How to Include Family in Your Small Wedding – During & After COVID 19

As you start to plan your small wedding you’re going to be thinking a lot about who you want to be there. This is probably one of the hardest things you might have to do.

Because of COVID 19……

First off, everyone will understand. Period. If they are truly loving of you and the complicated situation you are put in they will totally understand. With that, who will be making the cut? You had a group of humans who expected to be there for your special day and now you’re going to be letting a lot of them down. I can’t imagine how that feels.
But what if you say “making the cut” into “who can you be involved in a new way”? Mind blowing right?!
I have some insight for you, there are other ways to include family in your elopement. Just because they’re not physically present doesn’t mean that they can’t be part of the process. Here are a few meaningful ways to include your family throughout the elopement process:

Before the elopement…

• Reach out to family members and ask them to write letters or words of wisdom for you two to open and read through together on the morning of your elopement
• Plan a send-off dinner a few days before your small wedding with those who won’t be there
• If you’re planning on handling the paperwork at a city hall before your actual wedding day, consider inviting a couple family members to be your witnesses that won’t be able to make it on your wedding day

During the wedding…

• Take a few minutes to call or Facetime your family on the morning of your wedding
• Consider bringing “something borrowed” or “something old” from a family member to wear

After the elopement…

• Throw a reception, invite family members to celebrate this exciting milestone – this can be as casual as backyard potluck!
• Send family members a printed wedding photo and a thank you note letting them know you’re appreciative of the love and support they’ve given your relationship
• Host a dinner party and share photos from your elopement, walk them through the experience and share details about what made eloping so special for you two

——— Bottom line: this is your commitment, your experience. Invite your family into your small wedding in a way that feels intentional to you.