We Eloped! Party Invitation Wording and Reception Ideas

You can marry privately and celebrate with a wider group later. The invitation simply needs to tell guests what has already happened and what they are being invited to now.

You do not need to apologise for choosing a small ceremony or explain every reason behind it. You do need to avoid suggesting that guests will attend a marriage ceremony when the event is a reception, dinner or party instead.

These examples assume an earlier marriage has actually taken place. For a different kind of commitment celebration, use wording that accurately describes that occasion.

Put the current invitation first

A good invitation can contain one sentence about the marriage, followed by the details guests need to act on: celebration date, arrival time, venue, food and reply deadline.

Avoid displaying two dates at equal size without labels. Guests may mistake the earlier ceremony date for the date they need to attend.

Use "We married on [earlier date]" in smaller supporting text and make "Celebrate with us on [event date]" the main instruction.

1. A cheerful party invitation

We eloped - now let's celebrate!
[Names] invite you to a party on [celebration date]
from [time] at [venue].
Join us for [food, drinks and activities actually planned].
Please RSVP by [date] at [website].

Use a clear food description. Guests will plan differently for a dinner than for refreshments after an evening arrival.

2. A formal reception

[Names] were married in a private ceremony on [date].
They request the pleasure of your company
at a reception celebrating their marriage
on [celebration date] at [time]
[Venue and location].
Kindly respond by [date].

Formal language works perfectly well after an elopement. You do not have to make the entire celebration casual because the earlier ceremony was small.

3. A small dinner

We are married, and we would love to celebrate at the table with you.
Please join [names] for dinner on [date]
at [time], [venue].
Please reply by [date] and let us know any dietary requirements through [method].

If guests pay for their own meal, make that clear before they accept. Do not let the format of an invitation imply hospitality you are not providing.

4. A celebration with chosen family

We began this chapter privately. Now we want to share the joy with the people who make our lives richer.
Join [names] for [occasion] on [date] at [venue].
[Arrival and response details].

This wording includes a wider circle without defining who counts as family. See our chosen-family guide for other ways to acknowledge support.

5. A delayed celebration

We were married on [date], and our celebration is finally here.
Please join [names] for [dinner/a reception/a party]
on [celebration date] at [venue].
We would love your reply by [date] at [website].

There is no need to give the reason for the delay unless you wish to. Keep the invitation focused on the event guests can now attend.

6. An event with a personal reaffirmation

We are already married and look forward to celebrating with you.
Our gathering will begin with a short personal reaffirmation, followed by [confirmed plan].
[Names, date, time, venue and response details].

Use an accurate description agreed with the person leading that part of the event. A personal reaffirmation should not be presented as another legal marriage ceremony or a substitute for local legal advice.

Questions to answer on your website

Will there be a wedding ceremony?

We are already married. This event is our [reception/dinner/celebration]. [Add an accurate note about any personal ceremony element.] We are excited to spend this time with you.

Which date should we keep free?

Please join us on [celebration date]. The earlier date mentioned in our story is when we married privately.

What should we wear?

The dress code is [style]. Please choose an outfit that feels right for you within that style. [Add a practical venue or weather note.]

Are gifts expected?

Celebrating with you is what matters to us. [Add your actual gift preference, or omit this question.]

Avoid adding a registry explanation that contradicts your invitation. Your decisions can be simple, but they should be consistent.

Build a reception around the parts you enjoy

You do not need to repeat a procession or create a full traditional wedding schedule. A welcome, shared meal, a few photographs and time to talk can be enough.

For example, welcome guests at 17:30, serve dinner at 18:15, offer an optional toast during an agreed break and finish with dessert and conversation. Confirm the timings with the venue and caterer. Our nontraditional timeline guide includes fuller examples.

Keep the website and stationery on the same page

Check that the homepage countdown, event schedule, RSVP deadline and invitation all refer to the upcoming celebration rather than accidentally using the earlier ceremony date. Keep the marriage story in its own clearly labelled section.

Shared Beginning lets you use the names and wedding conventions that fit your occasion. Build your celebration plans, and give guests a clear invitation to the event you are excited to share with them.