There is no right way to get married. You deserve to have an experience you are truly excited about, whether you want to have a grand celebration or an intimate affair, deciding how to tie the knot depends on your own personal preferences and likings.
But before you decide to have one, let’s explore the differences between elopement and wedding. Moreover, we are also going to look into the pros and cons of elopement vs a wedding.
Debunking Myths: What Elopements Really Are
It is a common misconception that you can’t have any guests at an elopement. This is wildly untrue; at an elopement, you can have a few guests, probably up to 15 guests.
What does it mean to elope? An elopement is a type of wedding where the focus is only on the couple. There are no compromises, and the focus is just on the intimacy and the relationship. You can even invite a few guests, but when inviting guests, you need to ask yourself if the focus will be shifting from you as a couple to your guests. If you think the answer is yes, it is probably not an elopement; it is more like a traditional wedding.
Moreover, elopements don’t tend to follow a traditional structure or a timeline, but this does not mean your wedding can’t have any traditional value. You absolutely have the choice to do whatever traditions you want for your elopement, whether it is the first dance or your father walking you down the aisle.
Plus, elopements are often held outdoors, in the natural setting.
It is important to remember that an elopement is just a wedding style, but the way the day unfolds, the focus of the day, and how you approach it are the exact opposites.
What is a Traditional Wedding?
A traditional wedding, on the other hand, is a grand affair, with a significant number of guests involved and multiple events held throughout the day. With a traditional wedding, you have to follow a very rigid timeline. The day often starts with preparations for the ride & the groom, including hair, makeup, and getting dressed, followed by a photoshoot.
The ceremony is usually held in a traditional ceremonial venue, where the couple exchange vows in front of a large audience.
After the ceremony, there is a reception where the guests enjoy catered meals, raise a toast to the newlyweds, and enjoy hours of dancing and celebration. Traditional events such as cutting the cake and the first dance are also a part of the reception.
Eloping vs Wedding: Key Differences
Let’s look at some of the key differences between elopement vs. wedding.
From Months to Hours: The Planning Process
Planning a wedding can be really stressful; eloping, on the other hand, is a relief for the couple. However, this does not mean that no planning goes into eloping.
Traditional weddings need months of preparations, with the couples having to book venues, caterers, photographers, and various other vendors in advance. There are also invitations to send, seating arrangements to be made, and rehearsals to be scheduled.
On the contrary, eloping can be simple or as detailed as the couple wants it to be. Most of the elopements take a few days or weeks to be planned as the focus is just on the couple and not on anyone else. An elopement makes your big day less stressful and is an appealing option for couples who don’t want to deal with the stress of planning a big wedding.
Budget Breakdown: Elopement vs Wedding
One of the major considerations when planning a wedding is the budget. Traditional weddings can be pretty costly. According to a study by The Knot, the average cost of a big traditional wedding can be around 28K USD.
However, elopements are less costly. Their cost can vary widely, depending on the choices and the kind of experience the couple wants. An elopement can cost between 200 – 16K USD.
Guest Count & Connection: The Heart of Your Celebration
One of the biggest and most obvious differences between an elopement and a wedding is the guests.
A traditional wedding can have as many guests as you want there to be, typically between 50 – 500 or more. In comparison, an elopement has only a limited number of guests, usually between 5 to 15 or 20.
Dream Locations: Flexibility in Choosing Your Venue
Traditional weddings are usually held at designated locations, such as a church, a banquet hall, or a hotel. Although these locations can be beautiful, there are usually restrictions on dates, times, and the number of guests.
Elopement, on the other hand, offers flexibility in the choice of the venue. Whether you want to have a wedding at a mountain top, at a forest blade, or at a beach, couples who are eloping for a wedding can choose any location they want to.
Benefits of Eloping vs Wedding
Both an elopement and a wedding have something to offer. Let’s have a look at the various benefits of elopingvs wedding.
