After Eloping | What Happens Next?
So you’ve decided to elope and you’re super excited about your gorgeous, intimate ceremony, but now you are thinking about what to do AFTER you say “I do.” We completely understand that this is uncharted territory for most people, which is why we are here to save the day!
As experts on eloping, we can let you know that when it comes to what to do after, the world is your oyster! Since elopement weddings themselves are nontraditional, the post-ceremony plans can be as one of a kind as you are!
There are four basic tips to keep in mind when you are choosing your plans — let us walk you through these choices!
Tip Number 1: Guest Count
A Modern Elopement can be just the couple up to a very intimate group of your closest family and friends. Your plans are going to vary if it just the two of you or if it a group of 20 people. Have no fear, both are great in their own ways!
If it is just the two of you, here are three ideas for a romantic evening after your vows:
Romantic, private dinner for two. We love setting our couples up on a private, beach side dinner for two. Since it’s just the two of you, you’re saving money on the food and you can put it towards a gorgeous table design, a live musician, or a delicious cake! There is no reason to skip out on style for your elopement.
Go on a Sunset Sail. How romantic is the idea of you and your new spouse going out to watch the sunset from the water on your own private yacht? You can choose to include dinner and drinks and make this night truly memorable.
Charter a helicopter for two! What better way to exit your ceremony than with a helicopter tour that takes you to your dinner reservation? There is no better way to enter in style.
Remember, never, ever feel guilty about making this day about just the two of you! There are great ways to include your loved ones after eloping like personally mailing them announcement cards and hosting a hometown bash afterwards!
Tip Number 2: Location
When planning you dinner plans, your location will play a huge role in what you choose to do. Since won’t want to drive a long distance after a fun night out, we recommend scheduling your post-nuptials plans close to your hotel or home. This will allow you and your guests to fully enjoy the evening without worrying about making a long drive late at night. If your dream dinner plans are a bit more out of the way, a great way to take care of this is to include transportation for your guests!
Tip Number 3: Personality
Possibly the most important question to ask yourself is what would make YOU the most happy, not what everyone is expecting of you. This is your day and the schedule should reflect things that make you happiest. If you are dreaming of an elegant dinner with a wedding cake and beautiful decor, go for it! If you’re looking for something completely different, more power to you!
Here are three unconventional plans that you can do as a couple or with your guests!
Attend a Luau. Treat yourselves to a really fun luau where all of the food and drink are taken care of for you by the staff. You won’t get bored with the amount of activities, crafts, demonstrations, and shows that are involved in most luaus on the islands.
Go on a Tour. Instead of a sit-down dinner, why not take everyone horseback riding, ziplining, kayaking, snorkeling, ATVing, or many more activities! This is an unexpected way to treat your guests to a really unforgettable evening in celebration of your wedding day! Pro tip: this doesn’t even have to be the same day as your ceremony! Take them the day after and spend the night of with your love.
Go Somewhere You’ve Always Wanted to Try. Is there an interactive restaurant you’ve always wanted to try? Or a museum that you love? See if you can host an intimate dinner party there!
Tip Number 4: Style
MYTH: You have to skip on style when you elope. Wrong! You can still have gorgeous flower arrangements, place settings, favors, and stationery if this is what you have always dreamed of! Most restaurants will allow your Concierge to bring in items like this to decorate your table to make the dinner reception feel as beautiful as you have always wanted.
Interested in eloping? We’d love to help plan your elopement wedding!