Podcast Summary: Two Hot Takes - Episode 203: Is Eloping Underrated?

Host: Morgan Absher
Release Date: February 13, 2025
Podcast Description: Join Morgan Absher and her co-hosts as they scour Reddit, listener write-ins, and other internet sources to deliver their hot takes on the most intriguing dating, relationship, life, and AITA stories.

Introduction: The Eloping Dilemma

In episode 203, titled “Is Eloping Underrated?”, Morgan Absher and her co-host dive deep into the pros and cons of eloping versus having a traditional wedding. The discussion is sparked by Morgan’s personal experience with delayed wedding planning, leading her to question the value and stress associated with large weddings.

Morgan (00:00):
"We got engaged quite some time ago now, September of 2023, and it is now February of 2025, and we are getting into wedding planning. Yeah. Probably a little late. Probably a little procrastinating."

Co-host (Morgan's Partner) (00:23):
"Yes."

The hosts explore themes of financial strain, personal preferences, and the evolving perception of weddings in today’s society.

Story 1: Am I the Asshole for Not Holding Up My Wedding Ceremony?

Reddit Post Summary: A bride had to proceed with her wedding ceremony without her mother, grandmother, and a family friend who were late. The officiant had a tight schedule, and the bride decided not to wait any longer. Her mother blamed external factors, but it was revealed she was merely being tardy.

Discussion Highlights:

• Morgan (04:05):
  "Was she late?"

• Co-host (07:57):
  "But not on this day, but not."

• Morgan (09:03):
  "And still, like, it wasn't even close to two."

Conclusion: Both hosts agree that the bride is not the asshole, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the ceremony's schedule and setting boundaries with unreliable family members.

Story 2: Am I the Asshole for Refusing to Label My Wedding Cake as Vegan?

Reddit Post Summary: A couple held a vegan wedding, clearly stating all food and cake would be plant-based. An aunt felt tricked by the vegan cake, insisting on labeling it to avoid deceiving guests. The bride refused, leading to familial tension.

Discussion Highlights:

• Morgan (14:37):
  "Linda's crazy."

• Co-host (16:14):
  "If it tastes good, why do you care if it's vegan or not?"

Conclusion: The hosts unanimously agree that the bride is not the asshole, defending her choice to adhere to her and her husband's lifestyle without unnecessary labels.

Story 3: Am I the Asshole for Not Letting My Brother's Fiancée Wear White to My Wedding?

Reddit Post Summary: A bride prohibited her brother’s fiancée from wearing white to her wedding, citing it as a traditional faux pas. The fiancée refused to change, leading to public drama and familial division.

Discussion Highlights:

• Morgan (25:09):
  "Erica is one bold, loud woman."

• Co-host (28:40):
  "No, no. And I don't like any of the other dates."

Conclusion: The hosts conclude that the bride is not the asshole, supporting her stance on maintaining wedding traditions and protecting the sanctity of her special day.

Story 4: Am I the Asshole for Canceling Our Wedding After My Fiancée Said Something Disgusting About My Brother?

Reddit Post Summary: A groom’s fiancée refused to allow his brother to attend their wedding, citing disapproval of his brother’s lifestyle. The groom stood firm, leading to the cancellation of the wedding and familial backlash. An update revealed that after interventions and therapy, the fiancée acknowledged her feelings, leading to reconciliation efforts.

Discussion Highlights:

• Morgan (50:12):
  "You are definitely not the asshole."

• Co-host (57:14):
  "It's about respecting who people are."

Conclusion: Initially, the hosts support the groom’s decision as not the asshole. However, the subsequent reconciliation highlights the complex dynamics of relationships and the importance of authenticity and boundaries in marriages.

Story 5: Am I the Asshole for Kicking My Mother Out of My Wedding After She Brought My Ex as Her Plus One?

Reddit Post Summary: A groom kicked his mother and her ex out of his wedding reception after she attended with him, causing significant family drama and estrangement.

Discussion Highlights:

• Morgan (63:05):
  "I was really getting pissed at this point."

• Co-host (74:33):
  "It's like you have to deal with something like."

Conclusion: The hosts find the groom’s actions justified and agree that he is not the asshole, emphasizing the necessity of protecting the sanctity of the wedding day and setting firm boundaries with disruptive family members.

Story 6: Am I the Asshole for Gifting a Shower Head Instead of Cash at a Family Friend’s Anniversary?

Reddit Post Summary: A guest received a shower head as a wedding gift, which was deemed odd since her family friend works in the industry. Later, when the same family friend hosted a 25th-anniversary party requesting cash gifts, the guest considered reciprocating with a picture frame instead of cash.

Discussion Highlights:

• Morgan (111:14):
  "She gave us the showerhead on purpose as a fuck you gift."

• Co-host (119:35):
  "That's why the dynamic's so weird."

Conclusion: The hosts suggest that a picture frame with a card is appropriate, aligning with the principle of reciprocal and thoughtful gifting while avoiding petulance.

Overarching Discussion: Eloping vs. Traditional Weddings

Throughout the episode, Morgan and her co-host reflect on the increasing trend of eloping as a means to avoid the financial burden and emotional stress associated with large weddings. They acknowledge that while traditional weddings can expose and exacerbate familial and relational tensions, eloping offers a more intimate and controlled environment.

Morgan (35:20):
"Eloping is looking real good right about now."

Co-host (71:19):
"But at the risk of all these dynamics, everything you're bringing in and that comes together for that day is, unfortunately for the vast majority, risky."

Conclusion: The hosts advocate for couples to choose the path that best aligns with their values and circumstances, whether that be a traditional wedding, elopement, or a hybrid approach. They emphasize the importance of prioritizing the couple’s happiness and managing familial relationships effectively.

Final Thoughts and Takeaways

Episode 203 of Two Hot Takes delves into the multifaceted nature of wedding planning, highlighting how significant life events can bring underlying issues to the surface. Morgan and her co-host provide insightful commentary on the stories, offering support and affirmation to those navigating similar challenges. The recurring theme underscores the notion that eloping, while sometimes underrated, can be a viable and less stressful alternative for many couples.

Morgan (126:01):
"Let people live. Bottom line, let people live."

Co-host (126:07):
"No, it's just what it is."

Closing Remark: The hosts encourage listeners to share their own stories and reflect on their wedding preferences, reinforcing the idea that the best weddings are those that truly reflect the couple’s desires and dynamics.

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This summary captures the essence of Episode 203, focusing on key stories, notable quotes, and the insightful discussions between Morgan Absher and her co-host. Whether you’re contemplating a grand wedding or a simple elopement, this episode offers valuable perspectives to aid in your decision-making process.