Holding a Reception after Elopement

If you decided to run off with your beloved for a quick wedding without the family, either you or your parents may want to host a reception after the fact so you can still share the occasion with friends and family.

If you had a true elopement, where you were running away to get married against the wishes of your family, this can be a great gesture to heal over the rift. And if you just had a small, intimate destination wedding, it will supply the other part of the wedding experience that you missed out on: the big party with everyone who cares about you!

Here’s some advice for making your reception as great an event as a wedding.

Be Sensitive

You have to understand that you may have hurt people’s feelings with your actions. Whether they’re making no secret of the fact or silently sulking, it’s up to you to reach out them and make up to them. In your opinion, your wedding is all about you and your beloved, but for many people weddings are family events, and they may feel they have some right to participate.

Bridge this gap by making your reception a true family event and giving them the chance to participate in the planning. Even if it’s HIS family that’s the problem and they wouldn’t traditionally take part in planning the wedding, we’ve already thrown tradition out the window, right?

If you don’t want to have them help plan the whole thing, find some part where you can enlist their “expertise.” Do they have a beautiful garden? Have them help pick a florist. Do they bake? They can help you pick a cake (which, in my opinion, is the best part of planning because you get to taste all those delicious sample cakes!)

Don’t Skimp

Some people are always going to feel they missed the “real party” because they weren’t at the wedding. That’ll be confirmed when they see you roll out the cold cuts and bread. Show them this is the real party. Provide great food at an attractive venue that feels first-rate.

Also consider including all the traditional aspects of a wedding reception, such as the bride-groom cake cutting, the bouquet toss, father-daughter dances. That way people don’t feel they’ve missed out.

Put the Emphasis on Partý

Most venues rent for a standard length of time. Without having to dedicate time to the ceremony, you have more time for the party. Make sure it’s a good one. Consider getting a live band instead of a DJ, provide an open bar, and coordinate fun group dances, like line dances or maybe even the latest internet dance meme.

These tips can help you plan a reception that everyone will enjoy, and you’ll be so happy to see your new extended family all having a great time together.

At Stonebrook Manor, we have experience helping people from Denver and across the Front Range plan great parties with friends and family. No matter the circumstances of your party, please contact us today to learn how we can make your event special.