Reception-only and elopement party invitations
Married at the courthouse, eloped, or kept the ceremony tiny? Here's what to say on the party invitation, and a free RSVP link for the headcount.
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- 3 attendingThe GarciasAna, Luis, Sofia
Song request: September!
- MaybeUncle RayRay
- 2 attendingPriya & SamPriya, Sam
Can't wait to see the photos
- No replyThe NguyensLinh, Bao
What do you write on a reception-only invitation?
Say the ceremony is private, or already happened, and invite guests to celebrate: “[Names] will be married in a private ceremony. Please join us for the reception.” Then give the date, time, place, and a reply-by date, with a link to RSVP.
Reception-only and elopement party invitation wording
Fill in the brackets, then text it or print it.
Private ceremony, reception for everyone
The classic reception-only wording, for a card or a text.
[Name] and [Name] will be married in a private ceremony with immediate family. Please join us to celebrate at the reception on [day, date] at [time], [place]. Kindly reply by [date]: [link]
We eloped! Party invitation
For a party after a private ceremony.
We eloped! [Your names] tied the knot on [date] in [place], and now we want to celebrate with you. Join us on [day, date] at [time] at [place] for food, drinks, and dancing. Please RSVP by [date]: [link]
After a courthouse wedding
For a dinner or party after city hall, the same day or weeks later.
We made it official at [city] City Hall on [date]! Now we'd love to celebrate with you: dinner at [restaurant] on [day, date] at [time]. Please RSVP by [date] so we can book the table: [link]
Formal reception-only card
For a printed card with an RSVP QR code on the back.
Together with their families, [Name] and [Name] invite you to a reception celebrating their marriage. [Day, date] at [time], [place]. Kindly reply by [date] at [link]
Destination wedding, party back home
For everyone who couldn't travel.
We said “I do” in [place] on [date], and we're throwing a party back home for everyone who couldn't be there. Join us on [day, date] at [time] at [place]. RSVP by [date]: [link]
Casual backyard after party
For a barbecue, a picnic, or drinks at your favorite bar.
Married life calls for a party! Come celebrate [your names] with a backyard barbecue on [day, date] at [time], [address]. Kids welcome, dress casual, no gifts needed. Let us know who's coming by [date]: [link]
What to call the party
Any of these works on the invitation. What matters is that guests know you're married, or will be privately, and what they're coming to.
- Elopement party
- Also “post-elopement party.” The usual name when you married privately, whether the party is the next week or a year later.
- Reception-only
- The classic wording when the ceremony was small or private and the reception is for everyone.
- Courthouse wedding reception
- Dinner or a party after a city hall ceremony, often the same day.
- After party
- Traditionally the late-night party after a reception. After an elopement it often means a casual “happily ever after party” weeks later.
Elopement announcement wording
An announcement needs no RSVP. If there's a party, send the invitation with it or later.
To family, by text
After you've called your parents and grandparents.
We have news: [partner] and I got married on [date] in [place]! We kept it to just the two of us, and we wanted you to hear it from us.
Announcement card or email
Just the news, with nothing to reply to.
We eloped! [Name] and [Name] were married on [date] in [place]. We're so happy, and so grateful for your love.
Announcement with a party invitation
When there's a party, send the news and the invite together.
Just married! [Name] and [Name] were married on [date] in [place]. We're celebrating with family and friends on [day, date] at [place], and we'd love for you to be there. Details and RSVP: [link]
Social post caption
Once everyone who should hear it first has.
Just married! We said “I do” at [place] on [date], just the two of us.
- Tell the closest people first
- Call parents and grandparents before you text anyone or post, so nobody learns it from Instagram.
- No RSVP, no registry
- An announcement shares news and asks for nothing. Add a party invitation only if there's a party.
Elopement party etiquette
- How soon to hold it
- Anytime from the same evening to about a year later. Many couples aim for a few months, while the news is fresh.
