How To Tell Family and Friends You’re Eloping

You’ve made the brave decision to elope because it feels right for you. You know it’s going to be amazing! But how do you tell family and friends you’re eloping? The way you go about it can make a big difference in the reactions you get.

Here are some ideas and thoughts to help you tell family and friends you’re eloping:

1. Drop hints and be obvious.

Dropping hints before getting engaged or announcing your elopement can ease friends and family into the idea of you eloping without you formally having to tell them yet—reducing objections and any surprises. If there are certain people you expect will be more skeptical of the idea of an elopement, you can also ask other friends and family members to help you drop hints too.

2. Skip the word “elope”.

In the past, eloping had a stigma attached to it. Couples eloping would run off to Vegas or somewhere, on their own, without telling anyone, and tie the knot. Sometimes it was because families disapproved of the marriage. Often it was because the couples wanted to be spontaneous and get a rush of excitement. Usually family and friends felt disappointment and even resentment. It was the ultimate rebel move.

Modern elopements are different. They’re an intentional wedding day that you spend a lot of time planning. So that your wedding day is the ultimate expression of you as a couple. They’re an incredible, unforgettable experience that’s perfect for you!

Consider skipping the word “elope” when you tell your family and friends about your plans. Or at least in the beginning. Instead, focus on your WHY.

3. Let them know in person.

Tell your family and loved ones before you elope, to minimize hurt feelings. That way they’ll be a little more involved, even if they’re not able to be present at your ceremony. Tell the ones closest to you first. Remember that word spreads quickly, so try to be the ones to tell people before they hear it from someone else.

Be excited about your plans! Share all the details! Your excitement is likely to be contagious. Here are some ideas of how to start the conversation:

• “We’ve been thinking a lot about how we want to get married. It’s important to us that…”
• “A big wedding isn’t for us, so we’ve been brainstorming alternative ideas…”
• “We want our wedding day to be an exciting and memorable experience that’s focused just on us…”

4. Be confident but understanding.

You should be prepared for some negative reactions but stay strong. Don’t apologize. Take their feelings into consideration. Be empathetic and listen to what they have to say. Don’t validate their feelings by saying things like “You’re right”. Although they might be disappointed and upset, remember the reason why- they love you and care about you.

Remember, this is your day! You deserve a wedding experience that’s true to YOU. Stand your ground. This is your wedding, not theirs. It’s ok to let them know that.

5. Share your reasons why.

This is probably the most important thing to share. Speak from the heart and let them know all the reasons why you’re choosing to get married this way. When asked the reasons why they chose an elopement vs a traditional wedding, couples gave these as their top reasons:

1. A traditional wedding dosn’t feel like “us”.
2. We wanted the process of getting married to be as stress-free as possible.
3. It feels like a better fit for our personalities.
4. We want a truly intimate day where the focus is on our relationship.
5. To avoid the stress of a big wedding, and instead, plan an unforgettable experience for just the two of us.
6. We value experiences more than stuff.
7. We wanted to spend as much time together on our wedding day, making each other happy instead of any guests.
8. We’d rather not waste our money on all the stuff that’s necessary for a big wedding (like table linens, centerpieces, favors, etc.)
9. We wanted to say our vows in a beautiful and private place that just won’t fit a huge group.
10. We don’t want to be the center of attention.
11. We decided to save for a house, a travel experience, or another investment instead of spending that money on a party

6. Ask about their own wedding.

More often than not, couples have regrets about their own traditional wedding. Ask them if there’s anything they would have changed about theirs. Did it fly by in the blink of an eye? Was there any drama or stress? Did they really feel like it was worth spending all that money? You might be surprised at what they say, and this might put a new spin on things when you tell family and friends you’re eloping.

7. Involve your family and friends in your elopement.

Asking your friends and family to participate in your planning process can help them feel like they are still involved in your big day in some way while also reassuring them that they are not being excluded. Telling your friends and family about all the details of your elopement day can help them understand the time, energy, effort, and thought that you’ve put into creating your elopement ceremony—and why it’s perfect for you and your relationship. Keeping them informed allows them to feel involved and excited since they know what you are planning.

Here are some ways you could involve your friends and family if you’re eloping:

• Consider inviting a few of your closest loved ones to witness your ceremony.
• Or have a private ceremony but meet up with them that evening for an elegant dinner.
• Do a livestream of your ceremony.
• Video chat with loved ones on the day of.
• They can help you plan your reception or after-party celebration.
• Have a pre-wedding dinner, like a rehearsal dinner. Exchange gifts and do a speech letting everyone know how important they are to you. Be sure to reinforce why eloping is the right choice for you.
• Plan a unity ceremony and have each set of parents contribute a part. For instance, each provides a little dirt from their home soil and you do a tree-planting ceremony. The dirt is combined to signify the union of your two families.
• Have them write letters for you to open on your wedding day with advice and/or well-wishes.
• Ask them to help pick out elements for your wedding day- your dress, jewelry, flowers, colors, etc.
• Ask them to help with the announcements.

8. Plan a celebration!

You can still have a party with your family and friends to celebrate your wedding! You can plan a full-blown wedding reception, an intimate dinner, or anything in-between. Wear your wedding attire!

During your celebration be sure to have lots of photos so your guests will be able to see how amazing your wedding was! You can display them around the space, have a slideshow presentation, and even give them as favors!

9. Give them a photo album.

A small album or book full of amazing photos of your wedding day is a great gift for your parents and those you’re closest to. That way they can experience your wedding day for themselves, over and over. Include a handwritten note with a thank you and tell them why your wedding was unforgettable.

10. Remember The Day Is For You.

It’s good to empathize with friends and family who may be initially disappointed in your plans—but don’t forget that your wedding day is a celebration of your love with your partner (not anybody else) and that you deserve to have the day that feels right and authentic to you.

Keep your reasons close to your heart, and don’t be afraid to tell your family and friends you’re eloping. It’s better to tell them BEFORE you get married, to minimize hurt feelings. Get it done and know that your wedding is going to be AMAZING!