New Here.....Anyone Elope?

Starryfish

My BF and I have talked about getting engaged soon and eloping to Bora Bora. (This is both our second weddings)

If you eloped.....was it totally secret or did you tell anyone? I am debating on which way to go....mostly because of my mom's feelings, and I like to talk :-)

If you have been to Bora Bora...any recomendations?

Thanks

kimberly0315

I haven't been to Bora Bora, but I have been to Moorea.  It's much cheaper and it was AMAZING!  It was so beautiful and the people were so friendly.  The water is so clear and it was so relaxing.  I hope you have fun!

Oh, my mum would be devastated if I eloped and didn't tell her.  So I wouldn't do that.  

Jells2dot0

I eloped! We didn't really tell anyone beforehand and it was so fun to see their reactions when we got back! When we got engaged, we already knew we had the support of our families to do as we saw fit because it was our second marriages. So, people knew we were engaged, but did not know when and where the wedding would take place.

I have been to French Polynesia six times to many different islands, including Bora Bora. AMAZING! We would have married there if I hadn't been so many times and I hadn't honeymooned there the first time around. 

I don't outright make recommendations for Tahiti until I know more about someone is looking for. I do this because there are so many islands and resorts at different price points and offer different experiences. I certainly have my favorites, but they may not be the best for for everyone! However, I do suggest working with a Certified Tahiti Specialist. Tahititourism.com and you can search by zip code. 

luckyus10

We're eloping, mostly because announcing our wedding was just a load of drama when we wanted something small and both have huge families. So they all know we're getting married but only a few people will come with us for the ceremony.

Starryfish

Thanks. Overwater bungalow is important for us. Has anyone been to Fiji to the likulei lagoon resort?

For those who eloped, did you just throw a big party when you got back? Just something casual and fun

Jells2dot0

I would NOT do the OWBs at LikuLiku. I have been there. The resort is awesome, but the OWBs are set pretty high up from the water and it's tidal, so at times, you'll have nothing but mud underneath. That being said, the bures with the private plunge pools are incredible, as is the food at the resort.

Not sure about your budget, but if Tahiti is a little too expensive, I'd also look into the Aitutaki Lagoon Resort in the Cook Islands. I stayed at a different resort in Aitutaki, but toured the Lagoon Resort. There aren't many OWBs and they aren't as fancy as some in Tahiti, but Aitutaki lagoon is GORGEOUS!!! You can get married at the resort, on One Foot Island or Honeymoon Island! Plus, the Cook Islands Dollar is based off of the New Zealand Dollar so your money goes much farther there. 

For the other part of your question, it depends on why you are eloping. IMHO, I don't see the point of eloping and then still throwing a big party with everyone involved. I wanted to avoid other peoples' drama, opinions, and stress, so eloping eliminated that. If I had to plan a party afterwards, it would just lead to the drama i wanted to avoid. However, it's a personal decision based on each situation. 

Knottie37373131

We are getting married at a Sandals resort in Jamaica on May 15th. So we are not eloping but having a planned private ceremony just the two of us. We will be having a very small "celebration of our marriage upon our return." Our parents our gifting us a lot of money and all request that we do something for the family. We will be at a nice restaurant overlooking the water. We will likely end up with 25-30 people. I will not really be doing decorations or anything over the top. Just a casual luncheon with favors.

Starryfish

Jells2dot0 said:

I would NOT do the OWBs at LikuLiku. I have been there. The resort is awesome, but the OWBs are set pretty high up from the water and it's tidal, so at times, you'll have nothing but mud underneath. That being said, the bures with the private plunge pools are incredible, as is the food at the resort.

Not sure about your budget, but if Tahiti is a little too expensive, I'd also look into the Aitutaki Lagoon Resort in the Cook Islands. I stayed at a different resort in Aitutaki, but toured the Lagoon Resort. There aren't many OWBs and they aren't as fancy as some in Tahiti, but Aitutaki lagoon is GORGEOUS!!! You can get married at the resort, on One Foot Island or Honeymoon Island! Plus, the Cook Islands Dollar is based off of the New Zealand Dollar so your money goes much farther there. 

For the other part of your question, it depends on why you are eloping. IMHO, I don't see the point of eloping and then still throwing a big party with everyone involved. I wanted to avoid other peoples' drama, opinions, and stress, so eloping eliminated that. If I had to plan a party afterwards, it would just lead to the drama i wanted to avoid. However, it's a personal decision based on each situation. 

Thanks. It would be a super casual party (similar to the housewarming party we just had).....mostly an excuse to have people over to the house and have a good time.

bridesontherun

If you plan to elope - do not tell anyone you know! Our plan was to elope and take our two witnesses with us. Then we started feeling bad and told our fathers. They choked up over the phone about our wedding so we knew we couldn't do it without them... But my future MIL has a large family and they all love to talk! My elopement of 4 is now a destination wedding of 13.
All in all 13 isn't bad, and should be pretty low stress still. *crosses fingers*

prettysmile40

My fiance and I planned to elope but now I am sad with the thoughts of not t least having my parents there. I think we are going to invite immediate family only and maybe offer to pay for my parent's airfare or accomodations as I am not sure they can afford it. If they say no at least I tried and can have a big old party (BBQ) when we get back.