We’re eloping & you’re not invited! How to get married and not invite family

Are you planning to elope and not inviting family to your special day? If so, you may be feeling a bit apprehensive about breaking the news to your loved ones. This can be an intimidating task, but don’t worry – it doesn’t have to be. In this blog, you will find advice on how to get married and not invite family. Keep reading to learn more!

Planning on inviting your loved ones to your intimate ceremony? Please read our guide on how to elope with guests.

Talk to family & explain your reasoning 

Eloping can be the perfect choice for couples who want to have a private ceremony, just the two of them. Eloping allows you to avoid the stress and financial burden that can come with planning a big wedding. It also gives you the freedom to get married anywhere and anytime, making it easier for you to create the perfect day.

But how do you tell your family that you’re eloping without upsetting them? It’s important to be honest and open with your family about why you’ve chosen to elope. Explain to them your goals and dreams for your special day, and how eloping allows you to achieve those dreams. Remind them that while you may not be having a traditional wedding, you still love them and value their support.

Here are some tips on how to get married and not invite family:

1. Be honest and clear: It’s important to be upfront and honest with your family about your decision to elope. Explain your reasons for wanting to elope and why you’ve decided not to have a traditional wedding. Be clear that it’s not a decision you’ve made lightly, and that you understand it may be difficult for them to hear.
2. Share your plans: Share your elopement plans with your family, including when and where you plan to get married. Be prepared to answer any questions, such as why you’ve chosen a particular location or how you’ll celebrate your marriage.
3. Be respectful and understanding. Even if your family doesn’t understand your decision, it’s important to be respectful and understanding of their feelings. Listen to their concerns and try to empathize with their perspective.
4. Send them a postcard after you eloped with a photo from your day! Zazzle.com has some customizable elopement postcards with stunning designs to choose from.

Find ways to include them in your elopement day, 

While some families may be supportive and understanding of your decision, others may feel hurt, upset, or even angry. Here are some tips to help include family, without them being present.

Stay Connected Via Technology

Nowadays, there are many ways to involve your family in your elopement, even if they aren’t physically present. Consider FaceTiming or video calling while you’re getting ready, so they can see you in your dress and suit. During the ceremony, you can either set up a laptop with a live-stream, or create a pre-recorded video to share afterward. Finally, don’t forget to call your parents and closest friends after the ceremony to share your good news. With all these options, it is possible to elope without upsetting family.

Ask family to share their wisdom

One of the most important parts of eloping without upsetting your family is to make sure they still feel included in the process. If you’re having a ceremony without your family present, there are still ways to let them share advice. Ask your family to write you letters that you can read each other before or during the ceremony, have a family member record a reading that speaks to your relationship, etc. Asking your family to play a role in your elopement can be a meaningful way to honor their wishes and provide closure as well.

Finally Thank Them for Understanding 

After you’ve made the decision to elope and shared your news with family, it is important to thank them for understanding. After all, this decision was not made lightly. You wanted to create an intimate experience for yourselves on this special day and the thought of having extended family members and friends around was simply too much.

No matter how they react to your news, they deserve your appreciation and gratitude. Eloping is a big step and can be scary, but by being thoughtful and honest with your family, you can make sure they don’t feel left out or hurt. Showing your appreciation for their understanding is an important part of the process and will help make your elopement an even more special experience.

In the end, it’s important to remember that eloping is a personal choice, and one that should be made with your partner’s happiness and well-being in mind. While it may be difficult figuring out how to get married and not invite family, it’s important to stay true to yourself and your desires. With honesty, respect, and understanding, you can navigate this challenging conversation and move forward with your plans to elope.