How to Decide If You Should Invite Family to Your Wedding
7 Questions To Help You Determine If Inviting Family Is Right For You
#1 Is it important that you have moments like this on your wedding day?
There are little moments that happen before, during and after the ceremony. Do you want family to share in this experience or are you okay if you celebrate with them later?
Better yet, would this provide you comfort or make it more stressful?
Photography: Cappy Phalen Coordinated by: Simply Eloped
#2 Do you need someone to watch the pups while you tie the knot?
I love my dog and understand if you wanna bring yours to the big day! These pups below were going crazy during this ceremony and family was very helpful in keeping them calm and limiting the distractions.
Photography: Cappy Phalen Coordinated by: Simply Eloped
#3 Do you have family you’d like to include in the ceremony?
If you want more traditional elements like a wedding party, flower girl or ring bearer then it’s obvious you’ll be inviting a few guests.
Photography: Jenn McCormack Coordinated by: Simply Eloped
#4 Do you want to symbolize the joining of two families?
Weddings are one of the most ancient rituals which can include elements beyond sharing vows. Ask your officiant about other ways to include family as seen below in this Sand Ceremony.
Photography: Cappy Phalen Coordinated by: Simply Eloped
#5 Is it important that you express and share your commitment with others?
This may be an opportunity to give credit to those who have gotten you to this day. Consider who helped shape who you are and supported your relationship with one another. It’s easy to let other people influence the guest list, but this is your day to celebrate your commitment to one another and outwardly share your love with a select group of friends and family (or not).
Photography: Cappy Phalen Coordinated by: Simply Eloped
#6 What do you envision for your wedding day?
This kinds of sums up the prior questions. You know your friends and family. You know if they’re going to add stress to your day or be able to go with the flow. It’s also not selfish if you want to spend the day intimately with your new wife/husband, especially if you’re thinking about an outdoor adventure on your wedding day. You can always have a celebration with family afterwards.
Photography: Echo Photo
#7 Will you regret eloping?
I’ve performed over 100 ceremonies, many of them Elopements or with under 20 guests. The sentiments I hear most often are, “Omg. That was so easy and fun.” I’m pretty transparent about my love for Elopements, however I totally understand that it’s not for everyone. I encourage each couple to have a candid conversation about the pros and cons of eloping. Most importantly, stay true to what feels right for your expression of commitment without the opinions of others. This is about you two.
Photography: Megan Morales
Other Considerations: As a vendor, it is much easier to navigate this current world in smaller groups. Outdoor ceremonies were my jam before Covid and continue to be my focus.
When considering family and the outdoors, other things to think about include accessibility and capacity limitations. Ask your officiant or photographer for local insight on ceremony locations to make sure you choose a space that best meets your needs.
I’d love to share my experience and appreciation for Western North Carolina with you (and your family if that’s the right fit) by helping you craft your wedding day. Contact me today!
