{"id":14481,"date":"2023-04-10T22:56:42","date_gmt":"2023-04-11T03:56:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.greenvelope.com\/blog\/?p=14481"},"modified":"2023-04-10T22:56:42","modified_gmt":"2023-04-11T03:56:42","slug":"elopement-party","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.greenvelope.com\/blog\/elopement-party","title":{"rendered":"How to Plan an Elopement Party: Your Guide to Celebrating Your Way"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Elopement<\/p>\n

If a <\/span>traditional wedding<\/span> isn\u2019t for you but you still want to celebrate with <\/span>loved ones<\/span>, an elopement party is a perfect solution. It gives you the space to keep the big day private while allowing you to plan a party with your nearest and dearest. Here, we\u2019ll show you how to plan an elopement party in five easy steps. Plus, you\u2019ll discover gorgeous invitation designs and advice on what to say.<\/span>
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What\u2019s an Elopement Party?<\/b><\/h2>\n

Also called a <\/span>post-elopement party<\/span>, an elopement party is all about celebrating your recent \u201c<\/span>I do\u2019s<\/span>\u201d with close family and friends. It\u2019s a great way to get the feel of a <\/span>wedding reception<\/span> without having to plan an entire wedding. Plus, it allows you to keep the focus on you and your partner on the big day and gives you the option of still being able to share some of that joy with <\/span>loved ones<\/span> later on.<\/span><\/p>\n

An elopement party is ideal for couples who don’t want a big fuss on their special day. It also works well for couples who are planning a <\/span>destination elopement<\/span> abroad or at a venue that guests can\u2019t easily access \u2014 like a mountaintop or during a scuba dive.<\/span><\/p>\n

Elopement parties can have fully catered meals or be mellow backyard gatherings \u2014 it truly depends on what the <\/span>newlyweds<\/span> want. Regardless of the actual scope of the event, most elopement parties are more low-key than <\/span>traditional wedding receptions<\/span> and thus require a lot less planning and etiquette adherence.<\/span><\/p>\n

Planning an Elopement Party: 5 Easy Steps<\/b><\/h2>\n

\"Elopement<\/p>\n

While planning an elopement party is simpler than putting together an entire wedding, there are still some considerations to keep in mind. Here are some tips for choosing the perfect place, deciding on entertainment, and ensuring guests know what to expect.<\/span><\/p>\n

1. Choose a Reception Location<\/b><\/h3>\n

First, you\u2019ll need to decide where and when you want the party. You can choose to keep things <\/span>laid-back<\/span> and have guests over for cocktails, a <\/span>potluck<\/span>, or a <\/span>BBQ<\/span> in your backyard. You can also opt for something more substantial with a plated dinner at <\/span>your favorite restaurant<\/span> or a fancy <\/span>brunch<\/span> at a tea house.<\/span><\/p>\n

Another popular <\/span>reception idea<\/span> is renting an <\/span>Airbnb<\/span> in a destination location, such as a mountain cabin, a tree house, or a beach house. The best part about this idea is that you can offer housing for the attendees if your <\/span>guest list<\/span> is small. Plus, it makes it easy to turn the celebration into a weekend getaway instead of a single event.<\/span><\/p>\n

2. Decide What Food You Want to Serve<\/b><\/h3>\n

Since this isn\u2019t a <\/span>traditional wedding day<\/span>, you can keep things a little more informal. It\u2019s nice to offer refreshments, but you certainly don\u2019t have to set up a full, multi-course meal. Keep it casual with a <\/span>food truck<\/span>, buffet, or simple appetizers.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Hiring a <\/span>food truck<\/span> is particularly popular since you don\u2019t have to deal with food prep, clean-up, or serving. Guests can just order what they like and the <\/span>food truck<\/span> operators handle the rest.<\/span><\/p>\n

3. Arrange Entertainment<\/b><\/h3>\n

Many couples like the idea of dancing and reception activities but don\u2019t want to deal with the huge task of coordinating a full wedding. With an elopement party, you can incorporate fun activities like a <\/span>dance floor<\/span> and party games without the stress of a full <\/span>wedding day<\/span> schedule.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Plan to share your <\/span>first dance<\/span> as <\/span>newlyweds<\/span> in front of friends and family at your <\/span>post-elopement reception<\/span>. You can rent out a <\/span>dance floor<\/span> or just invite guests to sway to your <\/span>playlist<\/span> with their feet in the grass and their heads in the stars.<\/span><\/p>\n

You can also hire a local band or set time aside to share your vows or a sweet speech reminiscing about the big day. An elopement party is also a good time to celebrate any<\/span> cultural wedding traditions<\/strong><\/span><\/a> like releasing doves or participating in a tea ceremony.<\/span><\/p>\n

Consider sharing <\/span>elopement photos<\/span> as a <\/span>slideshow<\/span> with your guests. This way, they can get a glimpse of your actual <\/span>elopement day<\/span>, even if they couldn\u2019t be a part of it. You can also hire an <\/span>elopement photographer<\/span> to attend the <\/span>post-elopement celebration<\/span> to snap photos with your <\/span>loved ones<\/span>.<\/span><\/p>\n

4. Select Your Elopement Party Attire<\/b><\/h3>\n

Your <\/span>post-elopement party<\/span> is an excellent chance to wear your <\/span>wedding dress<\/span> again \u2014 or don a new outfit entirely! You can opt to wear a simple <\/span>white dress<\/span> or show off your <\/span>wedding style<\/span> with something more colorful. Since this is a post-ceremony celebration, you can keep it as formal or casual as you\u2019d like. Go for <\/span>traditional wedding attire<\/span> if you want to incorporate a hint of classic formality or choose a casual ensemble or an unorthodox design.<\/span><\/p>\n

5. Consider <\/b>Family Members\u2019<\/b> Feelings<\/b><\/h3>\n

Keep in mind, some <\/span>family members<\/span> may be surprised or upset that you didn’t choose the <\/span>traditional wedding<\/span> route. If you\u2019re concerned, let close <\/span>family members<\/span> know beforehand with an <\/span>elopement announcement<\/a><\/strong>. While these are often sent after the nuptials, you can certainly send them ahead of time. Your<\/span> loved ones<\/span> may appreciate the heads up and it gives you a chance to lay out your reasoning before they have a chance to feel left out.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Gently remind friends and family that it\u2019s your love story and you want to celebrate in a way that makes you happiest. With an invite to a <\/span>post-elopement party<\/span>, they still feel included and get to have memories of your special union.<\/span><\/p>\n

What to Say in an Elopement Invitation<\/b><\/h2>\n

\"Elopement<\/p>\n

Now that you have your dream elopement party in mind, it\u2019s time to send out invites to those you want to celebrate with in person. Choose from Greenvelope\u2019s stunning collection of \u201c<\/span>already married\u201d invitations<\/a><\/strong> or <\/span>elopement party invitations<\/a><\/strong>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Here are some wording ideas for your <\/span>elopement party invit<\/span>e:<\/span><\/p>\n