By Jocelyn Bacon of Jocelyn Bacon Events and CEO Sea to Sky Elopements
All photos: Amanda Coldicutt Photography
Dear Wedding Professionals,
Crafting Authentic Moments: In the world of weddings, where tradition often guides our steps, there lies an enchanting corner that beckons the adventurous and the free-spirited—the realm of elopements. These intimate ceremonies, though often unorthodox, provide wedding professionals with a canvas to create truly authentic moments that resonate deeply with couples. As a wedding planner specializing in elopements, I’d like to share insights, best practices, and personal experiences that have enriched my journey, helping me craft unforgettable elopement experiences while overcoming unique challenges.
1. Embrace Spontaneity:
Elopements Are Not Miniature Weddings: Elopements are not just scaled-down versions of traditional weddings. They are a unique celebration of love, often characterized by spontaneity. Wedding professionals should encourage couples to embrace this freedom and incorporate moments of spontaneity into their elopements. Whether it’s a sudden dance in a mountain meadow or an impromptu jump into a lake, capturing these candid, genuine moments adds depth to the elopement narrative.
2. Location Matters:
Scout and Plan Ahead: Choosing the perfect location for an elopement is crucial. Scouting locations in advance ensures that you’re well-prepared and can anticipate logistical challenges. Additionally, understanding the legal requirements for marriage ceremonies in different regions is essential for smooth execution.
3. Personalize the Experience:
Uncover the Couple’s Story: Elopements provide a unique opportunity to tell a couple’s love story intimately. Spend time getting to know the couple, their history, and their dreams. Incorporate personalized elements into the elopement, such as vows written by the couple or symbolic rituals that hold personal significance.
4. Be an All-Inclusive Team:
Photographers, Planners, Officiants, and More: Successful elopements often require a close-knit team. Build strong working relationships with photographers, officiants, and other professionals who share your passion for crafting authentic experiences. Collaboration is key to capturing those special, unplanned moments. I LOVE my team.
5. The Role of Documentation:
Signing and Witnesses: Elopements may have unique legal requirements, particularly when it comes to documentation and witnesses. Be well-versed in the legal aspects of elopements in different locations and ensure that all necessary paperwork is in order.
6. The Art of Capturing Moments:
Equip Yourself: As a wedding planner, investing in equipment such as polaroid cameras or props for special moments can enhance the elopement experience. Polaroids, for example, allow couples to have instant keepsakes of their special day.
7. Overcoming Challenges:
Weather and Logistics: Elopements often take place in remote or unpredictable locations. Prepare for contingencies like weather changes and logistical challenges. Having backup plans and a resourceful mindset is essential.
8. A Day in the Life:
A Journey Beyond the Ceremony: An elopement day isn’t just about the ceremony; it’s an entire experience. Plan a day that includes moments of connection, celebration, and reflection. Encourage the couple to explore the location, have a picnic, or enjoy a quiet moment together.
9. The Joy of Surprise:
The Unplanned Beauty: One of the most delightful aspects of elopements is the unexpected. Encourage couples to let go of rigid expectations and allow room for serendipity. Some of the most profound and memorable moments arise spontaneously.
10. Growing Your Business:
Word of Mouth: Exceptional elopements create lifelong memories, and couples are often eager to share their unique experiences. Encourage satisfied couples to refer your services to others, and leverage their stories in your marketing efforts.
To conclude:
Elopements, with their unique blend of intimacy and spontaneity, offer wedding professionals a canvas on which to paint unforgettable moments. To excel in this niche, it’s essential to embrace spontaneity, personalize experiences, and work closely with a supportive team of professionals. The challenges elopements present are opportunities for growth, creativity, and learning. Through careful planning and a willingness to embrace the unexpected, wedding professionals can craft elopements that resonate deeply with couples and create lasting memories.
So, as you navigate the world of weddings, consider the allure of elopements—a realm where love knows no bounds, and where the most extraordinary moments often arise from the simplest and most spontaneous gestures.
Happy Planning!
Wedding Team :
Sea to Sky Elopements / Amanda Coldicutt Photography / Rose Quartz Beauty /
My name is Jocelyn and yes Bacon is my legal last name and I’ve been rocking it for 8 years now!
I started Jocelyn Bacon Events in 2015 out of my apartment in Abbotsford, BC when I helped plan my roommates wedding as well as my own. I am very detail oriented and strive to ensure every little task is met with excellence. I have always loved a good to-do list. I’ve been known to even put the easiest things on there like taking a shower just to have the satisfaction of checking things off the list.
Leave a Reply