No matter how you plan your elopement, you can always throw a post-elopement party to celebrate your marriage. It’s a fun way to involve your loved ones, but planning it may seem a bit challenging. Use these tips to host an incredible party without stressing about the details.
1. Create a Guest List
When you have an elopement, you get to decide who you want to celebrate with, without the pressure that some couples feel when planning a larger wedding. If you decide to throw a post-elopement celebration, you can invite as many or as few guests as you like.
You might choose to have just a few close friends or family attend the ceremony, and then go all out for a reception. Or, you can simply have an intimate gathering with your smaller circle following your ceremony.
2. Pick a Destination
You can’t throw a party without finding a space that fits everyone. Consider if you’d like to rent a room at a restaurant or host your party in someone’s home. You could also find a rental property like an Airbnb and invite everyone to stay the night at a luxury getaway. If you’re holding your ceremony in an outdoor destination, you could set up tables and chairs nearby to celebrate right after you say, “I do.”
3. Craft Your Menu
A party doesn’t start until the food arrives. Think about what you and your partner would love to eat at your post-elopement party. You could also match your menu selections to the current season to tie everything together.
If you’re planning a smaller guest list, you could splurge on a fancier meal, like oysters or grilled lobster. If you want a more casual gathering, consider a picnic or backyard barbecue-inspired menu, with burgers, corn on the cob and other handheld foods. The options are endless.
4. Decide if You Want Gifts
Wedding gifts traditionally help the newly married couple fill their new home. You may not need presents if you’ve been living with your partner for a while and aren’t planning any significant changes soon, like moving to a new house. However, you could also enjoy getting gifts from the handful of people who mean the most to you. You can make a registry if there are specific items you want, or you can let your friends and family choose gifts they find meaningful.
5. Remember the Entertainment
Just because you didn’t have a typical wedding ceremony, doesn’t mean you can’t party! A DJ or live band can create a party atmosphere in any location and allow you to have a first dance. For a smaller gathering, consider creating a playlist or setting up a record player to play your favorite albums.
You can also set up lawn games, like cornhole, and turn your celebration into a fun tournament. Board games, karaoke and other activities can make your party a bit more memorable than a typical wedding reception.
6. Finalize Your Date
You could host your party on the same day as your elopement, but many couples pick a date weeks afterward. Make it work with your schedule and any post-elopement travel plans so you don’t feel pressed for time. If your guests have at least a few weeks of advanced notice, they’ll likely be free to attend.
Enjoy Your Post-Elopement Party
Now that you know how to throw a post-elopement party, start planning today. It could be a big event or a laid-back meal with your closest family. It all depends on what fits your vibe and budget.
Let’s Knot and Say We Did
You’re in love and you want to get married, but the thought of planning a destination elopement can be overwhelming. Let’s Knot and Say We Did offers all-inclusive wedding and elopement packages so that all you have to do is show up! We specialize in adventure elopements because we believe in the power of authentic love. Rather than have weddings be a production. We value marriage and the sacred union that takes place in a wedding ceremony.
Rich is a Master of Ceremony. He creates a grounding presence that allows people to feel safe to be fully themselves. He and Shelby (your elopement photographer) bring their joy + high vibes into your ceremony space with intention, love, and creativity. Whether you’re eloping or having a small wedding, we’ll take care of everything so that you can relax and enjoy your special day.
Rich and Shelby create a detailed timeline of your wedding day and coordinate with all vendors. They hand pick every vendor involved and only work with the best. They provide everything you need to get married in an absolutely beautiful location.
Let’s Knot and Say We Did is based in Sedona, Arizona. Rich and Shelby travel world wide to create epic elopement and intimate wedding experiences for couples who are authentic, joyful, and madly in love.
