There are many reasons why couples choose to elope, and that's something unique, just like each love story. Spending your wedding day only with your partner as the center of your attention is a fantastic, intimate, and ultimately romantic way to get married. Still, celebrating with friends and family is important. Having some form of a party after your elopement allows you to celebrate your marriage, just like a traditional wedding reception, but in a much less stressful way. Use this guide to planning your elopement reception and make it unique, fun, and unforgettable.

Planning steps

The most important planning steps for organizing your elopement reception are deciding when and where you'll have it. That's mostly up to you, your life situation, and your schedule, but you may also want to consider an ideal season of the year.

If you choose to delay your celebration due to a life event such as the birth of a baby, you may consider having it on your anniversary. On the other hand, some couples prefer to have a pre-elopement party, similar to a rehearsal dinner or wedding shower.

Also, think about what reception style fits your lifestyle. Reception can mean any type of celebration, so be creative. It can be as simple or complex as you'd like, as formal or informal as you'd like, or something in between. The following steps are usually the same for all couples:

• Pick a definite date and location

• Decide on a budget for your reception

• Make a list of who you’ll invite

• Think about what you want to do for your celebration

• Consider all food and beverage options

• Announce your elopement and send your reception invitations - If you want, you can include a small message on where and when you eloped.

• Confirm headcount - It affects food costs and capacity at your chosen location

• Hire vendors

• Time to celebrate!

Elopement reception ideas

Here are a few ideas to help you decide which type of party you want:

• Traditional wedding-style reception - This can be challenging and stressful to plan, but it's worth the effort. If you want to avoid the stress altogether, you can hire a wedding planner and rely on them for the whole organization.

• Brunch at the restaurant - Everybody loves brunch, so you should consider this type of meal for your reception. It can even be in your favorite restaurant.

• Vacation rental celebration - Choose an exciting location, and find a vacation rental that suits your budget and style. Some stunning properties and estates could be found, from cabins and cottages to luxury houses, villas, bungalows to castles and towers.

• Backyard BBQ - If you want a much more informal and more affordable gathering, consider this option. Ask a friend or relative to manage the backyard grill so you can focus on having fun or order food from a local BBQ restaurant.

• Picnic reception - It's one more relaxed type of celebration. Instead of being at someone's home, choose an outdoor location and make a unique reception in your own style. Rent a public pavilion, order some catering and enjoy the day with your loved ones.

• Camping reception - This is also an excellent option for those who love being outdoors and whose friends and family share similar interests. Organize a weekend camping trip together with your loved ones and celebrate your elopement in a beautiful natural setting. There should be some music and food around the campfire. Bring informal clothing and a good mood and have an amazing and unique celebration under the stars.

How to decide on a particular location?

There is one more thing left to consider. If you just recently moved to another city or a state with the help of JB Movers, it may be hard to decide not only on a particular venue and form of reception but also on a city and state where it should be. If the majority of your friends and family live in a different city, probably the best idea would be to consider making a celebration right there - where it is more convenient for a bigger number of people.

Activities to consider when planning your elopement reception

There are a lot of activities which you can plan for your reception. Do you want to honor your guests with a memorable speech or a toast? Think of all the ways to include your family and friends to make them feel like a special part of your day. Do you love dancing? If you do, be sure to hire a DJ, a local singer, or a band. Do you like traditional wedding dances, such as the bride and groom's first dance? Could you include a dance with anyone significant in your family? Be free to incorporate all the lovely traditions and activities that you find inspiring.

Couples usually want to have a way to save all the beautiful memories from this day, so consider hiring a videographer and photographer. You may also want to show your elopement photos on a projector, maybe even a clip of your actual elopement ceremony.

What to wear?

What you'll wear to your elopement reception is also up to you. You may want to put on your gorgeous wedding attire from your beach elopement once again or choose a more relaxed version of it. Some don't want to wear wedding attire at all, and that's completely alright. Choose something causal if it suits the style of a reception better. For example, guys can choose to wear a button-up shirt and pants for a more relaxed version of a suit. Meanwhile, girls can choose a dress they like - it doesn't have to be white at all. You make the rules for this day.

Getting the hair and makeup done is what most women decide to do, in case they plan a big and formal celebration. However, if you decide on something more informal, such as a picnic or BBQ reception, you can skip that part. Whatever makes you feel more relaxed and more comfortable.

Final thoughts

Be sure to leave enough time for planning your elopement reception. All in all, it's an event to cherish and remember forever. Also, skip all the traditions you don't care about and incorporate only what makes you feel good.

This is a guest post. Risa James Events has no financial relationship with any companies linked within.