Eloping is a unique and romantic way to celebrate your love. It’s intimate and personal and removes the stress associated with a traditional wedding. However, just because you’ve eloped doesn’t mean you shouldn’t celebrate with your loved ones if this is something you want to do. An elopement afterparty allows you to share your happiness and create unforgettable memories with your friends and family. In this guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about throwing an elopement afterparty that will be talked about for years to come.
What is an Elopement Afterparty?
An elopement afterparty is a celebration after a private elopement ceremony. It’s an opportunity for the newlyweds to include their loved ones in their joyous occasion. Unlike a traditional wedding reception, there are no set rules or expectations for an elopement afterparty. It’s a chance to celebrate your marriage in your own unique way, free of any formalities.
This party can be as simple or as extravagant as you wish. There is no set timeline for the event. Whether you want to celebrate a day after your elopement or a year later on your anniversary, the choice is entirely yours.
Why have an Elopement Afterparty?
The decision to have an elopement afterparty is entirely personal. There are several reasons why couples opt for an afterparty.
You may have had a destination elopement, or the adventurous nature of your elopement made it difficult for some to attend.
You may want to avoid the stress or financial burden of a large wedding or reception, so an elopement offers you the chance to marry the way you like, where you want, without needing to go into mounds of debt to marry.
Or perhaps you just want to continue celebrating your love and an afterparty allows you to do this.
Whatever your reason, an elopement afterparty is a great way to celebrate your marriage with the people who matter to you the most.
Related: How to Plan a Memorable Henโs Party + 27 Theme Ideas
The Etiquette of an Elopement Afterparty
While there are no hard and fast rules when it comes to elopement afterparties, there are certain etiquettes that can help ensure your party is a success.
Announcing Your Elopement
Announcing your elopement before sending out invitations for your afterparty is important. You can send elopement announcements through mail, email, or social media.
The main objective is to prevent any discomfort or hurt feelings that might arise if your guests discover your elopement through an invitation to the afterparty.
Related: 21 of the best places to elope in the world
Elopement Afterparty Invitations
After announcing your elopement, you can now send out invitations to your elopement afterparty.
To avoid any confusion, it’s crucial to make it clear that the event you’re inviting people to is a celebration of your marriage, not an actual wedding. You can use phrases such as “Our elopement marriage in [insert location] was an intimate ceremony with just the two of us. Now, we can’t wait to celebrate with those we love!…” or “We got married! Come celebrate with us!” to convey this message effectively.
Gifts and Registry
If you have eloped but still want to have a registry, you can. However, it is essential to remember that gifts should not be expected.
You can mention on your invitations that gifts are unnecessary, but if guests want to commemorate your marriage, they can do so by donating cash or purchasing items from your registry.
Related: Ultimate Guide to Wedding Anniversary Gifts โ Traditional & Modern
Steps for Planning an Elopement Afterparty
Planning an elopement afterparty involves several steps. Every detail matters in creating a memorable event, from setting a budget to picking a venue. Here’s a guide to the process you want to consider:
Setting a Budget
When planning an elopement afterparty, setting a realistic budget is crucial. Start by creating a list of all the elements you want to include in your party and estimate the cost of each item. This will help you avoid overspending and organise an event that aligns with your financial capabilities.
Choosing a Date
The date of your elopement afterparty will depend on your personal preferences. You might want to celebrate immediately after your elopement, or you might prefer to wait until you have photos and videos from your elopement to share with your guests, which is always special.
Remember, there’s no right or wrong time to host your afterparty.
Selecting a Venue
One of the best parts about planning an elopement afterparty is the freedom to choose any venue you like. You could host a casual backyard BBQ, rent a room at your favourite restaurant, or even charter a boat. The possibilities are endless, so choose a venue that reflects your personal style and fits within your budget.
Related: The Best Places to Elope in the USA
Entertainment
Depending on the size of your party, consider hiring entertainment. This could be a DJ, a live band, or even a magic or comedy act. Alternatively, you could plan activities such as games.
Creating a slideshow of your elopement photos and videos is a beautiful idea to keep your guests entertained and connected with your wedding.. To create this slideshow, you can compile a collection of your favourite elopement photos and videos, taking your guests on a visual journey from the moments leading up to saying ‘I do’ to the joyous moments of your intimate ceremony. You can display the slideshow on a large screen during the party, making it a cherished highlight that encapsulates the essence of your love story and creates lasting memories for everyone present.
Elopement Afterparty Ideas
Throwing an elopement afterparty allows you to be creative. Here are some ideas to inspire you.
Backyard BBQ
A casual backyard BBQ is a great option for an elopement afterparty. It’s laid-back, relaxed, and perfect for a large guest count. Plus, who doesn’t love a good BBQ?
Boozy Brunch
If you love brunch, why not host a boozy brunch for your elopement afterparty? Serve up your favourite breakfast and lunch foods along with some delicious cocktails for a fun and relaxed celebration.
Food Truck Fiesta
Hiring a food truck for your afterparty is a unique and fun idea. It adds a personal touch to your event and offers your guests a wide range of food options.
Destination Afterparty
If you love to travel, consider hosting your elopement afterparty in your favourite city or destination. You could hire a large house on Air BnB and make a weekend of it. A destination elopement party could be an exciting adventure for you and your guests and provide a unique backdrop for your celebration.
Planning an elopement afterparty can be an enjoyable and exciting process. It offers you a chance to celebrate your wedding with your loved ones in a unique and personal way.
Whether you decide to have a backyard BBQ, a boozy brunch, or a destination afterparty, the most crucial thing is to create an event that reflects your love and happiness and doesn’t create the sort of stress – financial or otherwise – you may have been trying to avoid when choosing to elope over a big wedding in the first place.