- When to send invitations
- Four to eight weeks ahead, and earlier if guests travel.
- Say the wedding happened
- Guests who weren't at the ceremony shouldn't have to wonder. “We eloped!” or “will be married privately” settles it.
- Gifts
- Many guests bring one, but don't ask. Put the registry address in the details for anyone who looks.
- What to wear
- Say it on the invite, like “backyard casual” or “cocktail attire.” Guests will ask otherwise.
- What to do there
- Toasts, cake, a first dance, and the ceremony photos or video. Some couples exchange rings again for everyone.
Printing cards? Put a code on the back with the free RSVP QR code generator. Inviting by text? There's more wording in text wedding invitations.
Send it with a free RSVP link
Free for unlimited events, with no ads. Plus ($12 once) puts a photo from the courthouse steps on the invitation.
Make the party page
Add the date, time, place, and a reply-by date. Ask one question free, like a song request or allergies.
Send each family its link
Text, WhatsApp, or email each household its own link, or post one shared link where everyone in the chat is invited.
Get the headcount
See who's coming in one list, give the caterer a number, and copy a ready-made nudge for anyone quiet.
- Replies by family
- One person answers for everyone invited in their household, by name, in two taps.
- Nothing for guests to set up
- No account, app, or password, on any phone.
- Your question on the RSVP
- Ask one free: a song request, allergies, or your best marriage advice.
- One headcount
- Who's coming, who can't, and who hasn't replied, with the total.
Reception and elopement party designs
Try your own photo or a painted design free; guests see it once the event has Plus ($12).
Your own photo · Sunset hilltop
Your own photo · Island embrace
String lights · Midnight Gold
Party flags · Moonlit Garden
Who it's for
- Elopement and post-elopement parties
- Courthouse and city hall wedding receptions
- A reception back home after a destination wedding
- Casual after parties and backyard celebrations
Questions
Common questions about reception-only invitations and elopement parties.
What do you call a party after an elopement?
An elopement party or post-elopement party. “Reception,” “after party,” and “happily ever after party” all work too. Pick the one that matches the mood, and say on the invite that you're already married.
How do you word a reception-only invitation?
Say the ceremony was private (or already happened), then invite guests to celebrate: “[Names] will be married in a private ceremony. Please join us for the reception.” Add the date, time, place, and a reply-by date with a link.
How soon after eloping should you have a reception?
Whenever suits you, from the same day to about a year later. Within a few months is common, while the news is fresh. Send invitations four to eight weeks ahead.
Is it rude to invite people only to the reception?
No, when the ceremony really was small, like immediate family or just the two of you. Say so plainly on the invitation, and nobody has to wonder why they weren't at the vows.
Do you bring a gift to an elopement party?
Many guests do, though it isn't required. Couples shouldn't ask for gifts, but it's fine to put the registry address in the party details for anyone who looks.
What do guests wear to an elopement party?
Whatever the invitation says. Name a dress code, like “backyard casual” or “cocktail attire,” and guests will follow it. Without one, most dress as they would for a nice dinner out.
Is it rude to send elopement announcements?
No. An announcement shares good news. Call your closest family before it goes out, and leave out gift requests, since an announcement isn't an invitation.
How do I tell my family we eloped?
Call or visit parents and grandparents first, before any text or post. Then message the wider family, and invite them to a party if you're having one.
Can I send reception invitations by text?
Yes, and it suits a casual party. Text each household its own message with the RSVP link. If you print cards too, add a QR code that opens the same RSVP page.
Is it free?
Yes. Unlimited events and guests, private family links, a shared link, the headcount, nudges, and one RSVP question are free, with no ads. Plus is optional: $12 once adds your own cover photo or a painted design, a custom link, and more questions.
You're married. Now get a headcount for the party.
Make a free RSVP page for the party, text each family its link, and see who's coming in one list. Nobody you invite needs an app or account.
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