Planning A Wedding Reception After Eloping: A Guide

Planning a wedding reception after eloping is a great way to celebrate your marriage with your loved ones. There are no rules when it comes to a post-elopement reception, so you can choose to re-wear your wedding attire or opt for a more casual look. You can also decide on the type of celebration that fits your vision, budget, and guest list, whether it's a casual gathering with food, drinks, and music, or a more formal event at a banquet hall or restaurant. When choosing a date, consider giving guests enough notice to travel and picking a good season if you're hosting outdoors. Your venue will also set the tone for your reception, whether it's at home, in a park, or at a formal event space.

Choosing a date and venue

When it comes to choosing a date and venue for your wedding reception after eloping, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, unlike a traditional wedding, a post-elopement reception can take place weeks or even months after the ceremony, so you have plenty of time to plan and choose a date that works for you and your guests.

If you're hosting an outdoor reception, it's important to pick a good season and give your guests enough notice to travel. You can also be flexible with your invitations – instead of sending paper invites, consider creating a Facebook event or using Evite, or sharing a wedding website.

The venue you choose will set the tone for your reception. If you're looking for an intimate and budget-friendly option, hosting the reception at home could be a great choice. For a beautiful and relaxed setting, consider outdoor spaces like parks, beaches, or gardens. If you want a more formal atmosphere, you can book a banquet hall, restaurant, brewery, or winery.

Remember, there are no rules when it comes to a post-elopement reception! You can make it as casual or formal as you like and customise it to match your vibe.

Deciding on a theme

When it comes to deciding on a theme for your wedding reception after eloping, the world is your oyster! You can choose to re-wear your wedding attire or opt for a post-elopement party dress, semi-formal outfits, or even a casual and comfy look if you're hosting a relaxed celebration. The venue you choose will also help set the tone for your reception. For an intimate and budget-friendly option, consider hosting the reception at home. If you love the great outdoors, a park, beach, or garden can offer a beautiful and relaxed setting. For a more formal atmosphere, book a banquet hall, restaurant, brewery, or winery.

If you're looking for a unique theme, why not try a camp-themed reception? Twinkly lights, a cozy bonfire, and some cozy decor can set the mood. S'mores, grilled favourites, lawn games, storytelling, and stargazing can all add to the fun. Or, if you prefer a more traditional reception, you can have a first dance, a dessert table, and customise the celebration to your liking.

Remember, there are no rules when it comes to a post-elopement reception! You can make it as relaxed or formal as you like and choose a theme that reflects your personality and style. Whether you decide to go with a casual gathering or a more formal event, the most important thing is to create a memorable experience for you and your guests.

When choosing a date for your reception, consider giving your guests enough notice to travel and pick a good season if you're hosting outdoors. You can send out invitations via Facebook events, Evite, or even share a wedding website!

What to wear

When it comes to what to wear to your post-elopement wedding reception, there are no rules! You can re-wear your wedding attire for a second chance at gorgeous photos, or you can grab a post-elopement party dress. This could be another wedding dress, a cocktail dress, or a semi-formal outfit—whatever matches your vibe. If you're hosting a relaxed celebration, you can go casual and comfy. You can also change throughout your reception; some couples wear their wedding clothes for an hour or so and then change into something more comfortable.

If you're planning a camp-themed reception, you might want to wear something that fits with the outdoorsy theme. Think cosy, with twinkly lights, a bonfire, and some comfy decor.

If you're having a casual gathering, like a BBQ, picnic, or potluck, you can keep your outfit laid-back and relaxed.

If you're having a formal reception in a banquet hall, restaurant, brewery, or winery, you might want to wear something more formal, like a wedding dress or a cocktail dress. If you're going for a traditional wedding reception, you might want to wear something more formal and traditional.

Food and drink

If you're having your reception at home, you might want to consider a dessert table, or a simple cake and cupcakes. You could also have a whole meal at home, or ask guests to bring a dish to contribute to a potluck. If you're having your reception in an outdoor space, like a park, beach or garden, a picnic could be a good option.

First dances

Planning a wedding reception after eloping is a great way to celebrate with friends and family who weren't able to attend the ceremony. There are no rules when it comes to a post-elopement reception, so you can make it as formal or as relaxed as you like.

You can also get creative with your first dance. For example, you could surprise your guests with a fun routine or include your bridal party in the dance. If you're having an outdoor reception, you might even be able to dance under the stars.

Don't feel pressured to follow a traditional wedding reception timeline. Since you've already eloped, you have the freedom to plan your reception however you like. You can make it a casual gathering with food, drinks, and music, or go all out with a themed celebration. Whatever you choose, make sure it reflects your personality and style as a couple.

Frequently asked questions