While this might seem like the scariest part of this whole process, it’s not as scary as planning a 100 person wedding, so keep that in mind first and foremost.
I think it goes without saying that the best advice here would be to try and contain your bursting enthusiasm and just keep it cool. Once the news settles in, then you can go nuts.
If you’re able to do it, tell your closest family and friends about your elopement almost immediately after the ceremony. If you feel comfortable telling them beforehand, I’m sure they wouldn’t mind. Just make sure you don’t get followed by an over-eager family member who decides to crash your elopement (speaking from personal history here). When you’re delivering the good news, FaceTime or a phone call works better than a text every time.
Enthusiastically share why you and your partner chose to elope, and offer up a post-ceremony celebration plan like a dinner party or bbq so you can share all the details of your adventure. We provide you with a few photos within 24 hours of the ceremony so you can follow up your calls with some images of your beautiful faces. Just remember, don’t ever second-guess your choice to elope in the first place. Just because you chose to elope and not invite everyone to a big ceremony doesn’t mean you love them any less so don’t over-explain yourselves and just focus on the positives!
When you return home, be sure to mail out your announcement cards and/or reception invitations fairly soon so people don’t feel too left out. They can look forward to and plan to attend your reception if you’re having one and if you decide to do a wedding registry, you could include that information on the card as well.
Do:
Tell your closest family and friends about your elopement almost immediately after the ceremony, if possible. (Or if you feel comfortable telling them beforehand, go for it!) FaceTime or phone call work best.
Don’t:
Text your announcement.
It’s impersonal and is better left for announcing a new baby.
Do:
Enthusiastically share why you and your partner chose to elope, and offer up a post-ceremony celebration plan like a dinner party or bbq so you can share all the details of your adventure.
We provide you with a few photos within 24 hours of the ceremony so you can follow up your calls with some images of your beautiful faces. If you’ve added announcement cards to your package, you could select an image from the few we send the next day and have cards en route to your home awaiting your return.
Don’t:
Second guess your choice to elope in the first place. Just because you chose to elope and not invite everyone to a big ceremony doesn’t mean you love them any less, so don’t over-explain yourselves and just focus on the positives!
Don’t:
Announce on social media until you’ve done all of the above.
Do:
Be sure to mail out your announcement or reception invitations a few days after your ceremony so people don’t feel too left out. They can look forward to attending your reception if you’re having one.
