My fiance and I are thinking of throwing a "surprise" wedding sometime this summer. We've both been married before and do not want any gifts nor do we want people to feel obligated to give a gift even after we say "no gifts." Plus, we have 4 kids and are not looking to finance a "traditional" wedding. I'm pretty sure we coud get our minister to officiate, so that wouldn't be an issue. I guess I'm just wondering if anyone has any ideas as to how to pull it off. We're thinking along the lines of inviting people under the pretense of a cook out or whatever and then...surprise...you're here for our wedding! We want to make sure all of the vital people in our lives (parents, grandparents and siblings) are here while still keeping it a total secret. Any ideas or suggestions?
You could call it a reunion..
might be a good idea to get out-of- town guests there.
Make a theme to go with the party to intice people ... 1st annual something bash.. etc.. send an evite early with a 'save the date' type thing...
What about a 4th of July party??? Invite everyone over for a cookout. Go to the fireworks, etc. Then just as the fireworks are about to start you get married. My nephew's mom did this. Surprised everyone!
You could also do a Luau, as suggested. Have tiki torches, set up an alter that looks like a tiki hut. etc. You could wear a white summer dress, the guys could wear hawaiian shirts....
You could have your kids throw you an engagement party, and then get married at the party!
I know of an older couple (in their 70's), that didn't want a big deal wedding, they got married during the Sunday night evening service! They of course prearranged it with the minister. The minister sent out a message that he had a big announcement for the Sunday night service and there would be an after service potluck so that lots of people would show up and bring food/desserts. Pastor gave his normal sermon. The bride and groom - Bob and Eve, not real name- were sitting towards the back in regular Sunday dress. Then toward the end of the service he paused and said 'So I know you all are wondering what the big surprise is... well as you know, Bob and Eve are getting married, what you don't know is that they are getting married right now! Bob, Eve.... they got up, walked to the front, and got married!
Good luck.
M.
We went on vacation and got married. Did an awesome handfasting ceremony...you could totally work your kids into that and do a family knot. I paid about $300 for everything! I know you want people at yours....if you do a handfasting ceremony ask the closest members of your family to bring ribbon that will be used in the tying of the knot. That would be their gift to you.
Maybe send out casual cookout invite in mail announcing that you both have some BIG news that will be revealed at the cookout.
We went to an 50th wedding anniversary party for a cousin and my cousin's granddaughter and her boyfrined got married right there. It was a surprise too. It was a wonderful way to show respect for her grandparents.
I think it's a wonderful idea. Congratulations!
Wow.. I love it! I'm sure other moms will have some great ideas but I love it just the way you're planning it! If it's the way you want it, go for it!
Good luck and CONGRATS!
For our wedding, we did a cookout style casual one. We did tell people ahead of time so it wasn't a surprise, but it was a very laid-back, casual one. Maybe yall could do the cookout idea.
If you or your fiance (or one of the kids) have a birthday around the time you want to do this, use that as the reason for the "party", or Us ethe July 4th BBQ as the reason. If you do that, just make sure no one has previous plans for that holiday. I'm sure it'll work out and be special. Congrats and best of luck!!!
I love this website: offbeatbride.com - there might be some good suggestions. And I also really like your idea, sounds like a lot of fun!
Could it be centered around someone else's birthday party, anniversary, graduation? Or, tell your immediate family you want them to come over for dinner because you have some " wonderful news." Of course they'll likely assume there is another child on the way... Luau party could be fun and you can plan that in advance too and make sure the family is all available for that date...