The Joy of Tradition: Benefits of a Traditional Wedding
Traditional weddings are steeped in tradition, ritual, and customs and hold plenty of benefits. Let’s have a look at some of the benefits of traditional weddings:
- You get a chance to celebrate your big day with your whole family, creating a sense of community and shared joy.
- Since your whole family celebrates the day with you, you get to experience more support and love from your loved ones.
- At a traditional wedding, you create a unique experience for your guests.
- You get a chance to experience the traditions, such as cutting the cake, the first dance, walking down the aisle, or a bouquet toss.
Intimate Adventures: The Appeal of Elopements
Elopements are much simpler than traditional weddings and are best for couples who want to have a stress-free big day. These come with their own benefits. Here are a few benefits of eloping.
- Elopements are less stressful, and they can be planned in just a few days or weeks.
- They are less costly than the traditional weddings.
- You can even have a few close friends and relatives at your wedding.
- You have more wedding ceremony locations available.
- Elopement focuses on the couple and their relationship.
Real Stories: Couples Who Chose to Elope or Have a Wedding
The decision between eloping vs. wedding is deeply personal; the following stories highlight the unique appeal of both choices.
Tya and David had always wanted a big wedding. They wanted to share their joy with everyone they knew, so they planned an elaborate event with Your Bali Wedding by their side. The day was everything they had hoped for, filled with laughter, dancing, and heartfelt toasts.
While Rachel & Ryan had to postpone their wedding three times due to the COVID pandemic, they wanted an intimate wedding, and Your Bali Wedding transformed their dream into a reality. Their wedding was beautiful, intimate, and exactly as they pictured it to be.
Planning your wedding doesn’t have to be stressful. With the wedding planners from Your Bali Wedding, you can enjoy a stress-free experience from the beginning to the end. Whether you want an elopement or a grand event, Your Bali Wedding can bring your vision to life.
Choosing Your Path: Making the Right Decision for You
Choosing between eloping vs. a wedding is a personal choice, one you should make while considering the type of experience you and your partner want. If you want a wedding that is intimate, personalized to your liking, and cost-effective, eloping might be the right choice for you. However, if you want to celebrate your big day with your family and friends, a traditional wedding is the way to go.
Here is how you can make the right decision for yourself.
- Ask yourself what aspects of a wedding are most important to you. Do you value tradition and community, or are intimacy and personalization more your style?
- Consider your budget. How much are you willing to spend? If you want to keep the prices low, eloping might be the better option.
- If you are someone who enjoys planning elaborate events, a traditional wedding is probably suitable for you. However, if stress is a concern and it overwhelms you, an elopement might offer a more relaxed experience.
- Remember that the decision of the type of wedding is mutual, so discuss the options with your partner.
- If you’re still unsure, consulting with a wedding planner can provide valuable insights and help you choose the right option.
Plan Your Big Day With Your Bali Wedding
When it comes to choosing between elopement vs. wedding, there is no wrong choice – only what is right for you.
Whether you want a grand celebration or an intimate ceremony, Your Bali Wedding offers expert services that will help you create the perfect wedding in Bali. So why wait? Contact Your Bali Wedding today and start planning a day that truly represents your love story.
FAQs
Q: What is the difference between elopement and a wedding?
A: Elopement is a type of intimate wedding that focuses on the couple only. You can have a few close guests, around 5 to 15 or 20, at the wedding as well. A traditional wedding is a big wedding with a lot of guests and is usually held at a church, banquet hall, or hotel.
Q: Why do people choose to elope?
A: Eloping is less stressful; you don’t have to plan for months in advance, and it is cost-effective as well.
Q: Is eloping better than a traditional wedding?
A: No type of wedding is better than the other, it basically depends on your own preferences and personal choice. Both types have their own benefits.
Natalie is a seasoned expert in the wedding industry with over a decade of hands-on experience. She regularly writes for esteemed servers like “Bali Wedding” and “Wedding Venues,” offering her insights on Bali’s best locales for nuptials. With a deep understanding of the Island of Gods’ diverse landscapes, Natalie is the trusted voice for those seeking the perfect spot for their dream wedding.