2020 was rough for just about everyone, but boy did it show us what mattered most! Love and the sheer privilege of getting to surround yourself with those you care about is probably one of the biggest takeaways from last year. If 2020 has taught us anything, it’s that time with our loved ones is simply precious – am I right?! Maybe the big wedding just isn’t your style? I couldn’t be any more here for it! So many amazing Mt Hood elopements were definitely a highlight of the last year, and intimate weddings are definitely here to stay. If a smaller affair is more your thing, it can be challenging to find the balance between doing what feels right and finding a way to make sure your loved ones feel involved. 

Thinking about how to incorporate family into your elopement day? I’ve rounded up some tips on getting your loved ones involved!⁠⁠

Have a close friend or family member officiate your ceremony. 

What could be more meaningful and personal than having them proceed over your marriage?! ⁠⁠Not only does it give them a super special way to be involved, but it makes your vows that much more sentimental and special. This might be one of my favorite ways of getting friends or family involved in your elopement. 
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Tap into the wonderful world of technology!

Thank goodness for technology, anyone can be present from anywhere in the world!⁠⁠ Live stream or Facetime friends or family who can’t attend into your ceremony or post-elopement celebrations via the internet. Even when your nearest and dearest might be across the country or even the world, there’s a way to still have them there!

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Plan ahead and ask for messages.  

Ask family members to write letters or record messages to read or watch on your big day – such a special way to feel their presence even when they can’t physically be there. ⁠⁠Bonus: if they’re struggling with not being able to attend, this will also get them involved prior to the big day and help them feel more excited and a part of the process. 
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Add in personal touches.

Maybe it’s your grandmother’s necklace or father’s cuff links. These little touches will make it feel like they are there with you even if they can’t be. ⁠⁠

Continue the celebration. 

Plan a post “I do” dinner or small celebration with family and close friends. Maybe it’s on your month anniversary or the very next night, planning a little celebration for down the road will give both you and them something to look forward to and help ease any feelings of missing out! 

Include them in the planning. 

Even if you aren’t planning on inviting anyone, or your family simply can’t attend, letting them in on the elopement planning experience will make them feel more involved and act as support system for you while planning. Whether it’s helping pick out the dress, vendors, or assisting you in putting together DIY projects, if sharing in the excitement feels right – go for it! 

Get ready together.

 If you did invite some of your closest people, have them present for those getting ready moments. It’ll help calm your nerves and start the celebration a little earlier! You may even be able to tap into their talents like that best friend who is just the best at makeup, or mom who always knew just how to perfect your hair. 

Whether your celebration is just the two of you or 10-20 of your inner circle, doing what feels right is what’s most important.  After all, your day is about you, but if sharing your love and celebrating with family is on the top of your list, I hope these tips gave you some good ideas on how to involve your family in your elopement!

Speaking of elopements, check out a recent post on How To Plan An Elopement on Mt Hood!