Elopements - A New Take On A Non-Traditional Ceremony

This Season saw me do my first elopement. As a wedding florist most of my business comes after a fairly predictable process. From the initial contact with the couple, more often the Bride to be emails me, which can be anywhere from 3 months to 1 year prior to the big day, we usually then organise a meeting in person to discuss all the finer details. I follow this consultation up with a written quote based on our discussion. I then allow the couple a month to consider my proposal before locking me in to do their wedding flowers. As I’ve said this is the typical process but I have done full weddings with under a month’s notice.

When Tylah first made contact with me the week prior to her & Asa’s elopement I was a little surprised. She sent me some images of a floral crown & bouquet for inspiration. A lovely Boho style perfect for their beach ceremony. At this stage I wasn’t actually sure what their plans were but I suspected either an engagement shoot or a simple wedding.

When they arrived at my door on the Tuesday morning to collect their flowers they were absolutely buzzing with excitement. With their photographer friend, Nikki Parlane in tow they headed off to the Tairua in the Coromandel to do the deed.

One month later I received a lovely Facebook message from Tylah (see below) with some absolutely stunning photos attached. I’m sure you’ll agree that the images look like they belong in a wedding magazine! Nikki Parlane has captured the excitement & pure joy of the day so perfectly.

Although an elopement is perhaps not everyone’s cup of tea I can see how liberating it could be. With the cost of a wedding being quite a stretch for some. Then there’s the dilemma of who to ask to be in the bridal party. I keep seeing pictures on social media of 10 bridesmaids & 10 groomsmen. 10 bouquets & 10 boutonnieres, 10 dresses & 10 suits, 20 pairs of shoes, make-up & hair styling, the cute matching dressing gowns the girls all wear while they get ready ………all things that add to the cost & stress of a wedding.

I can definitely see the appeal in running away to get married. You can always throw a party afterwards to share the news with your friends & family.

On the flip side there are the things that you would miss. Like having Dad, or someone special, to walk down the aisle with. Seeing one’s proud parents beaming with pride, & with perhaps little tears of joy in their eyes. Hearing that collective gasp as the bride makes an entrance looking radiant.

I guess at the end of the day it’s about what works for you. I’m certainly looking forward to doing more elopements in the future.

“Hey Meghann,

I just wanted to thank you again for my flower crown and bouquet, you went above and beyond anything I couldn't dreamt! Here are a couple of pics of them from our elopement, hopefully you enjoy them as much as I do.

Kind regards Tylah”

Bouquet: Whiskey, Juliet & Alaska Roses, Azore Spray Roses & Eucalyptus foliage.

Floral Crown: Azore Spray Roses, Bunny Tails & Straw Flowers.