Many couples today choose to elope, for various reasons, some want to feel every moment of the day better and that is possible when there aren’t too many people around, others want to tie the knot in a unique place like a top of a mountain. If you want to elope but still want to have a party later, this roundup is for you, let’s find out how to pull off a reception or a party after you eloped.
Announce Your Post-Wedding Party
Consider using your save the date for the “we eloped” reception invitations or a small destination wedding (with only 3-20 guests for example) as an announcement of elopement in lieu of a traditional wedding. Being alerted to a future party at the same time as finding out about your nuptials will help keep loved ones from feeling like they were excluded from the celebration.
a post-elopement party invitation in modern style, with black lettering and a list of ingredients
a cool and modern elopement reception invitation with a black and white photo from the elopememtn and some modern lettering
a pretty and simple cardboard elopement reception invitation with modern calligraphy
a stylish modern wedding invitation in a neutral tan shade, with modern black calligraphy is a chic idea
a stylish modern neutral elopement invitation with black calligraphy and lettering is a cool idea
a romantic elopement announcement with a photo of the couple, calligraphy and modern lettering
a romantic and beautiful elopement announcement with a photo of the couple and a card with modern lettering
an offbeat wedding announcement with a photo and stylish lettering is a stylish idea for your elopement
an elopement announuncement card with a photo of the couple and stylish modern letters
an elopement reception invitation with a large photo from the elopement and modern calligraphy
a modern offset wedding announcement with a stylish couple photo in their wedding outfits and white lettering
a cool elopement reception invitation in black and white, with black and white photos and modern lettering
a cool boho elopement announcement with fun calligraphy, botanical prints and leather cord on it
Choose Your Party Style
Because you’ve decided to forgo the traditional wedding, your options for the type of celebration become endless. Maybe you’re excited about a backyard crawfish boil where everyone wears casual clothing. Or on the flip side, you want to get decked to the nines and have a lavish intimate dinner party. Because there are less expectations from guests, the two of you can get super creative organizing a cozy reception at your own house or going to your favorite restraurant and share your favorite flavors.
a beautiful fall backyard elopement table setting with woven placemats, neutral linens, pastel blooms, greenery and pampas grass plus candles
a little pink reception space right on the terrace of the house, with lush blooms, shiny fringe and candles
a cozy and small boho wedding reception right in the dining room at home, styled with candles and lush blooms and foliage
a cool boho post elopement party at home, with beautiful blooms and stylish decor is a lovely idea to celebrate your tying the knot
a chic post elopement party in vintage style, in black and white, in the couple's favorite restaurant
Skip The Stuff You Don’t Care About
A post-elopement party or reception you are having doesn’t need all those formal things you might have at a big celebration. Not into dancing? Don’t pay for a DJ! Can’t stand the idea of formal pictures? No problem—opt for a private portrait session before the party starts and then go for all candids. Enjoy yourselves and the thing that you really love!
Choose Post-Elopement Party Attire
Since it’s not a wedding per se, you do not have to wear a formal wedding outfit, but if you choose to, consider donning a more casual dress or suit in white or any other color or pattern that you love. It doesn’t need to be short, but a ball gown at an elopement celebration without a vow exchange may not sit right with most attendees (if you are still going to have a ceremony, feel to free to wear one!)
a lovely off the shoulder white maxi dress with a ruffle and a slit plus delicate white embellished shoes for a very glam look
a minimalist bridal separate with a silk crop top with short sleeves and an A-line maxi skirt with a front slit
a modern plaind A-line dress with a square neckline, puff sleeves and a front slit is all about current trends and an edgy feel
a refined modern bride-to-be look with a plain white mini dress with accent shoulders, long sleeves and a deep neckline just wows
a refined lace slip midi dress with a fitting waist, sheer heels and statement earrings will be a great idea for a post-elopement party
a simple and chic wrap midi dress with puff sleeves and black shoes are a great combo for a post elopement party
a stylish and girlish look with a strapless ruffle top and culottes with pockets plus blush suede shoes
a white sequin over the knee dress with a high neckline and puff sleeves is a chic and shiny solution for a post elopement party
an oversized creamy pantsuit paired with a crop top are a great idea for a post elopement party in modern style
brides wearing an oversized pantsuit and a turtleneck with a maxi skirt and a capelet for a post-elopement party
a 90s inspired white jumpsuit with wideleg pants, a gold belt and a deep V-neckline plus no sleeves for a fashionable bride
a chic floral print midi white dress with a deep V-neckline and bell sleeves, a row of buttons and semi clear shoes
Consider Ceremonies And Registries
You can still have a ceremony if you want! You can ask special people to recite poems, incorporate family traditions that may have gotten left out the first time around or read a joint marriage statement to your guests. If you’re throwing a party to celebrate your marriage, you can absolutely still put together a registry. While some people may not give a gift, there are plenty who will want to. The size of your guest list should determine how you communicate the information. If it’s really small, a wedding website isn’t necessary. You can send your registry link via email, or include in an information card when sending your invitations. For medium-large groups, it’s helpful to put it on your website as well.
Hire A Planner
While a post-elopement reception is less stressful than a typical wedding, it’s still a production. Lots of people put off the celebration piece for a while because they don’t know where to start and feel lost from the start. Hire a wedding planner to help guide you in making your post-elopement celebration an event to cherish and remember forever. These are all the tips we wanted to share, I hope this roundup will be useful for your planning and to have the best party ever!