Etiquette on Eloping?

boaznruth

My fiance and I have decided to tie the knot together on a beach by ourselves in a casual, low-key ceremony with our children.  (It's my second marriage and the kids are from a previous marriage.)  Our immediate families are supportive and happy for us and we're excited making plans.  I had just a couple of questions regarding a wedding like this one.

1.  Do I need to register?  We aren't seeking gifts, although it's always nice if someone might want to get us something.  If they are going to get us something, I'd rather it be something we could use.

2.  Should we make some kind of formal announcement back home when we return?  We are considering having a small, informal party for close family and friends at some point, again, no fuss and no presents, just sharing some cakes and laughs with those we love.

louisianablue

I would skip registering for gifts, but I think a formal announcement is a nice gesture. 

Maggie0829

No to registering.  If no one is invited to the wedding then no registration should be made.  Registrations are for guests to buy you gifts say for a shower or for your actual wedding.  Since you will not be having guests or any pre-wedding parties then a registry is pointless.

Once you are married and have returned you can always send out marriage announcements to friends and family and/or you can have a small party to celebrate your marriage like you stated.

redheadfsu

1. Don't register

2. Sending wedding announcements is fine and common for private weddings/ eloping.

Cortney1982

No registry.  Send out announcements after the wedding.

MyUserName1

I wouldn't register, but I would update my Amazon wish list with a few household things JIC.

mfeo24

I'm eloping too, so I can share what we did:

1 - We were asked many times if we were registered, but our gut said no as did the etiquette board. We also didn't need anything. Our compromise was to add a few items to our existing Amazon wish list and pass that along when pressed. So far our family seems to like that we have that.

2 - I had orginally wanted to send an announcement on a photo card, but these should go out immediately. So right now I'm working on a simple printed annoucnment that I'll drop in the mail the day after. This is going to a VERY short list of people, most of whom already know we're getting married.

ETA: No parties for  us. I've had to remind myself over and over again, no one is going to be as excited as we are, so any hoopla after isn't really needed. Maybe next time I see my family I'll take the photo album.