Evergreen Era Film + Photo
Welcome to my world, where meaningful and sentimental elopements take center stage. This little business is where I share how your marriage celebration is not JUST about the vows exchanged but all the other little moments shared during your wedding experience. The perfect example? An intimate wedding dinner party with the people you love most!
Though there are the typical things you think of for a wedding dinner party, like popping champagne and cutting the cake, I want to help you re-imagine what this gathering could be like. Because the amazing thing is, there are so many personalized ways to make it even more special.
Picture this:
A table adorned with your favorite colors, sounds, and smells. The laughter and joy of your closest companions filling the air. You feel like you are in a movie, immersed in the moment and squeezing every bit of gratefulness out of each second as you can.
Planning a dinner party for your elopement opens up a realm of possibilities where creativity knows no bounds. It’s a chance to infuse your unique personalities into every detail, creating an evening that’s as sweet, personal, and special as your love story.
In this blog, we’ll delve into the art of crafting an unforgettable intimate elopement dinner party. From creative menu ideas to charming decor touches, we’ll explore how you can make this moment truly your own.
So, let’s embrace the joy of celebration, have some fun, and invite those who will add an extra sprinkle of magic to your day!
Crafting Memorable Moments:
Intimate Elopement Dinner Party Table Of Contents
01. Pick a Location That You Love
02. Hand Pick A Drink for Each Course
03. Hire A Private Chef
04. Design a Menu With Your Favorite Foods
05. Set the Table with Sentimental Items
06. Add Personal Details To The Setting
07. Re-Imagine “Toasts” And Swapping Stories
08. Share First Dances With Anyone and Everyone!
09. Don’t Forget Your Dogs
10. Gather Around A Cozy Bonfire
01. Pick a Location For Your Dinner Party That You Love
One of the pivotal decisions in planning your wedding dinner party is selecting the perfect location. It’s an opportunity to set the stage for the unforgettable moments that will unfold as you celebrate your love.
It’s your chance to sprinkle your unique flair and personality into every detail. Picture yourself scouting locations with your partner, giggling as you stumble upon hidden gems and secret hideaways.
Whether you envision an elegant affair in a rented home with chic dining spaces, an intimate ceremony nestled within a carefully curated mountain wedding venue, or a romantic dinner picnic amidst the beauty of forested nature, the choice is yours. Consider the surroundings, the backdrop, and the overall vibe to ensure that it aligns seamlessly with the essence of your love story, creating an enchanting setting where cherished memories will be made.
02. Hand Pick A Drink For Each Course
Crafting the perfect drink pairing for each course of your wedding dinner party is like composing a symphony of flavors that dance harmoniously with every bite. It’s an opportunity to tantalize your taste buds and elevate your dining experience to new heights.
Imagine starting with a crisp and refreshing cocktail to awaken the palate, followed by a delicate wine that complements the flavors of your appetizers. As the evening unfolds, let the drinks mirror the progression of your meal, from light and airy to bold and robust, each sip enhancing the culinary journey. Whether you opt for a curated selection of fine wines, signature mock-cocktails crafted with love, or artisanal brews that speak to your palate, each choice adds a layer of depth and complexity to your celebration.
There’s a fun, potential date night in hand-picking your drinks! Plan an evening to plan it out together and enjoy your engagement while planning for your wedding!
03. Hire a Private Chef
Hiring a private chef for your elopement dinner party is not just about indulgence; it’s about creating an experience that allows you to truly relax and savor every moment of your special day.
By entrusting the culinary aspect to a skilled professional, you can alleviate the stress of meal preparation and instead focus on cherishing the company of your loved ones. Moreover, opting for a private chef means supporting local businesses, contributing to the community in a meaningful way. It’s a chance to be pampered and treated with luxury during one of life’s rare opportunities to indulge. This allows for your intimate celebration to be not only memorable, but also effortlessly enjoyable.
With a private chef at the helm, you can sit back, unwind, and relish in the magic of your elopement without any added burden or worry.
04. Design a Menu With Your Favorite Foods
Celebrating is all about indulging in the good stuff of life. Food is one of those things (at least it is for me!), and your elopement dinner party is the perfect opportunity to design a menu filled with your favorites. This ensures that every bite of enjoyment is a celebration of your unique tastes and preferences.
Choose from dishes that hold sentimental value for both of you or a delightful treat that always brings a smile to your face. Think about foods you’ve had on vacations, that family members have cooked for you, or that you’ve had during special date nights. Use these memories to create your unique menu. You can collaborate with a private chef to craft a plan that perfectly reflects your culinary desires. Another option is to order from your favorite restaurant for a catered feast that delights your taste buds.
After all, what better way to celebrate love than with a feast that brings together the flavors of your shared journey?
05. Set The Table with Sentimental Items
Here’s my advice: don’t just go for what would be beautiful when it comes to setting the table. Get creative!
