Avoiding Regrets: How to Prioritize What Matters Most on Your Elopement Day
Eloping is an exciting and deeply personal way to celebrate your love. Whether you’re seeking adventure, intimacy, or simplicity, an elopement allows you to craft a day that truly reflects who you are as a couple. With the freedom to create your perfect day comes the challenge of making decisions that you won’t later regret. To help you avoid any “I wish we had…” moments, here’s a guide on how to prioritize what matters most on your elopement day.
In this guide, there are the following chapters:
How to prioritize what you want for your elopement day
Top 5 tips on how to avoid regrets on your elopement day
How to overcome the feeling of being overwhelmed when planning your elopement day
How to prioritize these moments in elopement photography
1. How to Prioritize What You Want for Your Elopement Day
Start with a Vision
The first step in planning your elopement is to have a clear vision of what you want your day to feel like. Are you dreaming of a ceremony on a secluded beach, surrounded by nothing but the sound of waves? Or perhaps you imagine saying your vows atop a mountain with breathtaking views? Whatever your dream, start by discussing it openly with your partner. Understanding the atmosphere and experience you both desire will guide all your decisions moving forward.
List Your Must-Haves
Once you have a vision in mind, make a list of the must-have elements that will bring it to life. These are the non-negotiables—whether it’s a specific location, a meaningful tradition, or a particular activity. By identifying what’s most important, you can ensure that these elements are prioritized in your budget and timeline, while other, less critical details can take a backseat.
Consider the Atmosphere
Think about the mood and ambiance you want to create on your elopement day. Do you want a bright, sunlit ceremony, or do you prefer the soft glow of a sunset? The time of day and season you choose will have a big impact on the atmosphere. For example, an early morning ceremony might offer solitude and serenity, while a sunset ceremony could provide a romantic, golden light. Choose the timing that best aligns with the vibe you want to create.
Communicate with Each Other
Clear and open communication with your partner is crucial. Make sure you’re both on the same page about what you want from the day. Regularly check in with each other throughout the planning process to discuss your priorities, adjust plans as needed, and ensure that you’re both comfortable with the decisions being made. After all, this day is about celebrating your love, and it should reflect both of your wishes.
2. Top 5 Tips on How to Avoid Regrets on Your Elopement Day
1.Stay True to Yourselves
One of the most important things to remember when planning your elopement is to stay true to yourself. Don’t get caught up in trends or feel pressured to include elements that don’t resonate with you. Your elopement should be a reflection of your unique love story. Whether that means keeping things simple or going all out, do what feels right for you.
2. Don’t Over-Schedule
It can be tempting to pack your day with activities, especially when eloping in a destination like Iceland, where there’s so much to see and do. However, trying to do too much can lead to stress and prevent you from fully enjoying the experience. Instead, focus on a few key activities or moments that are most meaningful to you. Leave plenty of time for relaxation, spontaneity, and simply soaking in the moment.
3. Invest in Quality Photography
Years from now, your photos will be one of the few tangible reminders of your elopement day. Investing in a skilled photographer who understands your vision is essential. Look for someone who has experience with elopements and can capture both the big moments and the small, intimate details. Quality photography is an investment you won’t regret, as it allows you to relive your special day for years to come.
4. Focus on the Experience, Not Perfection
It’s easy to get caught up in trying to make every detail perfect, but remember that what makes your elopement special are the moments you share with your partner. If things don’t go exactly as planned, embrace the imperfections—they’re often what make the day memorable. Focus on the experience and the emotions, rather than striving for an idealized version of the day.
5. Reflect on What Matters Most
Take time to reflect on what truly matters to you as a couple. Is it the location, the vows, the adventure, or something else entirely? Prioritize those aspects that align with your values and relationship. By focusing on what’s most important, you’ll create a day that feels authentic and meaningful to both of you.
3. How to Overcome the Feeling of Being Overwhelmed When Planning Your Elopement Day
Break It Down
Planning an elopement, even a small one, can feel overwhelming at times. To avoid getting stressed, break down the planning process into manageable steps. Create a timeline with specific milestones, such as choosing a location, booking accommodations, and selecting your attire. Tackling one task at a time will make the process feel less daunting.
Focus on One Decision at a Time
Rather than trying to make all your decisions at once, focus on one aspect of the elopement at a time. For example, start by choosing the location, then move on to activities, and finally decide on details like attire and decorations. This methodical approach helps prevent overwhelm and allows you to give each decision the attention it deserves.
Delegate When Possible
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, consider delegating some tasks to trusted friends, family, or professionals. Hiring an experienced elopement planner can also be a huge relief, as they can handle many of the details for you, allowing you to focus on enjoying the experience.
Accept Imperfection
No matter how much planning you do, things might not go exactly as you envisioned—and that’s okay. Accept that imperfection is part of the beauty of an elopement. Embrace the unexpected, and remember that the most important thing is the commitment you’re making to each other.
Practice Self-Care
In the midst of planning, don’t forget to take care of yourself. Practice self-care by taking breaks when needed, staying active, and maintaining a healthy routine. Keeping your stress levels in check will help you approach the planning process with a clear mind and positive outlook.
4. How to Prioritize These Moments in Elopement Photography
Pre-Planning with Your Photographer
To ensure your elopement day is captured exactly as you envision, have a pre-shoot consultation with your photographer. Discuss your vision, share your priorities, and create a short list of key moments you want to be documented. This helps your photographer understand what’s most important to you and ensures that nothing is overlooked.
Focus on Candid Moments
Candid moments often capture the true essence of your elopement day. Rather than focusing solely on posed shots, prioritize capturing natural, spontaneous interactions between you and your partner. These candid photos will reflect the genuine emotions and special moments of your day.
Capture the Details
Don’t forget about the little details that make your day unique. Whether it’s your wedding rings, a handwritten vow book, or a special piece of jewellery, make sure these items are included in your photo list. These small details help tell the full story of your elopement.
Prioritize Intimate Interactions
Your elopement is about the bond between you and your partner, so make sure your photographer captures those intimate moments. Whether it’s a quiet exchange of vows, a shared laugh, or a loving glance, these interactions should be a priority in your photography plan.
Incorporate the Scenery
One of the reasons couples choose to elope in places like Iceland is for the stunning scenery. Work with your photographer to incorporate the natural beauty of your surroundings into your photos. Whether it’s a dramatic landscape shot or a close-up with a breathtaking backdrop, the scenery should be an integral part of your elopement photos.
Your elopement day is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and by prioritizing what truly matters, you can avoid regrets and create a day that feels authentically you. Stay true to yourselves, focus on the experience rather than perfection, and make decisions that reflect your love and values. By doing so, you’ll craft an elopement day that you’ll cherish forever.
