How to Plan an Elopement Reception

Elopement receptions are a great way to include your family and friends in your wedding festivities without them actually being present on your wedding day.

Elopement reception gives your family and friends a designated time and place to celebrate you.

Plus, who doesn’t love a good party? 

Honestly, elopement receptions are somewhat catered around your family and friends.

It’s a way for them to feel included. It’s a way for them to partake in marriage festivities.

For some couples, this is the comprise that allows them to feel guilt-free about eloping. Remember, you don’t need to have a reception.

But if you want to plan one, I’m not going to leave you hanging, here are my top tips on planning an elopement reception.

Elopement Reception Ideas

Just like your wedding day, you can plan your reception any way you want to. You can have the reception the day after your wedding or wait for several weeks. It’s completely up to you. 

Your guest count will greatly impact where you can hold a reception. For small groups consider backyard parties, Airbnb’s, and breweries.

If you will have a group larger than 30 I would suggest looking into booking a venue and a catering company. 

However, if you want to keep it small and simple here is a list of ideas for planning your elopement reception. 

How to Plan a Small Elopement Reception

Receptions with a small guest count can easily be thrown together with some help from your family and friends.

Small receptions can be hosted in a backyard, local outdoor park, or at an Airbnb.

Make sure whichever location you choose has adequate parking and bathrooms for all your guests.

Here is a list of five ways to make your elopement reception feel special!

2. Drinks

Drinks come down to personal preference. Do you want to taste with champagne or would you rather get a keg from your favorite brewery?

What drinks you choose is completely up to you.

When hosting any party or reception make sure there is enough water for all of your guests. Don't let them get dehydrated while dancing the night away.

3. Signs

Signs are a fun way to make your party actually feel like a wedding reception. There are dozens of cheap DIY decorative signs.

Create a sign for your guest book, to help guests locate bathrooms, and make a sign showing a designated area for cards and gifts. 

4. Decor

This is where you can really get creative! Do you want to get flowers, have a photo booth backdrop, or string twinkling lights?

There are dozens of ways to spruce up any backyard reception or after-party. Colored napkins, centerpieces, table runners - the sky is the limit!

You can create your look on your own if you are trying to keep a small budget or this is a time you could actually hire a decorator!

A personal favorite of mine is printing pictures from your elopement and places them in frames for decor. If you are having your reception soon after your elopement date ask your photographer if they can send 5-10 pictures early. I’m sure they would be happy to accommodate you!

5. Guest Book

Guest books are a fun way to commemorate the people who came to celebrate you. Let loved ones write you a note, have an advice tree, or simply have them sign their name in a book.

The act of writing provides a formal way for your guests to feel included in the festivities.