Include little pieces of things that represent you and your partner, whether that comes in the form of little wooden mushrooms you hand made or love notes to each person you invited. Choose your favorite colors and smells. Use the fancy china sitting in your grandmothers cabinet that has never gotten used! Provide a little drink for everyone to try before the meal begins.
There are so many ways to make your dinner party your own just by setting the table in a way that represents who you are. Have some fun with it!
06. Add Personal Details To The Setting
Incorporating personal details into the setting of your wedding dinner party can transform the ambiance from ordinary to extraordinary. These little things can infuse the space with warmth and nostalgia that makes a bigger impact than you’d think!
You might like adorning the tables with photographs capturing cherished memories shared with your partner or the guests you’ve invited, each snapshot telling a story of love and connection. Maybe you include some cultural touches to pay homage to your heritage or shared interests. You can do this by incorporating cultural elements such as traditional decorations or music into the space.
These personal touches not only add depth and meaning to the decor but also create a sense of intimacy, inviting everyone to share in the magic of your love story.
07. Re-Imagine “Toasts” And Swapping Stories
Toasts are clearly a common tradition in weddings. But if that doesn’t feel quite like a good fit, what if you mixed things up a bit?
Grab one of the many connection-making, question-asking card games like these from The Skin Deep, or The Hygge Game. Pass these cards around the table and let guests dive into conversations that delve deeper into your lives together. This can help foster a sense of intimacy and camaraderie among everyone present. Maybe you create a theme to help guide and encourage everyone to speak, such as “funniest memories with you” or “marriage advice from your real life experiences”. Alternatively, if your guests aren’t big on public speaking, give them some time in the night to write letters to you instead. If they want to write them beforehand, have a drop box where they can drop a letter they have pre-written. You could even read their letters out loud, giving them the chance to experience seeing you embrace their kind words.
Or course you can still have people share toasts in the typical way, which is very beautiful and sentimental. But if that doesn’t feel right, make it your own!
08. Share First Dances With Anyone and Everyone
It’s common to share a first dance with your partner at weddings, perhaps even with a select few at larger, more traditional ceremonies. But why limit the joy of dancing to just one or two moments? At your elopement, you have the freedom to take this tradition to new heights.
Imagine if, instead of just dancing with your partner, you shared a dance with everyone at your wedding dinner party. Picture choosing a special song for each person that holds significance to your relationship with them, and then taking to the dance floor together to celebrate your connection. You could share an intimate slow dance or an upbeat boogie! The dance floor becomes a space where laughter, joy, and love intertwine. This is a chance to create unforgettable memories with each and every guest.
Why not let the music move you and dance the night away with each person who has enhanced your lives?
09. Don’t Forget Your Dogs
If you’re dog lovers like me, you know that having your furry companions around can truly make any gathering feel complete. There’s a special warmth and comfort that comes with their presence, not to mention the therapeutic joy of petting a dog. So why leave your beloved pups behind on your special day?
Including your dogs in your wedding dinner party isn’t just about adding an extra guest to the mix – it’s about grounding the celebration in the love and companionship that they bring. Picture them trotting happily alongside you as you exchange vows. Or maybe they are lounging contentedly under the table as you dine and dance the night away. Their presence infuses the atmosphere with a sense of joy, spontaneity, and unconditional love. They are there reminding everyone to be present in the moment and embrace the simple pleasures of life.
So don’t leave your dogs behind! Let them be a part of the celebration and make your wedding dinner party truly complete!
10. Gather around a Cozy Bonfire
Now, this last idea may be a personal preference, but there’s something truly magical about gathering around a bonfire.
As the sun sets and the stars begin to twinkle above, there’s a special kind of warmth and intimacy that comes from sitting around the flickering flames. It’s a calming and soul-soothing experience, perfect for winding down after a long day of celebrating. The crackling of the fire, the smell of woodsmoke in the air, and the soft glow illuminating the faces of loved ones – it all brings the energy of the evening into a more serene and zen-like state. You can share stories, toast marshmallows, or simply enjoying each other’s company in quiet contemplation. A bonfire provides the perfect backdrop for creating cherished memories and deepening connections.
So, if you’re looking to add a touch of magic to the end of your wedding dinner party, consider gathering around a bonfire and basking in the glow of love and togetherness.
Start Planning Your Dreamy Wedding Dinner Party
As you plan your wedding dinner party, remember that the possibilities for personalization and creativity are endless. From re-imagining traditional toasts to including beloved pets and gathering around a bonfire, there are countless ways to make your celebration uniquely yours. You can choose to incorporate interactive games, share dances with everyone, or set the table with sentimental items. The key is to infuse your wedding dinner party with elements that reflect your love story and personalities as a couple.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed or unsure where to start, consider hiring a wedding planner like myself. I specialize in helping couples bring their vision to life and create an unforgettable celebration that feels true to who they are. If you’re hosting a small gathering with your nearest and dearest, embrace the joy of celebration and make every moment one to remember. Cheers to love, laughter, and a wedding dinner party that truly reflects the magic of your special day!
