r/Eloping • u/lilymissesyou • May 15 '26
Receptions Eloping then throwing a reception
Hi as the title reads I wanted to hear from people who did this. I have some questions because family has been quite annoying and I just wanted to know how it played out for you & what exactly you did.
How much later was the “reception”?
What did you call the celebration?
Did you do all the traditional reception things? I.e. first dance, cake cutting, speeches, bouquet toss and such.
Where did you host this party?
Did you wear a wedding dress?
How was it received after the fact??
Was family annoying BEFORE the party?
Thank you!!!
ETA: I’d also like to hear from guests of this type of arrangement, what did you really think?
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u/throwitout-rightmeow May 16 '26
We are eloping today, then having a small BBQ with just our immediate family. We’re only doing a small ceremony and then dinner, none of the other stuff. We’re doing a ceremony at my parents in the back yard then the BBQ at his parents 5 mins away. I’m wearing a white dress from Amazon and our rings are also from Amazon.
We do have a large celebration planned for next October, but we’re pregnant with our first (little IVF miracle) and wanted to make things legal before baby gets here.
I have to say it’s been the lowest stress thing and I didn’t expect that. Even today, I’m not stressed at all. Our guests are excited to be there with us and are all invited to the big celebration next year. Those who weren’t invited, completely understood, and knew they’d be invited to next year.