Inspiration Nation: #SMPWedding101 – Planning a Destination Elopement

Friday, November 18, 2016

#SMPWedding101 – Planning a Destination Elopement

Destination elopements are the ultimate in intimacy and romance but just because you don’t have a crowd doesn’t mean it can’t be a bit tricky to arrange! It still takes plenty of planning but where to begin? We have Santorini Glam Weddings here, who knows a thing or two about planning special days, giving guidance on ensuring your private party is everything you dreamed of and more!

Choose the Right Location

Elopements usually go hand in hand with honeymoons, so the location is important! My opinion in regards to the perfect location might be a bit biased, but I don’t think anyone would disagree with me in saying that Santorini is one of the most romantic places on earth! My tip: avoid the month of August as it is the warmest and most crowded month. September is always better!

Find the Right Vendors

Just because it’s an intimate wedding doesn’t mean you’re going to be on your own. The wedding planner and photographer are important! You will be spending the entire day with them, they’ll be witnessing your wedding and sharing this memory with you. My tip: Always ask for a Skype call before you go ahead booking these two vendors to make sure that they are the perfect person for you and your day. Local vendors are always more preferable as they know all the pros and cons of the place your are going to as well!

Venue Essentials

Elopements make the venue selection much easier, as you do not have to think about common logistics like guests capacity, venue access, etc. It can take place anywhere you want if it’s just the two of you and a handful of others! My tip: Santorini is full of beautiful hotels with balconies and terraces with Caldera views perfect for the ceremony. Before booking a hotel ask about their wedding options and combine your accommodation with the wedding ceremony. The areas of Imerovigli and Firostefani are the best!

Details Details Details!

Just because it’s only going to be the two of you doesn’t mean that the day isn’t special or you don’t get to have what you always dreamed of; it’s still your wedding! Getting a bridal bouquet, decorating the wedding venue, and arranging a romantic dinner to end your day is the best way to go. Don’t forget to add your personal touch with everything you do!

Photo Musts!

You want to share your story with your friends and family and make them feel like they were there with you. Book the photographer for at least five hours to have time to capture everything, from preparation and details (1 hour), first look and the ceremony (30 minutes), portraits at various spots (3 hours) and cake cutting and dinner (30 minutes). My tip: surprise your fiancee with a boudoir photoshoot before the ceremony! Ask to meet the photographer a day before the wedding; it will make you (and most importantly your fiancee) feel more relaxed on the wedding day.

Unique Venues

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Unique Venues

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ONGOING GIVEAWAYS + DISCOUNTS…

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We’re excited to share that Shine invitations is currently offering FREE SHIPPING on orders over $500 (US orders only) as well as a free sample kit featuring the invitation of your choice, color charts, paper samples, and an example Save the Date! Don’t miss out!

THIS WEEK’S DISCOUNTS…

For our California Brides… Discount from The Ranch at Laguna Beach and giveaway from Color Me Carla!

For our Southwest Brides… Don’t miss upcoming trunk shows at Lovely’s in Houston!

For our New England Brides.. Discount from Long’s Jewelers (Estate Jewelry and Wedding Bands)!

For our Tri-state Brides… Discount from Femina Photo + Design, giveaways from NST Pictures and OLLI STUDIO, and don’t miss the Marchesa Bridal trunk show at Gabriella New York Bridal Salon Dec. 1st – 4th and the Pronovias trunk show at Designer Loft Nov. 18th – 27th!

More trunk show news!

Don’t miss the Anna Campbell trunk shows at the following Lovely locations: Rochester, NY Nov. 18th – 20th | Houston Dec. 9th- 11th | Charleston Dec. 16th – 18th!