My fiancee and I are having a private, secret elopement next April 2020 in Santorini, Greece. We're probably only going to tell our parents about it beforehand, because otherwise they'll be quite hurt. We've been engaged since August.
We'd like to have a reception/celebration after the fact, but are a little confused about how to manage it...
Most of our guest list for the reception live in the same town as us. However both my cousin and my sister, who I'd very much like to be there, live on the other side of the country and have super busy schedules. A few other friends live a province or two away as well.
We're wondering how much notice to give everyone about the reception, without spoiling the fact that we're eloping together. Our original plan was to send out invitations that say "We Eloped!" and had all the reception info right before we leave for Greece, so that people will receive them when we're gone. Would you say that's an okay approach?
If we're eloping in April, is having the reception in July/August enough notice? Should we send out invitations for some other event (i.e. a bridal shower, an engagement party) earlier than that so everyone can at least save the date? Should we bend the rules and tell our out-of-town guests ahead of time?
Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
