Skip to main content
ARE YOU A VENDOR?

Post content has been hidden

To unblock this content, please click here

J
Just Said Yes April 2025

Elopement and a Party

Julia, on February 21, 2024 at 5:11 PM Posted in Planning 0 4
Saved
Reply
I’m going back and forth on having a small wedding at an all inclusive or just eloping at an all inclusive, then throwing a party with catering, alcohol, etc either right before or after as a more casual reception. My parents are divorced and don’t really get along, I don’t have tons of family and my fiancé only has 2 family members. My dad is only providing a small amount of money so we would have to come out of pocket for quite a bit and it doesn’t seem worth it. I also don’t foresee many friends attending a destination wedding due to cost. I’m leaning towards eloping and extending it into a honeymoon and then hosting a small party separately, but I’m nervous of the backlash. If we do elope we will still do the wedding dress, photographer, hair/makeup, cake, etc to make it special. I don’t care about the gifts, other parties, etc so that’s not an issue.

4 Comments

Latest activity by Cece, on February 22, 2024 at 9:53 AM
  • V
    Champion July 2019
    Veronica Online ·
    • Flag
    • Hide content

    I'm confused on how you'd be saving any money or avoiding your parents having to attend the same event if you are still having a party. The party is still going to cost money and your parents will still be attending. It doesn't sound to me like the party would really make sense if your goals are to save money and not force your parents to be together.

    • Reply
  • Jacks
    Rockstar November 2054
    Jacks ·
    • Flag
    • Hide content

    I'm confused about where you're going to get a backlash from? I'm also confused about how you'd be saving money by having a party vs a reception.

    • Reply
  • C
    CM ·
    • Flag
    • Hide content
    Any party separate from a private ceremony is properly thrown afterwards, not before. Anyone invited to a pre-wedding event must also be invited to the wedding itself.


    A casual celebration afterwards is fine, though you could consider having the ceremony at that time as well if it’s important for loved ones to see you marry. But as PPs say, that doesn’t avoid your parents in the same room. On the other hand they don’t need to get along, they just need to be civil and co-exist for a few hours in the same space.
    • Reply
  • Cece
    Rockstar October 2023
    Cece ·
    • Flag
    • Hide content

    Eloping then having a celebration with loved ones afterward is perfectly acceptable, and actually quite common! However, it likely won't save you much (if any) money. But including all the typical reception items, you aren't cutting your budget at all. So if you're doing it strictly as a cost saving maneuver, I wouldn't recommend it. But, if you're doing it because you would prefer an intimate ceremony with just you and your fiance at a dream destination spot, then I say go for it!

    • Reply

You voted for . Add a comment 👇

×

Related articles

33 Bridal Jumpsuits and Rompers for Your Elopement or Minimony
Bride & Bridesmaids 33 Bridal Jumpsuits and Rompers for Your Elopement or... Skip the white dress and make a fashion statement by rocking pants or shorts...
13 Fun Bachelorette Party Game Ideas the Whole Group Will Love
Bachelor & Bachelorette Parties 13 Fun Bachelorette Party Game Ideas the Whole Group Will... We've made a list of our favorite bachelorette party games that the whole squad...
Do You Have to Include Family in Your Wedding Party?
Etiquette Do You Have to Include Family in Your Wedding Party? Traditional etiquette suggests that you should include close family members in...
Read more articles
WeddingWire celebrates love ...and so does everyone on our site! Learn more

Groups

Show more

WeddingWire article topics