You and your love have decided to go through with an elopement. You’ve picked the perfect spot and hired an amazeballs photographer. How to tell your family and friends? What if someone gets hurt?
I know that these are some of the biggest questions couples have, when facing a decision to elope and I hope that this post can be a help for you on your way towards your best wedding day ever!
Kinnekulle, Sweden
THIS IS YOUR DAY
I just want to start this off by saying: this is your day.
You’ve made a brave choice to go your own way and ditch the traditional wedding and instead do an elopement. This is a day that you choose to spend with the love of your life, doing amazing things together and celebrating your love for each other. When you think of it like this, I think it’s hard to see how any of your closest friends and families would have any objections. But still – it can be rather stressful telling them never the less. So here are my top tips for how to break the news AND even include your family in your elopement:
1. TELL THEM FACE TO FACE (OR VIA A PHONE CALL)
OK, so my first tip is to simply TELL THEM. I know that this might seem scary, but remember; they are your friends and family! Never underestimate the personal touch. To be able to look them in the eye and tell them what your hearts desire. If you live far away – a phone call (or Skype-call!) can work just as well.
2. TELL THEM WHY
Explain why you’ve chosen to do this, and why you feel it’s the right thing for you! When they see the sparkles in your eyes and hear the tone in your voice, they will know this is the right decision for you. When people get a better understanding about something – they tend to realize it really is quite harmless and often a positive experience!
Happy bride hugging her mother after the ceremony
3. LET THEM HELP
Maybe they feel left out and not needed? There's a simple solution to this; let them help! With big things or small – maybe there is something they can help you with to make this a smoother experience? Maybe a ride to the airport or someone to watch over your pets while you’re gone? We all like to be included in our closest friends and families lives and being able to help them out, gives us great satisfaction. Don't be afraid to ask your closest family if they would like to help and be a part of your day - even though it will not be a traditional wedding day.
4. LET THEM JOIN YOU
Maybe you actually would like to have some of your family or friends there with you – and that is of course entirely up to you to decide. Just make sure you are only inviting people because you REALLY want them there and that you don’t compromise with the locations on their behalf. Maybe they can join you for the ceremony and then you wander off, together, to spend the rest of the day together? The options are plenty!
A happy couple getting celebrated by their closest family
5. HAVE A DINNER/PARTY/CELEBRATION
Whether you do it before, or after, a dinner with your chosen family & friends can really be an amazing experience! It does not have to be stiff or boring, rather go for the opposite! An amazing night out with your loved ones on your favourite restaurant? Or a BBQ-party in your backyard. You can show a slideshow with images from your photographer and let everyone experience your day together with you!
