in a few months or next year, send them a wedding reception invitation or a save the date so they know what's coming up. Elopement announcements are so super cute and can be a really fun way to tell everyone you know that you've gotten married. They will love seeing a picture or two from your elopement, so try to include a photo on your elopement announcement. Shop this Elopement Idea: Elopement Marriage Announcement Made by: Fine Day Press********* Shop this Elopement Idea: We Changed the Date But We Couldn't Wait Elopement Announcement Card Made by: Some Day Paper Co********* Shop this Elopement Idea: Elopement Reception Invitation - We Tied The Knot Made by: Oh Baby Templates DIY ********* Eloping near or far, with a break-taking view or a simple beautiful backdrop, the day is about you and your love. Make your elopement picture perfect and memorable for a lifetime with beautiful decor and important wedding heirlooms and keepsakes. For more of my wedding ideas and inspirations, be sure to check out my Garter Girl Loves blog series and you can see all of my wedding garter designs right here. With love, The Garter Girl Some of the above product links are affiliate-connected and purchasing through these links helps to support the blog.
