You’re eloping! But… how do you tell your family?
Hey there, fellow adventurers in love!
So, you've decided to take the plunge and elope with your partner ~ congratulations! Your hearts are set on a private, intimate, and oh-so-magical wedding day. But, let's be real for a sec, now you've got this teeny-tiny, itty-bitty little detail to sort out ~ how on earth do you break the news to your family that you're planning to elope? Cue dramatic music.
We get it! It's not that you don't want to spend the day with your fam ~ they're awesome, right? But you know what you want, and you want to celebrate your love in your own way. No judgment here, it's your special day, after all! No worries, we've got your back with some tips and tricks to navigate this emotional journey.
It’s not that you don’t want to spend the day with them
Start off by expressing how much your family means to you. Let them know that your decision to elope is not about avoiding them or not wanting to share your special day with them. Quite the opposite, actually! You cherish your family, and you want them to understand that your elopement is about celebrating your love in a way that feels authentic and true to who you are as a couple. You and your partner have this vision of your wedding day that's filled with unique moments and genuine emotions. It's about creating memories that are deeply personal and special to you both. A private and intimate ceremony surrounded by breathtaking nature. The wind gently rustling through the trees, birds serenading your love story, and Mother Nature herself as your witness. It's like being in a fairytale ~ but better, because it's real.
It's a budget-conscious option
If finances are part of the reason for your decision to elope, be honest about it. Let your family know that you want to start your married life on solid financial ground, and an intimate elopement allows you to spend your resources wisely. Assure them that while you're keeping things simpler, the day will be filled with beauty and love. Plus, money saved means more adventures together in the future! And guess what? The love and joy you'll experience on your elopement day will be just as vibrant and meaningful as any big wedding, if not more!
Your elopement is all about doing what you love
What is it that makes your heart sing and sparks joy? Share that with your family, share your passion for embracing life's adventures and doing things you love. Imagine spending your wedding day doing something you absolutely adore. Whether it's exploring the wild moors, paddling on lakes, or dipping your toes in the salty sea – the choice is yours! Your wedding day should be a reflection of your love and your passions, not just following some traditional checklist. You want your wedding day to be filled with joy and excitement. By doing what you love, you're creating memories that will last a lifetime. Your elopement is the canvas on which you can paint the most beautiful picture of your love story. It's all about creating a day that aligns with your passions and showcases the unique bond you share.
Stress-free and chill vibes
Express your desire for a stress-free wedding day. Let's face it – planning a big wedding can be overwhelming. From endless guest lists to seating arrangements, it can feel like a long walk to Mordor. You want to focus on the love you share with your partner without getting lost in all the planning details. Explain how a more intimate elopement allows you both to be present in the moment, soaking in the love and cherishing each other.
Embrace your introverted side
If you or your partner are introverted souls, you'll appreciate the beauty of an intimate elopement even more. Large crowds and the spotlight might not be your thing, and that's perfectly okay. Your elopement allows you to feel comfortable, relaxed, and entirely in your element. It's about celebrating your love in a way that feels authentic to who you are – no pretenses, no pressure, just love in its purest form. Share this aspect of yourselves with your family. Let them know that an intimate elopement allows you to feel comfortable and at ease during such a significant moment in your lives. They might surprise you by completely understanding!
The freedom to create your own adventure
Last but not least, emphasize the beauty of having the freedom to create a wedding day that's uniquely yours. No rules, no expectations ~ just you two, your love story, and the freedom to express yourselves in a way that brings you both joy. Tell you family that your elopement will be a celebration of your love and the start of an incredible journey together.
If all else fails…
If all else fails, offer to include them. You don’t need to plan your entire day around them but you could have them tag along to the private ceremony and then meet up with them later in the evening for some food and a small celebration. We’d probably say if you’re bringing family, keep the numbers small. An elopement should be as small a party as possible for a lot of reasons. It’s easier to move fast and get to where you’re going if you’re not dragging a huge group with you ~ it’s also way easier to park one or two cars somewhere than five or six. After the celebration you can disappear, let them head off home for a brew and you can start your day of adventures. Then you can arrange to meet them somewhere ~ a nice pub maybe, and share the stories of the day with them then.
Conclusion
Remember, communication is key! Listen to your family's feelings and concerns, and reassure them that your decision to elope comes from a place of love, authenticity, and a desire to create the most beautiful day possible. Be patient, understanding, and open to their thoughts. Ultimately, you want your family to share in your happiness and understand the significance of your decision.
With love and understanding, you can navigate this conversation smoothly, and your elopement will be a cherished memory for everyone involved. So go ahead, take the leap, and let your love story shine brightly in the embrace of nature's wonder.
Happy eloping, lovebirds!
If you want to dip your toes into the edges of the beautiful ocean that is an elopement adventure, why not check out our blog about a Wild Wander photoshoot? We plan a shoot together, usually around an hour long, meet up and capture a mini-adventure with you! Click here to read more.
