How to plan a post wedding brunch people actually attend

What people tried

Every workaround mentioned in the threads below. We haven’t tested any of them — and nobody here is claiming they worked.

1. 1
   Hosting the brunch at the same venue as the wedding
2. 2
   Using hotel blocks for the gathering
3. 3
   Renting a nearby apartment or restaurant room and ordering delivery food
4. 4
   Skipping the post-wedding event in favor of a welcome party instead
5. 5
   Doing hair and makeup off-site at home beforehand
6. 6
   Booking venues for fewer hours to save money
7. 7
   Calling it a celebration of marriage and adding a note explaining that the couple will be married in a private ceremony
8. 8
   Writing 'We eloped! Please join us for a reception to celebrate!' on the invitation

In their words

Unedited, most upvoted first, each linked to the thread it came from.