"My partner and I really want to elope, but we are worried about having our family feel left out"
I hear it all the time. For whatever your own reasons are for eloping, chances are you're wondering how you can make your family still feel included.
Here are 5 ways to include your family and friends when you elope:
1. VIDEO CALL
If your family and friends can't be there in person the next best thing is for them to be there in video. Set up a virtual invite so they can join you and watch the ceremony live from an ipad from wherever they are!
2. HAVE THEM WRITE LETTERS
Invite your closest family and friends to write you letters that you can read on your special day. (They can even be recorded video messages).
3. BRING A "PIECE OF THEM"
Will there be flowers or jewelry or any other special details? You can wear your mom's earrings in honor of her, or drink out of your fathers leather flask. The options are endless.
4. INCLUDE THEM BEFORE AND AFTER
Before and after any wedding there are always tons of details to work out. Include your friends and family in these planning details to make them feel included. Ask for their input while your coordinate colors and pick out flowers. You can also have a separate reception or post elopement celebration at a later date that includes your family and friends.
5. JUST BRING THEM TO THE WEDDING
Eloping doesn't mean the family has to be excluded. You can invite family if you want to! And just because you invite them along doesn't mean they necessarily need to be there while you say "I do". They can celebrate with you back at the hotel or by going out for a nice dinner afterwards.
6. CREATE A WEBSITE OR PHOTO ALBUM
You could create a website or a photo album to share photos from your special day with your loved ones. (If you hire me as a photographer I include a sneak peak within 48 hours so that you can share photos with your friends and family as soon as possible).
Have any other ideas of how you could include your friends and family that can't be present while you elope? I'd love to hear them!
