How to Plan an Elopement Party & Creative Ideas

Many people choose to elope not to escape family, but to have a truly personal ceremony focused on commitment and love. This doesn't mean giving up sharing with family and friends. 

An elopement party is the perfect way to celebrate, both intimately and celebratory. This article will explain what it is and how to plan a creative and heartwarming elopement party.

What Is an Elopement Party and Why Do You Plan One? 

An elopement party is a casual gathering held specifically for couples to celebrate with family and friends after their elopement. Many people choose an elopement to escape the formalities of a traditional wedding.

Enjoying a more intimate ceremony doesn't mean they neglect their family and friends. On the contrary, many couples still want to celebrate with their loved ones after the wedding.

Why host an elopement party?

• You want to retain the intimacy of an elopement while still celebrating your happiness with family and friends.
  
• You don't want to be bound by the constraints of a traditional wedding and prefer the freedom and flexibility of planning.
  
• It's more affordable than a large wedding, and your budget is entirely up to you.
  
• Without excessive social pressure, you can design the party exactly how you want.
  
• It's a great way to invite friends and family who weren't able to attend the wedding to share a heartwarming moment.
  

Compared to a traditional wedding, an elopement party is more relaxed and informal. There's no strict schedule or rituals to follow. There's no need for rehearsals, an MC, or a demanding guest list. 

The real heart of a wedding isn't the ritual of walking down the aisle in your wedding dress. It's about sharing that important decision with the people who matter most. This emotional connection is actually more touching than the pomp and ceremony of a traditional wedding.

So, for your elopement party, you can choose to set up a small tent in your backyard or rent a B&B to gather with a few friends. It all depends on your mood.

How to Throw a Post Elopement Party?

Before you officially start planning your elopement party, take some time to think about what kind of celebration you want. Will it be a backyard barbecue, an outdoor gathering at a campground, or a small but elegant formal dinner? There's no one-size-fits-all answer.  The key is to choose a style that suits your needs, budget, and style.

Consider Who You Want to Invite

Who you invite to the party largely determines the atmosphere. If you prefer a casual gathering, you might only invite your closest friends and immediate family. However, if you're hoping to make up for not having a wedding, consider inviting more relatives or friends so they can share the joy.

Some people decide the number of attendees based on the event format. Others decide who must attend first, send out elopement party invitations, and then decide on the venue and format. Regardless, the most important thing is that you both feel comfortable.

Decide Your Budget

The good news is that a post elopment party doesn't have to be expensive. This is because it doesn't require the same level of commitment as a traditional wedding. Without the usual trappings of an officiant, groomsmen, bridesmaids, or a giant cake, your budget is more flexible. You can even opt for a backyard cocktail party with basic catering and minimal decorations for a warm and meaningful experience.

But don't underestimate the cost of an elopement party. It can be a significant expense, especially if you plan to invite more guests, rent an off-site venue, hire a DJ, set up a dance floor, and arrange full catering.

Many party budgets range from $1,000 to $10,000, depending on your desired scale. It's a good idea to make a list ahead of time, outlining the venue, food, decorations, photography, entertainment, and other items to keep you on track.

Confirm the Elopement Party Time

A post-celebration party doesn't have to happen right away. Many couples choose to hold it weeks or even months after their elopement. This allows them to catch their breath and wait for photos and videos to be produced and shared with family and friends at the party.

You can also be flexible based on the season, guest participation, and venue availability. Some people choose to hold it on their anniversary. Summer elopements and autumn post-elopement parties are also good options.

Regardless of the time, the key is to choose a time that is meaningful and practical for you. If you plan to show photos or videos, be sure to discuss the production timeline with your photographer in advance.

Choose the Right Elopement Party Venue

When choosing an elopement party venue, it's crucial to consider the desired atmosphere. Different venues will suit different needs. Consider the following interesting venues:

• Airbnb or vacation rentals: Ideal for small gatherings, offering a sense of privacy and warmth.
  
• Wineries, breweries, or cafes: Relaxed yet stylish.
  
• Farms and barns: Ideal for rustic, nature-themed parties.
• Outdoor spaces: Forests, national parks, and lakefront locations are ideal for camping and bonfire parties.
  
• Your own home or backyard: The most budget-friendly and flexible venue, allowing for DIY tent setups.
  

Regardless of venue, consider the number of guests, weather backup options, accessibility, and whether decorations, table settings, and sound systems are permitted.

Send Elopement Party Invitations

Elopement party invitations can be sent traditionally or electronically. If you prefer a casual and relaxed atmosphere, electronic invitations are convenient and eco-friendly. If you prefer a more formal atmosphere, printed invitations can add a memorable touch.

It's recommended that the invitation clearly include the following information:

• Time and location
  
• Event content (will there be a ceremony, or just a simple gathering?)
  
• Dress code (e.g., smart casual, semi-formal)
  
• Whether catering is provided 
  
• Whether an RSVP is required

Most importantly, make it clear that you've eloped, and this is a reception, not a formal wedding, to avoid misunderstandings or over-preparation.

