Weddings should be personalised to what you want: and elopements are no different. In fact, as Ella Mai explains, elopements can give you even more scope to do that. In part 4 of their elopement series, Ella and Marijane are sharing some of their favourite ways to make your celebration totally bespoke!
We’re Ella Mai Elopements, and we offer both all-inclusive Elopement Packages and DIY Elopement Planning Resources for couples who boldly choose to elope in Scotland. We want you to make the absolute most of your time and money, without missing out on the best that Scotland’s elopement industry has to offer. We’re here to help you take the stress out of your elopement planning, and add a whole lot of magic and meaning to your special day!
For now, we’re teaming up with The Wedding Collective to lay down the basics for eloping. If you’ve been considering an elopement, or you’ve already started your own elopement planning journey – this series is for you. So let’s get into it!
04. Personalise The Experience
The beauty of an elopement is the endless opportunity to incorporate exactly what you want into your day. Personal touches and artful details are what make an elopement more than just a small wedding. They are the intentional moments that turn into your favourite memories. Here are some of our favourite ideas for making your experience truly special:
– Writing in personalised vow books in the morning before getting ready
– Choosing a romantic location for your first look
– Using dried native florals you can save forever
– Using your favourite whisky for a quaich ceremony
– Bringing fabric from relatives back home for a handfasting ceremony
– A violinist/cellist to play your favourite soundtrack during your ceremony
– Going for tea, coffee, or ice cream before your ceremony
– Booking a private dining experience for your romantic wedding dinner
And most importantly, having your planner by your side throughout your elopement day to help you get ready, walk you to your ceremony, hold your jacket, give you advice, and support you on your big day.
Secret elopement. Photo by Joanna Eliza Photography. Platter by Milton’s Little Kitchen.
Food and Drink
Your elopement food and drink is a great way to let your personalities guide you. What kind of foodies are you? Are you fish-and-chips-shack-on-the-coast kind of people? Or do you love the excuse to hire a private chef to transform your dining room into a fine dining experience? Maybe somewhere in the middle – like a fancy restaurant or private dining?
And don’t forget about breakfast and lunch! Picnics are our favourite way to enjoy lunch on a day of adventure, so all our elopement packages include a gourmet grazing platter. That way, you can enjoy a luxurious lunch wherever your day takes you. You can also plan fun food/drink activities – like afternoon tea, a coffee date, whisky tasting, speakeasy hunting, or even a home-cooked meal together.
Ella Mai styled shoot. Photo by Millar Cole Photography.
Styled Picnic or Tablescape
Choosing an elopement doesn’t mean you have to give up that gorgeous wedding aesthetic! You can completely transform your AirBnB dining room with just a few stylish pieces, without breaking the bank. Or you can hire a decor stylist or picnic provider to help too! Some stylists create packages that include everything you need for a beautiful elopement meal, including a tent, furniture hire, and set up.
The Ella Mai Elopements Signature Styled Picnic is the ultimate personalisation for elopers in Scotland. Our bell tent is a comfy, cosy hideaway designed for post-ceremony celebration, rain or shine. Set up and styled by the Ella Mai team, you can be sure that each detail will be considered and curated.
Glen Etive Elopement | Kirsten & Murray. Photo by Zoe Alexandra Photography. Cake by Gorgeously Sweet Cake Emporium.
Wedding Cake (or desserts!)
Yes please. It’s a small detail, but an important one. Just because you don’t have guests doesn’t mean you don’t deserve a wedding cake. Many cake makers have elopement-style cakes, or just ask for a 4-inch (serves about 4-6 people) or 6-inch (serves about 10-12 people) cake. Ask your florist for some extra pieces to top the cake to really complete the romantic elopement aesthetic.
Musicians
Our favourite suggestions are cellists, violinists, acoustic guitarists, or bagpipers (duh!). Classical music or instrumental versions of your favourite songs are the easiest way to create an emotional setting for your ceremony – and the quickest way to shed some tears! Prices usually start around £200 for one hour of music, which is plenty of time for your ceremony and a toast afterwards.
Edinburgh Elopement | Stacie & David. Photo by Meggy Mac Photography.
Activities!
This is one of the coolest parts of your elopement! Plus, they make for amazing photos! Here are some of our favourite activities:
Coffee date
Afternoon tea
Hiking or walking
Kayaking, canoeing, stand up paddle boarding
Sunset boat cruise or sailing
Wildlife tours or fly fishing
Helicopter tour
Canyoning or rafting
Horseback riding
Golfing or putt putt
Axe throwing
Brewery tours or whisky tasting
Stargazing
The options are endless, especially in Scotland. We have tons of local partners and activities to suggest that will truly make your elopement one of a kind.
