One of the most common questions couples ask themselves when planning their elopement is: Where should we splurge, and where can we save?
The truth is, not everything carries the same weight when it comes to your memories. Some things are once-in-a-lifetime investments that will last forever, while others are more of a nice-to-have. So let’s break it down and help you decide what’s worth putting your money into.
If you want a full breakdown of actual elopement costs in Italy, check out my post HERE.
💎 Splurge: The Things You’ll Keep Forever
Rings
Your rings are not just jewelry — they’re a daily reminder of your commitment. You’ll wear them every single day, long after the flowers fade and the cake is gone. If it is something you see every day, it should be something you love!
Photography & Videography
Your memories deserve to be captured beautifully. Years from now, you won’t remember exactly what shoes you wore, but you will look back at your photos and videos to relive the day. Investing in a professional photographer and videographer is one of the most valuable choices you can make.
Photo Album
Digital files are great, but holding your memories in a tangible, beautifully made album is something else. It’s a keepsake you’ll pass down for generations. (And trust me, flipping through an album feels so much better than scrolling through a hard drive.) Also, think of your photo albums as amazing gifts for the family members who were not at your elopement 😉
The Experience Itself
At the end of the day, what you’ll remember most is how you felt. If you read eloping couple’s feedbacks for their photographers, you’ll see that 90% of the time they talk about how they felt and then with the last 10% they cover how much they loves their photos. Adventure elopement is about the experience. Splurge on the service providers who make you feel cared for, the activities that light you up, and the little details that make your elopement uniquely yours — whether that’s a private chef, a gondola ride, or hiking to a mountain summit at sunrise.
🌸 In-Between: Personal Preferences
Some things fall into the middle ground. Whether to splurge or save depends on how important they are to you personally:
Bouquet & Florals – A lush bouquet looks incredible in photos and adds a romantic touch, but you can also opt for something simple or even forgo flowers if they’re not meaningful to you. Or purchase a dried flower bouquet that you can have later in your home as a keep sake.
Vow Books – They make for a beautiful keepsake and elevate your ceremony photos, but some couples are just as happy writing vows on plain paper.
Dress & Attire – Some couples want the custom designer gown of their dreams, that they will take care of and want to keep forever, maybe even give their daughter. Some others prioritize comfort and choose a simpler style and at the end of the elopement they might even trash the dress. People often choose a cheaper gown if they want to go wild. Neither is wrong — it’s all about how you want to feel.
✂️ Save: Things That Don’t Last Forever
There are a few things you can confidently save on without affecting the magic of your elopement:
Custom Invitations & Stationery – If you have guests at all. For elopements, you may not need physical invites at all. A simple email or digital invite is more than enough if you’re not hosting guests.
Large Décor Installations – Elopements are all about the natural beauty of your surroundings. The locations I’ll bring you don’t need a floral arch to look stunning.
Party Favors – These are fun for big weddings, but for an intimate elopement, they’re usually unnecessary.
TL:DR – save or splurge elopement edition
Eloping is about freedom — the freedom to choose what matters most to you. Spend your budget on the things that will stay with you forever: your rings, your photos and video, your album, and the experiences that make the day unforgettable. Save on the things that won’t impact your memories or that you don’t value personally. If you are thinking of an item/activity for your elopement and can’t decide if you should save or splurge ask yourself:
- Will it make us feel good?
- Will we cherish it later?
If you answered either to or both of those with a “yes” – splurge! If both answers were “no” – Save! 😊
If you want a deeper look at the real numbers behind an Italian elopement, head over to my detailed breakdown here: How Much Does It Cost to Elope in Italy.
Your elopement doesn’t need to be filled with traditions or extras you don’t care about. It’s about the two of you, your story, and creating a day that feels exactly right. 🤍
Other blog posts you might be interested in:
How to elope in Italy?
How much does it cost to elope in Italy?
Getting legally married in Italy
How to choose a photographer for your elopement
What you need to know about last minute elopement in Italy
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