Select Elopement Party Decorations

The style of your party determines the atmosphere, and elopement party decorations can be tailored to your budget and personality.

For a more effortless yet sophisticated look, you can rent tables and chairs, lighting fixtures, draperies, and tableware. You can also hire a professional decorator to create a photo-perfect space. For those on a tighter budget, DIY is also a great option. Simple elements like tents, dried flowers, candles, cards, and lighting fixtures can create a warm and special atmosphere.

Another tip is to browse thrift stores or craft supply shops. You'll find tons of interesting knick-knacks, glassware, and vintage decor. These are not only creative but also affordable. The key isn't the cost, but creating a space that truly captures your style.

Think Through Food and Catering

If you have the budget, finding a local caterer can save you a lot of hassle. They can customize the menu, service, and tableware based on the number of people and your preferences.

On a tighter budget? A buffet or potluck (where guests bring their own dish) can be a more personal touch. Alternatively, hiring a few food trucks to set up food stations for an outdoor party is fun and easy. Catering doesn't have to be complicated. It just needs to be delicious, fun, and your style.

Post Elopement Party Ideas That Wow

Want your elopement party to be more than just a wedding remake? These creative party ideas will help you create a truly atmospheric celebration.

Host a Clear Top Tent Party After Eloping

If you're looking to host an elopement party without sacrificing style, a clear top tent is definitely worth considering. It's more than just a roof. It adds an indescribable dreamlike quality to the entire event.

Besides being beautiful, it's also practical. If the weather isn't cooperating, a clear-top tent protects from wind, rain, and sun. Compared to enclosed venues, it offers more freedom and transparency, making it perfect for outdoor parties.

Pitch the tent, set the table on candlelight and wildflowers. Friends gather around you, toasting and cheering. Someone secretly pulls out a funny slideshow of your childhood photos, bringing everyone to laughter. Others run around the grass with their children, playing with soap bubbles. At night, everyone dances under the lights. Such scenes are almost impossible to witness in a traditional hotel lobby.

But in a beautifully appointed, open-plan, clear wedding tent, all of this can happen naturally. It's warm, authentic, and down-to-earth.

A clear tent can be used for a wedding and then for an elopement party. It's easy to set up and take down, making it cost-effective and simple.

Backyard Elopement Party

If you prefer a more relaxed atmosphere and have a limited budget, why not host a cozy elopement party in your backyard? Set up a small tent, decorate it, and add string lights, a dining table, and a picnic mat for a truly ceremonial feel.

Set up a barbecue area, project photos from the elopement day, and perhaps even some interactive games and outdoor karaoke. It's a simple yet charming way to celebrate.

Glamping Reception

If you enjoy the mountains, forests, or the seaside, consider hosting a glamping reception. Choose a spacious and comfortable tent. These days, glamping tents are often decorated with rugs, string lights, and bean bags. Surrounding facilities are also available, making glamping tent the perfect place for a relaxing getaway.

You can arrange an outdoor picnic, play some outdoor games, and then enjoy a candlelight dinner or a bonfire in the evening. Gather with friends and family, chat, drink, and gaze at the stars. The atmosphere is more authentic and natural than in a traditional restaurant, allowing everyone to let go of their inhibitions and have a more enjoyable time.

Showcase Your Elopement

The whole point of an elopement party is to celebrate your elopement, so don't skimp on showcasing your memories! Print out photos from your elopement and place them around the party venue for a photo exhibition. Also, use a projector or large screen to show your elopement video and revisit it with your family and friends.

Many people may not have been able to witness your vows or ceremony details in person, so showcasing them this way will help them feel a sense of belonging.

Integrate the Traditional Elements

Having a post-elopement party doesn't mean you have to completely abandon tradition. You can wear a wedding dress and a suit to recreate your own sense of ceremony.

You can have a first dance, a mother-son dance, a father-daughter dance, or even a simple toast—all are welcome. The design of your party depends entirely on what you want to preserve and what you want to let go. Traditions can be warm and relaxed without being formal.

Bachelorette Party After Eloping

Can you have a bachelorette party if you elope? Yes—you can have one if you elope. It's the perfect opportunity to celebrate and unwind with your friends. Even after the wedding, you can still invite your besties for a relaxing trip, a spa weekend, or a girls' night out as a small celebration of your new life.

However, it's important to note that since they weren't invited to your elopement wedding, if you want to have a bachelorette party afterward, it's best to plan and pay for it yourself. This way, you won't put pressure on your friends, and it will show your thoughtfulness and appreciation.

Conclusion

From clear-top tent parties, backyard barbecues, and glamping to showcasing elopement photos, incorporating traditional elements, and even post-elopement bachelorette parties, your elopement party can be anything you want. You can choose a casual get-together or a full-on celebration, whatever works for you.

If you're looking to create a dreamy yet practical outdoor atmosphere, Sheltent's clear-top tent is a great option. Practical and beautiful, it's sure to be a party highlight!