How to Plan a Post-Elopement Celebration
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Even though you might have decided to elope to keep your wedding day something that was just for the two of you, there’s no reason you can’t have a post-elopement celebration at a later date if you want to.
Eloping is such an intimate and personal way to start your married life. But let’s be real—sharing that joy with friends and family can be pretty awesome too. That’s where a post-elopement celebration comes in.
However, planning this shindig doesn’t have to be stressful. At European Elopement Guide, we’re here to make sure you’ve got everything you need to throw a bash that’s as unique (and stress-free) as your elopement. Ready? Let’s get this party started!
First things first, let’s talk about the basics of how to plan a post-elopement celebration. These are the big questions you’ll need to answer before you can start diving into the details.
When to Host Your Celebration
The timing of your post-elopement celebration is totally up to you. There’s no right or wrong answer, but here are a few options to consider:
Right After You Return From Your Elopement
Fresh off the plane and ready to party? This keeps the excitement rolling and lets you share your elopement high with everyone the moment you return from your European elopement.
Weeks or Months Later
This is a popular choice for couples who want to take their time planning a more elaborate celebration or who simply want to savor that post-wedding & honeymoon feeling just for themselves for a little bit longer.
Anniversary Celebrations
Why not celebrate a year later? It’s a fantastic way to relive the magic and throw a memorable bash.
Who to Invite
When it comes to your guest list, think about who you want to share your post-elopement celebration with. You chose to elope for a reason, after all. It’s your party, so don’t feel obligated to invite everyone you know. Here’s who to consider:
Immediate Family and Close Friends
These are your ride-or-die people, the ones you can’t imagine celebrating without.
Extended Family and Acquaintances
Depending on your relationship, you might want to include a broader circle.
Keeping the Guest List Intimate
Sometimes less is more. A smaller group can mean a more meaningful and relaxed event.
Setting a Budget
Money talk—not always fun, but super important. You may have eloped to avoid the expense of a big wedding reception, so if you want to keep things low-key and to a budget, make sure you agree on that early on.
Allocating Funds
Decide how much you’re willing to spend on your post-elopement celebration and stick to it. Consider all the expenses, including food, drinks, venue rental, decorations, entertainment, and any other special touches you want to add.
Prioritizing Expenses
Once you have a budget in mind, prioritize the expenses that are most important to you.
Invitations and Announcements
Alright, now that we’ve got the basics covered for your post-elopement celebration, let’s talk about invitations and announcements. You’ve tied the knot in secret, and now it’s time to let the cat out of the bag!
Sending an Elopement Announcement
Why Announce Your Elopement?
First things first, why bother? Well, an elopement announcement is your way of sharing the big news with everyone. It sets the stage for your post-elopement celebration and ensures no one’s caught off guard.
Designing and Sending Announcements
Get creative! Pick a design that screams “you.” Whether it’s a photo from your elopement or a quirky graphic, make it personal. Once designed, send them out via email or good ol’ snail mail.
Creating and Sending Invitations
Digital vs. Paper Invitations
Digital invites are eco-friendly and super quick. Paper invites are classic and can be keepsakes. Choose what fits your style and budget.
What to Include in the Invitation
Make sure to cover the basics of your post-elopement celebration: the date, time, location, dress code (if any), and any special instructions for your guests.
RSVP Management
Set up a system to track who’s coming. Digital platforms can make this a breeze, but if you’re going old-school, a simple spreadsheet works too.
Choosing a Venue
Now, let’s talk about where you’ll be hosting this awesome post-elopement celebration of yours. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
Private Homes and Backyards
If you’re looking for a more intimate and relaxed setting, consider hosting your post-elopement celebration at your own home or a friend or family member’s backyard.
Restaurants and Banquet Halls
These are great options if you want a more formal and structured post-elopement celebration.
Unique Venues
Want to think outside the box? Consider hosting your celebration on a boat, at a park, in a museum, or any other location that speaks to your personality and interests.
Themes and Decorations
This is where your post-elopement celebration truly becomes an expression of you two. A well-chosen theme and thoughtful decorations can transform any venue into a magical space that reflects your individual style. A theme can tie your entire celebration together and make it more memorable for you and your guests. Here are a few ideas to get your creative juices flowing:
Traditional Wedding Reception
If you want to keep things classic and elegant, you can’t go wrong with a traditional wedding reception theme.
Casual and Laid-Back Themes
If you’re a more relaxed couple, consider a backyard barbecue, a picnic in the park, or a beach party.
Unique and Quirky Themes
Let your imaginations run wild and choose a theme that reflects your hobbies, interests, or favorite movies.
Decorating Your Venue
Once you’ve chosen a theme, it’s time to bring it to life with decorations.
DIY Decorations
If you’re crafty and budget-conscious, try making your own decorations. There are tons of tutorials and inspiration online for DIY centerpieces, backdrops, and other festive touches.
Hiring a Professional Decorator
If you want to take the stress out of decorating, consider hiring a professional event decorator.
Food and Drink
Now, it’s time to talk about everyone’s favorite part of any party: the food and drinks!
