Congratulations! You’ve met and fallen head over heels in love, and now you two have decided to put a ring on it.

Soon after the excitement of your engagement sinks in, the questions about the wedding start – but maybe you’re looking for something a little different from the norm. Aside from the enormous expense of getting married and inviting everyone you know; the last three years of COVID-19 can make you think twice about wedding guests packed into a venue like sardines. Thinking about just running away from all that stress and eloping? We’ll we’ve got you covered.

Let’s take a look at some tips and tricks to make your elopement an unforgettable milestone.

Don’t ditch the dress

There are certain things about your wedding that you may have been thinking about since you were still at school, and choosing elopement doesn’t mean that you have to give those up.

While you might not necessarily be looking at the more extravagant elements, it might be a good idea to identify your individual wedding essentials and see how you can make them a part of your special day. For instance, there are ways that you can make the day sparkle, whether it’s small touches like a bouquet or something that requires more preparation like tailormade clothing and that special dress.

Call in reinforcements

Just because you’re planning to elope doesn’t mean you have to do it without any help. Feel free to bring in a wedding planner to help with the specifics, ask a tailor for customizations to your clothing, request catering for some hors d’oeuvres, or even just ask for help with a little bit of decor.

Considering hiring a professional photographer or videographer to capture the highlights of the day would be a good call as you’ll want to look back on the day and share the memories with the people who weren’t there. Luckily, many of the top hotels that The Holiday Factory works with in the Maldives and Mauritius can assist with these type of services.

Location, location, location

The exciting thing about eloping is that your options are blown wide open by not having to accommodate quite so many people or hold yourself to potentially lofty expectations. Think about the special places that have been a part of the development of your relationship or choose a brand new one to add to your fairytale. Whether you choose an elopement in an exotic destination like the Seychelles, a dreamy beachside escape in Mauritius, or even an underwater celebration in the Maldives, you can make any venue distinctively yours.

Keep it legal

An elopement has to follow the same legal proceedings as any other marriage, so don’t kid yourself into thinking that you can forget about the paperwork. You may choose to have a small wedding ceremony, so it would be a good idea to find out if the person you choose to preside has the legal capacity to marry you or if you need someone else to help with the formalities. Don’t forget about the prenuptial agreement if that’s something that you and your life partner have agreed upon. Again, many top island resorts have officials that have been ordained to oversee legal weddings.

Best-kept secret

Conventionally an elopement is done in secret, but there may be some backlash if you don’t tell those who are closest to you. Do yourself a favour and speak with your nearest and dearest so that they aren’t the last to know. You can even invite a limited number of special guests to your elopement without jeopardizing it for the family island holiday of a lifetime. And the rest can be informed through social media when they see your drool-worthy pictures.

Beat the budget

Although you might get away with spending less than the standard wedding, you will likely still have some expenses to cover for your elopement. Make sure you discuss your expectations of the event with your partner so that you’re both on the same page and can agree on what you want. Have a clear vision of what the day will involve making your financial guesstimates a little closer to reality so that you won’t end up reaching into savings or creating any debt. The best thing about an elopment is that you can combine your wedding and honeymoon in one which is sure to save money!

Never too late to celebrate

While Cher is busy worrying about life after love, you might be wondering what comes after your elopement is finalized. Continue to enjoy the island destination on your honeymoon and after the dust has settled and you get back home you might even consider holding a party to both announce and celebrate your status as newlyweds.

In closing…

Choosing to elope might weigh on you as a hefty decision about what will likely be one of the most significant days of your life, but if an intimate occasion is more your preference, then perhaps it is the best option for you.

If you plan properly and spend the time on the details, then an elopement is no less special than a grand affair and you can cherish these beautiful memories for years to come. Give us a call on 011 233 2300 or email info@theholidayfactory.co.za Or click here for a QuickQuote to plan the getaway of a lifetime!