Throwing an engagement party in lieu of a wedding

A casual celebration after your elopement shouldn't take more work than planning an engagement party. It makes more sense to celebrate afterwards and consider stating "no gifts" on the invite.

It doesn't make sense to throw a party to celebrate something that no-one is invited to attend. Makes more sense to have a party upon your return. Since you're eloping, you shouldn't expect shower/bachelorette etc. I would not refer to gifts at all on the invite, it's against etiquette.

Unfortunately showers are only meant for invited wedding guests and I think accepting a shower could create lots of confusion and hurt feelings among guests. I d simply explain to the families that since you are opting for a private wedding/elopement you will not be having any of the traditional wedding events and appreciate their understanding. I would say that their love and support mean the world to you and you will be having a happily ever after celebration after the elopement. If your families are really hurt by this and upset to not be having traditional wedding events I d reconsider eloping or at least just invite parents and siblings. Ultimately it's your choice, wishing you all the best.

Again though, that may create confusion for people who may be expecting an invitation to a further event. You can choose this route, I'm just pointing out the etiquette and that it may be a faux pas.

You do you boo! I'm in the same boat, me and my fiancé are throwing a pre-elopement party. We've been opened from the beginning that we are eloping alone, BUT we wanted to celebrate with our friends and family.

I don't mean to be rude but, don't listen to people who say etiquette says, your whole family is wanting to celebrate you regardless of them being at the elopement or not. You are still a bride and can still have Bridesmaids/MOH I know I am.

I still plan on having a night out on the town with my peeps before our elopement. You know why? Because its mine and my fiancés elopement plans not anyone's else's. You and you man or women get to design what your celebration gets to look like

Etiquette says is just another way of saying " MY opinion and beliefs states ..." There is NO law stating you loose the chance to be a "Bride" if you Elope. I feel the people saying no would just be butt hurt if they weren't invited to the elopement but to a pre or post elopement party. its not a gift grab, its I want to see you before/after because this is a huge life moment and I want you there. It makes me sad that people who ask theses questions get shot down as if we're being rude for wanting to include our family and friends in the best way we can think of BUT still staying true to want we want.

For me personally I recently been to my first wedding and I'm glad I'm eloping with just my boo thang because I'm super shy and I would much rather such a loving intimate moment to just ourselves. Plus most people will say wedding ceremonies are boring its all about the recpetion ha