Catering Options
Here are a few catering options for your post-elopement celebration.
Hiring a Caterer
This is a great option if you want to take the stress out of meal planning and preparation. Plus, they often have experience with a variety of cuisines and dietary restrictions, so you can be sure everyone will be well-fed.
DIY Catering and Potluck
If you’re on a tight budget or love to cook, consider doing your own catering or organizing a potluck with your guests. This can be a fun and interactive way to involve your loved ones in your post-elopement celebration.
Food Trucks and Casual Dining
If you’re going for a more laid-back vibe, why not hire a food truck or two to cater your event? This is a trendy and affordable option that’s sure to please a crowd.
Drink Options
No party is complete without some refreshing drinks to quench your guests’ thirst.
Open Bar vs. Cash Bar
If your budget allows, an open bar is always a crowd-pleaser. But if you’re looking to save some money, a cash bar is a perfectly acceptable option.
Signature Cocktails
You can also create a signature cocktail or two that reflects your personalities or the theme of your celebration.
Non-Alcoholic Options
Don’t forget to offer a variety of non-alcoholic options for those who don’t drink.
Entertainment and Activities
Now, comes the entertainment and activities side of your post-elopement celebration. This is what keeps your guests entertained, engaged, and having a blast from start to finish.
Music and Dancing
A good soundtrack is essential for setting the mood and getting everyone on their feet. For this, you can:
Hire a DJ or Live Band
If you want to create a lively atmosphere and keep the dance floor packed, a professional DJ or live band is the way to go.
Create Playlists
If you’re on a budget or prefer a more personalized touch, create your own playlists filled with your favorite songs.
Games and Activities
Games and activities are a great way to break the ice. Here are some ideas to get you started:
Lawn Games and Board Games
If you’re hosting an outdoor celebration, set up some lawn games like cornhole, croquet, or giant Jenga. For indoor parties, break out the board games and card games for some friendly competition.
Photo Booths and Craft Stations
Photo booths are always a hit at parties. Set up a fun backdrop, provide some props, and let your guests snap away. Craft stations are another fun activity where guests can create their own keepsakes or party favors.
Special Moments
Don’t forget to incorporate some special moments into your post-elopement celebration. These are the moments that you’ll cherish for years to come.
First Dance
If you didn’t have a first dance at your elopement ceremony, now’s your chance to slow dance with your partner to your favorite song.
Cake Cutting Ceremony
This is a classic tradition that’s always fun to include.
Toasts and Speeches
Invite your loved ones to share their well wishes, funny stories, and heartfelt sentiments.
Capturing the Moment
Since we talked about special moments, let’s talk about how to capture them.
Hiring a Photographer
If your budget allows, hiring a professional photographer is a great investment. They can capture candid moments, group shots, and all the little details that make your post-elopement celebration unique.
Creating a Slideshow
A slideshow is a fun and engaging way to share your elopement photos and videos with your guests. You can set it to music, add captions, and even include some funny outtakes.
Attire and Dress Code
What you and your guests wear to your post-elopement celebration can set the tone for the entire event. However, there are no hard and fast rules when it comes to post-elopement attire.
What to Wear
The beauty of it is that you have complete freedom to choose your outfit.
Re-Wearing Wedding Attire
If you loved your wedding dress or suit, why not wear it again? It’s a special outfit that deserves another day in the spotlight.
Choosing New Outfits
If you’re ready for a fresh look, feel free to choose new outfits that reflect your current style and the vibe of your celebration. Whether you’re dreaming of a boho-chic dress or a sleek jumpsuit, you can find a fabulous outfit that your heart desires on our website.
We have a wide selection of dresses and suits to fit every budget, color, and type—from floral and lace to short and gender-neutral.
Setting a Dress Code for Guests
To avoid any fashion faux pas, it’s always a good idea to set a dress code for your guests. This can be as simple as indicating whether the event is casual or formal.
Casual Dress Codes
If you’re going for a laid-back vibe, let your guests know that they can dress comfortably.
Formal Dress Codes
If you’re envisioning a more elegant affair, ask your guests to dress to impress.
Additional Tips and Considerations
Alright, let’s wrap up with a few additional tips and considerations to ensure your post-elopement celebration goes off without a hitch. After all, we want your big day to be as smooth and stress-free as possible!
Handling Potential Awkwardness
Let’s be real, sometimes elopements can ruffle a few feathers. So, if you anticipate any concerns from family members who weren’t present at your elopement, address them head-on. Explain your reasons for eloping and reassure them that your post-elopement celebration is a way to include them in your joy.
Also, be clear about what your celebration will entail. If it’s a casual backyard BBQ, let your guests know so they don’t show up expecting a black-tie affair.
Time to Wrap-Up!
These are just some ideas to get you started on planning your post-elopement celebration. No rules, and no pressure, it’s completely up to you to decide how you want to celebrate your newlywed status with the people you love.
And we hope by now, you’re more than ready to throw a post-elopement celebration that’s every bit as special as your elopement itself. So, go ahead, pop the champagne, raise a toast to your love, and dance the night away!
