How To Elope Without Offending Family And Friends

So you've decided to elope. Good for you! But that doesn't mean you want to hurt your family and friends or that you want to start your life together by making the special people in your life mad. The good news is, you don't have to. Elope the right way with VideoJug's guide to eloping without pissing anyone off.

Step 1:
Should You Tell?
You know your friends and family, so you should know if they'll take it better if you elope in secret or if you tell them first. Eloping used to always be a big secret - couples usually only eloped if someone objected to the match or if the bride was pregnant - but in recent years, eloping has become a way for couples to get married without having a big, traditional wedding. More likely than not, your friends and family will be happy for you, so if there is no reason not to, consider telling a few chosen people before the ceremony takes place. That way, you can even change your mind about eloping if it upsets anyone too much.
Step 2:
Public Or Private?
Eloping has come such a long way that, increasingly, couples don't do it alone anymore. Sometimes, they invite a few close family members or friends along. Eloping becomes almost like a mini-wedding, and as weddings get bigger and more elaborate, a tiny ceremony with fewer expectations surrounding it can be the ideal compromise for an engaged couple. Ask yourselves if you're dead set on eloping alone, or if you might want to expand the circle and include your parents, immediate family, or best friends. Sometimes, bringing a few people along makes the whole thing smoother.
Step 3:
Share The Joy
Just because you're not having a big wedding doesn't mean that you shouldn't celebrate. People who care about you will be happy for you, and will want to share in your joy. Consider having a party after you elope so that everyone gets a chance to wish you well. It can be as simple as you like, but even if it's elaborate, it almost definitely won't be as expensive as a wedding. As an added bonus, unlike with a wedding, you probably won't have to limit the guest list as much, and you're not as likely to create tension around any cultural, economic, stylistic or religious differences between the families.
Step 4:
Make Everyone Feel Special
Make the special people in your life feel special. Call them after you elope and let them know that you're married. Or send announcements. Make sure that people know that you're thinking of them and that you're looking forward to having them be a part of your life as a married couple. They'll appreciate it, and you'll start your life together on the right foot.