Just a few generations ago, elopements had a whiff of scandal.
Even the definition of elope has changed.
Arecent surveyby Helzberg Diamonds found that 91 percent of unmarried millennials would consider eloping.
Kim Kardashian and Kanye West reportedly spent $2.8 million on their 2014 wedding ceremony with a whopping $30 million including the pre-event festivities. She filed for divorce in 2021.
One of the most appealing aspects of eloping is the money-saving factor.
People who elope spend far less than half of what a traditional ceremony would cost.
But what if there was a way to even split the cost of your elopement?
Our team has compiled alist of creative waysyou can fatten your bank account this week.
This is a long list, so dont get overwhelmed.
Well keep it updated as offers changes or expire.
Laura Coleman, is the production manager forSimply Eloped, which plans ceremonies all over the country.
Coleman remembers some of the ways her clients put their own spin on their elopements.
Want your dad to walk you down the aisle?
Want to skip the traditional vows and do them in Klingon?
You dont have to wear white.
Did you know?
In other words, you cant expect aKardashian-levelcelebration on a standard budget, much less a cost-saving one.
Still, there are many ways to save money without sacrificing quality.
The Clothes
you might rent attire, purchase ready-to-wear items vs made-to-order, or buy slightly used.
(There are some amazing second-hand shops that even have new designer dresses and gowns from previous seasons.
The Heirlooms
Take advantage of family heirlooms or vintage clothes.
The Flowers
Get thrifty with your bouquet.
DIY your own bundle of beautiful blooms or purchase a premade bouquet from a local market.
The Sound System
Use your own technology.
The Adult Beverages
Save money on booze.
The Styling
Do your own hair and makeup.
The Food
Choose quality over quantity of food.
Do a beautiful picnic with a charcuterie board or simply, drinks and dessert.
This is more intimate than going out to dinner, and less expensive than hiring a caterer/personal chef.
The Venue
Use public land.
Instead, use a picturesque spot in a park or government-owned land.
Permits are usually only around $100.
For decorations, see the next tip.
The Decor
There is a way to obtain your decor for free; go outside!
The beautiful thing about outdoor elopements is nature is your decor.
Let Mother Nature do all the work for you.
The trees are your decor, says Coleman.
The Location
Elope where you are.
Travel can often be the biggest cost.
The Cake
You dont need a traditional cake.
Especially if youre not cake people Go with pie, doughnuts, cookies!
All much less expensive options, says Hernandez.
The Date
Elope on a weekday.
Vendors have more availability and more flexibility in the number of hours they are willing to book.
The Officiant
Dont pay extra for an officiant you dont know.
If youre having a small group of guests at your elopement, have a friend or family member officiate.
The Accommodations
Dont feel it’s crucial that you stay at a 5-star hotel to make memories.
Hotels can be expensive, so opt for a cute Airbnb near your venue.
Ive even seen some couples rent a sweet conversion van and camp, says Coleman.
The Transportation
If you want to choose a spot farther away, keep your eye out for flight deals.
There are tons of websites that will notify you if a flight is discounted for any reason.
Dont Skimp on Memories
One thing you shouldnt go halfway on?
We dont recommend skimping on vendors, especially photographers and videographers.
You could spend $1 million on a wedding but still have a miserable marriage.
Just look at the recent influxes of celebrity divorces.
House down payment, anyone?
She is a contributor to The Penny Hoarder.
It sounds appealing right?
Check it out here!
