As a South Asian community we are used to the lavish ceremony planning...large guest lists, couture wedding dress, luxurious venues, exquisite cuisine, extravagant décor, live music and much much more. All 10 pre wedding events up to the main day(s) are planned with military precision because as we all know that this is the best day of your life...well that’s the theory. As a bride you dream of this day and you want it executed to perfection.

However as we all appreciate the current climate of Covid-19 has affected the celebrations throughout the world. With this in mind added with the planning politics of a big fat Asian wedding, many couples are choosing to opt out of the norms of having a marriage ceremony. They are opting for something more intimate.

“Elopement” literally means to run away however as times have changed the meaning of elopement has changed too. Nowadays it as been changed to describe a more intimate, smaller wedding. You as the couple, your nearest and dearest being just a handful of family and your witnesses.

In this article we explore the opportunities within the UK to have your ceremony giving you ideas on planning as well as letting you know what you need to keep in mind when planning an elopement wedding. With this in mind we decided to plan and deliver this intimate elopement infused with Indian inspiration.

Now when planning to elope you may not think of the heart of the country to escape to but the countryside within the Midlands offer amazing outdoor landscapes to engage with nature in all its glory. But nothing maps romantic better than the heart of the Midlands.

Every wedding tells an authentic loving story of the couple. With this in mind A Bohemian Chai showcases hues of vintage blush pinks, tied together with earthy tones to give that romantic intimate Indian wedding.

With the current climate more intimate ceremonies are being planned by couples and with that in mind the team behind this styled shoot have carefully selected this fusion design set in the beautiful 7 acres of Overgrown Acres in South Nottinghamshire.

This dreamy shoot designed by planner and stylist Niche Weddings & Events is set in three rustic tipis. As mentioned a tipi? Not the conventional route to host an Indian wedding but this was chosen taking inspiration from the tipis dancing along the dunes in the Rajasthani region of India.

Niche Weddings & Events; luxury wedding planners based in the heart of the country, Leicestershire have over 15 years background in luxury wedding floristry. Nisha, Creative Director is always full of new and exciting ideas and has never shied away from learning and this is showcased in the styling of the shoot.

The mandap is the ceremony area put together by the team at Iron Swan & Flowers by Nafisa. Swooning with bohemian elements - the earthy spice tones of India & Morocco fused with more contemporary notes. Within the Hindu religion nature’s forces are an integral part of the ceremony so adapting these in the use of the earthy tones – ochre, sepia brown and terracotta orange to represent the Rajasthani landscape. Turmeric tones used within this shoot represent the diversity and in using the pink tone demonstrating the mythical elements of the culture. All bought together like the brewing of spices in Indian tea- “Chai” and blended with Boho vibes of Pampas and dried foliage.

Carefully chosen outfits styled and designed by Pannaz Boutique ooze with character. Blush tones embellished with rice pearl embroidery and diamanté stone work throughout the design of this decadent two piece dress modelled by Mahi Sarna. Saaj Raja styling the complimenting groom outfit which has subtle embroidery to match the bridal outfit. We just fell in love with the heritage jewellery especially the flow of ornate “Laila” kaleera (hand bracelets) accessorising the outfit. The jewellery and outfits were selected specifically as they accompanied the Western Boho décor. Both bridal look was bought together by Jaineesha MUA opting for this nude glow translating between the formal day ceremony to the evening look. In opting for a hair down look this too broke traditional aspects of a bride having her veil over her during her ceremony. The classic look for the evening was a more softer hair up contrasting the day look.

Kam Vaghela the Photographer, showcased his wealth of experience in documenting weddings where he captures those fleeting moments with his artistic take on the styling put together by the suppliers. He creatively captured this celebration of western boho fused with traditional Indian elements beautifully.

This theme allowed for the artistic self expression and in opting for a barrel to showcase Cakes by Minel wedding cake which tied together with the venues beautiful bar and gin stand accessorising the reception look. From the table dressings from Duchess & Butler, selecting vintage crockery; Amber glassware to compliment the earthy tones of the napkins, vases, dried grasses and palms. Candles adding the pop of colour to this rustic look.

A special thanks to the wonderful Rosie, she was such a natural and who says you can’t have your pet present at your ceremony. Rosie was the charming addition to the whole shoot…with the grounds also showcasing beautiful ponies Mahi couldn’t resist her runaway bride moment to fit in all those lovely photos.

Whatever the reason you are eloping, and wherever you are eloping to, it’s still just as important to make it special. We hope the inspiration from this shoot will help you on your way.

Finally we hope the following top 10 Dos and Don’ts on planning your Elopement Wedding will assist you:

1. Look for the right place to tie the knot.

Don’t limit yourselves to just conventional wedding venue. There are some lovely boutique venues.

2. Make it all about you - the couple!

Rather than a ready-made wedding package deal explore how your location will bring your personality and love for another to the forefront.

3. Do hire the services of a planner

Yes I hold my hand up to being bias with this one!

Just because you’re choosing to go intimate doesn’t mean you don’t need someone to support you with planning how you want your day to be.

Choosing vendors for remote areas or an area which you love but maybe unfamiliar to you doesn’t need to be challenging, getting a planner on board to handle the admin is a great way to enjoy the experience and make it special for all that attend.

We loved working with the team we had on our shoot. It allowed us to intelligently pair suppliers to bring the overall goal of this luxurious intimate ceremony.

It allowed us a creative flow to come together before the day and then deliver the concept. This too goes for your wedding it’s best to bring together suppliers to ensure the brief can be delivered and that’s where we can step in to help.

4. Choosing your date

As with most cultural wedding ceremonies an auspicious date or time maybe suggested and you may want to honour this tradition in your elopement - I think personally this is a wonderful way to add some of your religious/cultural rituals to your day without all the fuss.

5. Don’t feel guilty

Whilst this is completely natural you shouldn’t feel guilty about your decision. Your wedding day is about you both and should be exactly what you want

Your good friends and family will understand, and for any that have difficulty coming to terms with it, try to remember it’s only because they love you and want to share your moment too, not because they’re being difficult (in most cases anyway!)

6. Do make the most of the savings

In having an elopement you will make savings however do remember just because your having an elopement doesn’t mean you can’t have the luxury.

7. Don’t expect everything to be more cost effective (cheaper)

Consider that some of your vendors also have to put in the same effort and quality for 15 guests as they would for larger events (e.g. 300 guests) so do not expect discounts. Consider the expenses carefully - how will the spend add to making your day special.

8. Do enjoy the moment

An elopement is sure to be celebrated ...a memory which is to be cherished so dearly ...it’s a day about the two of you away from the craziness of day to day life.

9. Go virtual

Just because you want to elope doesn’t mean your friends and family cannot share the day. There is some great technology to allow friends and family to be part of your day should you wish for it!

10. Don’t miss out

Just because there are a few of you doesn’t mean you should miss out...you could throw all your loved ones a reveal party later when it’s safe to do so.