Wedding blog

The Benefits of Destination Elopement Packages

If you are thinking about eloping but are unsure if a destination elopement package is the right fit for you, this blog post is for you!

I may be biased, but I believe an all-inclusive elopement package for a destination wedding is highly valuable. So without further ado, let me explain why.

What are destination elopement packages?

Before we look even closer at elopement packages, let’s talk about the meaning of an elopement first. Because this term has evolved tremendously in the last decades, and it seems there is still a lot of confusion regarding elopements.

Nowadays, an elopement describes a beautifully scaled-down wedding. Elopements are no longer weddings out of shame, committed in a rush, or secretly without the couples’ parents’ blessing. Quite the contrary is true. Usually, an elopement is a highly personal, intimate ceremony with the couple and maybe their witnesses. But as with all other weddings, an elopement should be all about you and your wishes. Therefore, if you want to have an elopement but still invite the most important people in your life- go for it! Admittingly, then we no longer call it an elopement, but rather a mini wedding. But honestly, who cares about terminology when a wedding should always only be about love.

Now that we know what it means to elope, let’s take a look at destination elopement packages

In general, elopement packages are all-inclusive solutions for wonderful, stress-free weddings. Depending on who offers the package, like a venue or a planner, they typically include all the things you need for your wedding day. Some examples of elopement package services: venue fees, photography coverage, organization and design of your wedding, a small floral package, a mini wedding cake, hair and makeup for the bride(s), and even a small ceremony with a wedding officiant. But not all packages are the same. Because every vendor has their own elopement package explicitly tailored to the needs of their clients.

For example, a beach hotel most certainly includes the venue fees, and maybe even a ceremony at the beach, and a romantic dinner under the stars but may not include designing an individual concept.

A wedding photographer’s package covers the photography for a certain amount of hours but may also not include an individual concept or venue fees.

And a wedding planner may offer the entire organization and design of your wedding, among many other details, but may also not include venue fees or photography coverage.

Pros and Cons of Destination Elopement Packages

But besides the different individual aspects, there are some things that all elopement packages have in common.

Elopement Package Advantages

Elopement packages require you to do only a minimal amount of planning.
With a package, you know exactly what you get.
Right from the beginning, you know how much your wedding is going to cost without any hidden surprises.
Elopement packages are highly efficient as you can plan your destination wedding within a few weeks.

Admittedly, there are a few drawbacks to elopement packages as well.

Elopement Package Disadvantages

Elopement packages are not as flexible as A-Z planning services.
Not all elopement packages are all-inclusive.
Elopement packages may seem cookie-cutter.

So how can you get the full benefits of having an elopement package for your destination wedding, while at the same time enjoying all the advantages of a customized wedding?

Here is the big secret:

The ideal elopement package is still tailored to your needs, vision, and personality. My advice is to look for an elopement package that includes creating an individual concept for your wedding. I know it may seem like a lot of work, but doing a thorough research in the beginning, is absolutely worth it and helps you save a tone of time later on.

Here are some essential things to look out for when searching for your ideal elopement package:

Does the elopement package include an individual concept for your wedding? This means, will the wedding planner create a concept based on your color palette and overall vision? Can you choose your own wedding theme (e.g., industrial, bohemian chic, or classic)?

Even if a small floral decoration package is included, will the florist tailor the flowers to your color palette, wedding theme, and taste? E.g., a hand-tied bouquet with pampas grass for a more bohemian-inspired wedding or a lush bouquet with roses and lilies for a more classic one.

If the elopement package includes a cake, can you only choose the cake’s flavor or also influence the design to some degree?

If the package includes dinner table decoration, will it be tailored to your wedding theme and color palette? E.g., can you choose between different colored napkins, candle holders, and plates?

What’s not included in the package price? E.g., venue fees, food, drinks, cake, photo album, wedding officiant, legal document fees, etc.?

If the elopement package offers photography coverage and you are not booking through a photographer, who will take your wedding images? Photography styles are such a personal matter, and it is essential that you love your photographer’s style.

Will you meet your vendors, such as your photographer or wedding officiant (virtually), before your wedding day?

And finally, your elopement planner should be knowledgeable about restaurants, hotels, and leisure activities in the area you want to elope to. Many planners offer a free consultation, so you can get to know each other and ensure you are a perfect fit. Take this opportunity to find out if you like their personality, if the planner makes you feel comfortable, and ask as many questions as possible about the elopement package. Tip, also ask questions about how the planner works.

Bottom Line

A destination elopement package shouldn’t feel constraining. Instead, it should provide you with peace of mind and save you a ton of time.

If you want to have a stress-free, fuss-free elopement without worrying about your budget, a destination elopement package can be truly valuable. However, I highly recommend doing thorough research to find the perfect package for your vision and needs before signing on the dotted lines.

I hope you find this article interesting and helpful! If you have any more questions, feel free to email me directly at michaela@lovelyandplanned.com. Or get in touch with me right here.

Love, Michaela