The best of both
More couples now choose to marry in Lapland with just the two of them, or a handful of guests, and then celebrate with family and friends at home. It is a gentle compromise: the ceremony is private and unforgettable, and the party is open and relaxed. The only real question is how to link the two.
We have seen the best results when the home celebration is designed as a continuation of the Lapland day, not a separate event. A few shared elements can carry the Arctic atmosphere across a thousand miles.
Choose three things to carry across
Resist the urge to recreate the whole ceremony. Choose three elements that feel essential: a colour, a material and a moment. Perhaps soft white and sage, birch and linen, and a candle lit at the start of the evening. These become the thread through the home reception.
This restraint suits our brand and our approach. A reception that is calm and considered will always feel more like Lapland than one filled with snowflakes and fake fur.
Bring the light
Light is what guests remember about Lapland, and it is the easiest element to carry. Candles in glass and lanterns on the tables, warm lamps instead of overhead lights, and a dimmer if the venue allows. If your ceremony took place at dusk or the blue hour, a deep blue and warm gold palette will echo that evening.
For summer elopements under the midnight sun, a bright, open room with natural light and pale linen sends the same message.
Share the story
Guests who were not there will want to see the day. A slideshow is the usual answer, but we prefer something quieter: a table of printed photographs, a short film shown softly on a wall, or a guest book with a map of the route you took. The guest book and memory table is a good place to gather these.
A handwritten note about where you married, placed at each seat, brings the place to the table in a personal way.
Use real materials from Lapland
Small items shipped from Lapland, such as birch candle holders, reindeer-hide table accents, a bough of spruce or a Finnish textile, add authenticity. Our décor collection includes pieces that many couples keep after their wedding, and we can advise on what can travel.
If you are bringing home keepsakes from the trip, plan the packing early. Our guide on shipping sentimental decor explains the practicalities.
Choosing the right format for the home event
A home celebration can take many forms: a long lunch, a garden party, an evening reception or a relaxed gathering at a family house. We suggest matching the format to the mood of your Lapland day. A quiet, candlelit elopement suits an intimate dinner. A more joyful and open day suits a lively party.
The best home receptions we have seen avoid repeating the formalities. If you have already said your vows, there is no need to stage them again. Instead, invite guests to toast, read a few words and see the photographs.
Timing and photography
Many couples hold the home celebration a few weeks or months after the elopement, once the photographs and film are ready. This allows the gallery to become part of the day, shown on screens, printed on a table or bound in an album for guests to look through.
If you would like us to advise on the styling for a venue outside Lapland, we offer virtual consultations. Our article on planning styling from abroad explains how this works.
Let the Lapland day come first
The ceremony itself deserves its own full design. Our elopement styling is built around the two of you, whether that is a frozen lake, a quiet cabin or a forest clearing. When that day is beautiful, the celebration at home becomes a warm retelling rather than a recreation.
If you are thinking about an elopement in Lapland, we would be glad to hear about it. Send us a message and we will reply within one business day.
