Plan a long table dinner for your elopement
Thinking of having a long table dinner at your elopement? Follow my step-by-step guide to planning the perfect long table dinner
Elopements are all about intimacy, personal connection, and celebrating your love in a way that feels true to who you are as a couple. If you're dreaming of an intimate and memorable way to connect with your loved ones on your elopement day, a long table dinner could be the perfect touch. Think of it as a cozy, elegant gathering where you can share your first meal as a married couple, with just the closest of friends and family (or maybe even just the two of you!).
Here's a step-by-step guide to planning the perfect long table dinner for your elopement:
Choose the Right Location
The location will set the tone for your entire celebration. Since many elopement on Vancouver Island often take place in more scenic or meaningful locations, the dinner should align with the ambiance of your day. Here are some location ideas:
Outdoor settings: A long table dinner in a backyard, in a forested spot, vineyard, or on the beach can create a breathtaking and cozy atmosphere. If you’re eloping in a place like a provincial park or a secluded beach, it is always best to consider a private area with views. With outdoor locations, always remember to have a backup rainplan as the island can sometimes be a bit unpredicatable.
Indoor venues: If you’re eloping in a more urban setting or want a cozier vibe, a rustic barn or even an air bnb can be ideal. Choose a space with enough room to fit your long table and guests comfortably.
Restaurant: On the island we are so lucky to have so many incredible restaurants. Many couples opt for a private room in a well-known restaurant where the scenery naturally provides a romantic backdrop for their evening. Pro tip* When choosing a restaurant, many times you only have to add very little decor to making it uniquely yours
Select Your Guest List (or Keep it Intimate)
The beauty of an elopement is its intimate nature, and your long table dinner should reflect that. Whether you're inviting just a few close loved ones or planning a small dinner with immediate family, keep your guest list manageable for an intimate dining experience.
Just the two of you? If your elopement is truly just about you, you could plan a beautiful two-person dinner with a personal chef or even a picnic-style setup in a dreamy location.
Close family or friends? If you want to invite a handful of people to witness your love, aim for around 10-15 guests. This number ensures that the dinner remains intimate and everyone can feel connected.
Rent or Style a Beautiful Long Table
The centerpiece of your dinner is, of course, the long table itself. Here's how to style it:
Renting the table: Many event planners or rental companies offer gorgeous long tables made of reclaimed wood, rustic farm tables, or modern minimalist designs. There is even a vendor on the island that offers wooden pallets for your picknic! Make sure the table suits the theme and vibe of your elopement.
Styling the table: Use a beautiful table runner, elegant tableware, vintage-style glassware, or contemporary pieces to create a setting that matches your style. Incorporate personal elements, like handwritten name cards or family heirloom items. For added romance, consider adding candles or twinkling string lights along the table. Pro tip* Many couples visit local thrift stores to find beautiful mismatched candle holders and vases, rugs and even stemware
Choose the Perfect Menu
One of the highlights of a long table dinner is, of course, the food. Depending on your location, you have several options for crafting a unique and delicious menu. You can either DIY your dinner or hire a local chef or catering team.
Local, seasonal foods: If you’re eloping somewhere with distinctive local cuisine or fresh ingredients, make sure to incorporate that into your meal. Whether it's fresh seafood by the ocean, farm-to-table dishes in the countryside, or rustic comfort food, local flavors will make the dinner feel more personal and authentic.
Five course meal or family style: A sit-down, multi-course dinner might be ideal for a more formal elopement vibe. A more relaxed option could be a family-style meal so that everyone can stay immersed in conversation while sharing. (This is one of my favorite options!)
Wedding cake or alternative desserts: Don’t forget dessert! While a traditional wedding cake is a classic option, you might prefer something more unconventional like a dessert table, donuts, or custom cupcakes.
Decor and ambience
To make your long table dinner truly unforgettable, the atmosphere is key. Here are some ideas to bring your vision to life:
Lighting: Soft, romantic lighting can create the perfect ambiance. Think candlelight, hanging fairy lights, or lanterns. If it’s an outdoor setting, string lights overhead can create a magical vibe. For indoor events, consider chandeliers or tall candles on the table to add warmth.
Floral arrangements: Choose flowers that match the season and your color scheme. A few small centerpieces along the table or a lush garland of eucalyptus or greenery down the centre can really tie the space together. Little mini vases filled with a few florals per vase is a beautiful yet very simple touch to elevate your table
Music: A playlist of your favorite songs or a live acoustic band will 100% set the tone for your dinner. Soft, instrumental music or a playlist that you build together as a couple is the perfect background noise while keeping things sentimental
Plan Personal Touches and Details
Last but not least, small, personal touches are what make an elopement feel so special. Incorporate these elements into your dinner for an extra layer of sentiment:
Handwritten vows or a toast: A great way to kick off the dinner is by exchanging vows or toasts with your guests. If it's just the two of you, consider reading vows aloud or offering a toast in a quiet moment before you dig into your meal.
Custom place cards or favors: Whether you’re providing guests with small keepsakes or simply giving them a handwritten note of thanks, adding a personal touch will make everyone feel special.
Surprise elements: Whether it’s a fun activity after dinner, a speech from a loved one, or a surprise element you’ve planned (such as a video sent from work colleagues or fireworks), make your dinner feel extraordinary.
Planning a long table dinner for your elopement is all about creating an experience that feels deeply personal and meaningful to you both. It is a beautiful way to bring everyone together to celebrate your love story. With careful thought, creative touches, and a bit of help from either friends and family, or professionals, your long table dinner will become a magical conclusion to your elopement day—one you and your loved ones will no doubt remember forever!
