The Adventure Bride’s Guide to Announcing your Elopement
You did it! You went with the love of your life to some crazy cool location, got your adventure wedding photos you’ve been salivating over ever since you started Insta-stalking that one badass photographer’s elopement page, and you’re still living off the high of the memories you all made and experienced together.
Now comes the hard part. Telling everyone else your story.
Will they be angry? Excited? Upset that they didn’t know beforehand? Will they judge you for not having a “real wedding?” All of these thoughts can swirl around your mind like a blizzard and absolutely make you feel sick to your stomach.
But what if I told you that announcing your adventure elopement didn’t have to be scary and anxiety-inducing?
No matter what your family situation is, as some who has “been there, done that” as they say, my biggest pieces of advice are:
BE POSITVE!
If you are worried that your elopement will cause an uproar amongst family members or friends, do your best to show them how excited you are; and focus on the amazing time you had together. There are definitely many positive aspects to eloping other than just having a cool adventure, such as finances, honeymoon convenience, and escaping the pressure of hosting a large event.
2. RECEPTION
Consider offering a reception after your elopement to accommodate the friends or family that couldn’t come or were perhaps not invited. This will help your loved ones feel included rather than jilted, and they will still have the opportunity to celebrate with you, bring gifts, etc.
Showing off your elopement photo slide show during the reception is always a fun idea, and gives everyone in attendance a sense of inclusion in your day, especially if you choose to narrate. Including little fun tidbits or random information throughout the photo slides, sharing blooper or epic fail photos, can all add to the overall positive attitude of those in attendance.
There are many ways to add unique aspects to your reception as well, such as showcasing your bouquet or other memorable objects used in your event. You can also wear your wedding dress so that family & friends can still get photos of you in celebration of your marriage.
Receptions are much more affordable and less stress-inducing than weddings, and hiring a party planner is always a great option if you’re not the creative type.
3. SEND ANNOUNCEMENTS
Using your favorite photo/photos from your elopement shoot and putting them on a “Surprise, We Eloped!” announcement card can be a fun way to broach the subject with your family as well. If you’re confident that this will excite, not offend, certain members then this is definitely a great way to break the news. Plus, you’ll have a cute announcement card for your scrapbook later on.
Additionally, if you are not planning on hosting a reception, you can include your registry information so that people still have the opportunity to send cards or well wishes your way. Certainly you can do both - have a reception, and send out elopement announcements - it just depends on your preference and how you believe your family will respond.
4. TELL CLOSEST FRIENDS & FAMILY FIRST!
No one wants to feel left out or overlooked during elopement announcements. Going the extra mile to break the news to your parents, grandparents, or anyone else who may feel a little disappointed at not being invited to a wedding can really save a lot of drama. Perhaps sending an announcement that says “Surprise, We Eloped!” with no other explanation to great-grandmother Myrtle with a heart condition may not be your best course of action. Take the time to personally visit or place a phone call to these special family members or friends, so that they don’t find out “through the grapevine” or through social media, as that may prove hurtful to some.
5. BE CONSIDERATE
If a friend or loved one is struggling to accept any part of your big news, do your best not to get defensive or mad. Most people just need someone to listen when they are feeling emotional, and this situation is probably no exception. It is good to listen to the other person’s feelings, and recognize that their feelings are valid. Politely and respectfully guide them through your thought process, remembering to stay positive! Sometimes all people need is a little extra time to work through their feelings and emotions.
6. STAY TRUE TO YOURSELF
While being respectful of people’s feelings & emotions, and still being considering of the way you handle yourself and your big news around certain family members is important, remember to stay true to yourself and your love you just said “I do” with. Some people (there’s got to be one in every family it seems) just cannot be reasoned with, and no amount of explaining makes it better. (Also, been there, done that).
While this hard to deal with, it is important to remember why you eloped in the first place. Remember how much you love your partner, and remind yourself that you deserve to be happy. Sometimes family can be tough to deal with; and the people that should love us and support us the most, just don’t. But their response is not your responsibility. You being upset over their unaccepting attitude will not affect them - only you and your partner. Focus on the positive aspects of your relationship and the people who do love and support you. Those are the people to focus your energy on.
7. ENJOY YOUR NEW LIFE TOGETHER
Regardless of family responses to your elopement, enjoy your life together with your partner! Post those photos, flaunt that ring, and ignore those haters!
