If you’ve decided to elope, congratulations! This is a hugely exciting time for you both but we’re also sure the thought of letting everyone know is somewhat daunting. Whether you’re planning on letting your loved ones know before you say, ‘I Do’ or you want to surprise everyone afterwards at a post-elopement party, we thought we’d bring you an elopement announcement guide to help you along the way.
Announcing your elopement
If you want to tell your friends and family before you get wed, take the time to explain the reasons why you’re choosing to elope. This gives them the chance to gain an understanding of your choice and offer their support of your decision – whether that’s because you don’t want the stress of a big wedding or simply because it just doesn’t feel right for you. A gentle reminder of your reasoning will help curb their expectations, taking the pressure off so you can get married in your own way.
How to announce you are going to elope
You can announce this to your friends and family in person, via a poem or with an invitation to your ‘happily ever after’ party! A heartfelt handwritten letter showing your love and appreciation is always a wonderful way of announcing the fact that you’re eloping – and will probably be a keepsake for years to come! Plus, it’s the perfect alternative to our busy digital world we all live in now.
Eloping without offending family
You may get an array of different reactions and emotions, but this will just be because ultimately, your loved ones really do care about you! Be prepared for some people to take time to come around to the idea and consider who may be more sensitive to it – they’ll only be disappointed because they want to be involved. But ultimately, your friends and family will share your excitement for eloping, it may just take a little longer!
Make your friends and family feel involved
While they may not be coming along to your elopement, you can still involve your loved ones throughout your wedding. You can take your sisters, mum or best friends with you wedding dress shopping (even if you’re opting for an untraditional aisle style) which is often one of the most exciting and sentimental aspects of wedding planning. And it’s unlikely to be as fun on your own! Plus, when they see your elopement wedding photographs, they’ll adore knowing how your outfit looked.
You can actually bring a handful of your closest friends and family along to your elopement wedding – there are no rules saying it has to just be the two of you! They can act as your witnesses, do a reading throughout your wedding ceremony or just be there to watch you get wed.
Why not ask your friends and family to get involved with any planning aspects? From making décor, organising your suppliers or tying up loose ends, we’re sure they’ll be thrilled to be a part of your elopement.
After you’ve eloped…
Share the photographs and details with your friends and family! Host an evening where you tell them all about your elopement, go through the beautiful pictures and reminisce about every moment. Or throw an epic shindig with everyone to celebrate the fact that you’re officially married. Alternatively, you could gather your nearest and dearest and host something a little more intimate, such as a tree planting ceremony together so you can remember the moment and watch your tree grow together over the years.
Just remember, before you’ve hit the socials to announce it, make sure you have let the really important people know first. There would be nothing worse than finding out through Instagram! But when you do post it for the world to see – do it with style. We’re thinking a fun, loved-up pose, a bottle of champers and one cute caption!
If you’ve officially decided you’re going to elope, have you considered what you should do afterwards?
If you’re looking for some inspiration or ideas you can check our blog on How to Plan Your Post-elopement Celebration.
So, if you’ve always wanted to elope, why not head over to our elopement wedding packages and elopement page to discover why Brickhouse Vineyard promises the perfect place to say, ‘I Do’.
Drop us a note to book in a private viewing or pop along to our Open Days! Team B can’t wait to meet you – but in the meantime, swing by Instagram to keep with our latest wedding adventures!
Images by Mimosa Photography