Planning to Elope, but family insists on parties?

If you're having a reception where your guests will be hosted, it's perfectly fine to have a shower and register for gifts.

I'm not sure what you mean about your wedding website. How would you word what?

If you are having a reception, it's totally fine. We know plenty of couples that elope privately then have a reception after!

Not always. The point of an elopement is whatever the couples point is, not just to have a quick secret thing. They're often planned and far out and known to all that they'll be happening. Traditionally if you elope, parents may want to host a party. At home reception is very common and totally fine. Personally, I would not register for this event or have a bridal shower, I would just allow them to host a reception, but if there was a lot of pressure I might do the bridal shower and register, and then not register for the reception. There isn't really a set way to do any of it, just know your crowd as well as know yourself. Are you not comfortable with registering? Then don't let anyone pressure you to. Same goes the other way around: If you'd like to register but your parents and close relatives are telling you it might not be a good move, they know the crowd, might be good to listen.

I wouldn't worry about the wedding website. Show your mother how to make a zola and help her set it up, but tell her this is her party and the invites are from her and you would prefer the site be her wording. We are having a small wedding, and my fiances parents asked if we would do a potluck after for more of the community. When I was trying to plan that thing I was going crazy with all the what ifs of planning something so non-standard, my FMIL said she realized how much planning goes into it and we don't have to do the potluck if we don't want it (she's the best!). She approached me yesterday and said if I was comfortable having it still, she'd love to host it, and I don't plan on getting caught up in the what ifs this time: it's all her party now, I'll help where I can, but she'll have the final say on whatever she wants to do!

Those that know someone who had an at-home reception, did the couple register? If it was a nicer and semi-formal reception, would that look tacky or weird?

Also, what about a bridal shower?