If you recently got engaged (congratulations!) then you may want to start the wedding planning process. There are many different decisions that will need to be made, but one of the first things you’ll need to decide is whether you’ll have a big wedding or an elopement. In this blog, we’ll dive into the pros and cons of each of these options.
Before we begin, it’s important to note that every couple is different. What makes sense for one couple might not be the right choice for another, so it’s important to do what feels right for you.
Choosing a Big Wedding
Big, traditional weddings can be a great option if you’re wanting to include friends and family. Let’s go over a few reasons why some people choose to have a big wedding instead of an elopement.
Pros
One of the biggest pros of having a big wedding is that you can include all of your loved ones and friends. While there may be some limits to your guest list based on budget and venue capacity, those limits will typically be nothing compared to what a traditional elopement guest list is like.
Another pro of having a big wedding is that you’ll get gifts! Especially if you’ve never lived together before, there are most likely some things that you’ll want to start your married life with. Having a traditional wedding means you’ll be able to build a registry and hopefully check off some of the things that you want for your home.
Cons
One of the biggest cons when it comes to having a big wedding is the cost. Weddings can cost thousands of dollars and that’s not always an option for couples. While there are some ways that you can cut costs, choosing to elope might be right for you if you’re wanting to save as much money as possible.
Choosing an Elopement
If you’ve always thought about eloping, now might be the perfect time to do so! Below are a few things to consider if you’re thinking about eloping.
Pros
As we already mentioned, eloping is an excellent way to save money. For some couples, their elopement only ends up costing them hundreds of dollars, compared to the thousands that a traditional wedding can cost.
Another benefit of eloping is that it can be extremely private and intimate. If you’re not wanting to have lots of people there on your big day, then this could be the right option for you.
Cons
Some people choose not to elope because they want to be able to have all of their friends and family there. While it is possible to have some guests when you elope, you will need to have a significantly reduced guest list. (We put this as a con, but some couples definitely see this as a pro!).
Some people are bound to feel left out when you elope. It’s important to remember that your big day is only about you two as a couple, but it can still be difficult to answer some of the questions that you might receive.
