"If it were not for the presents, an elopement would be preferable"

This quote by George Ade suggests that eloping is a more effective choice to a standard wedding. He indicates that the presents related to a wedding are a concern, which it would be better to simply elope and avoid the inconvenience of dealing with them. This might be interpreted as a criticism of the materialistic nature of weddings, and the idea that they are more about the gifts than the union of 2 people. It could also be seen as an idea that couples need to focus on the love they share, instead of the product belongings they receive. Ultimately, this quote motivates couples to prioritize their relationship over the materialistic aspects of a wedding.