Surprise Wedding

tmhildebrand

I am curious if this has successfully been done.
My FI and I want to do a surprise wedding ceremony at what would be our reception. 
Any tips on how to do this successfully???

mgoss228

So, you would invite your friends/family to a party, and it would then be like "surprise!  This is actually our wedding!"?  That sounds fun, and would eliminate a lot of the drama that people create the second they get into "wedding mode."

I imagine it would be like planning any event.  You would need an excuse to why you're inviting all these people, so the wedding is a surprise.  It looks like your wedding is in October, so maybe a Halloween Party invite?

I can't wait to hear more details   It sounds like a lot of fun!

tmhildebrand

I would make my friends and family believe that we were already married earlier in the day (we were going to have a small intimate wedding, 20 ppl, with a reception of 150) So now instead of getting married earlier in the afternoon we would just show up at the reception and get married there.... does that sound like it can be pulled off??

Frogger5

I like mgoss's interpretation better! I just don't think many people would really care that much if you had gotten married earlier or not. I can't imagine thinking, "I'm so glad I got to witness that ceremony - if it had just been a big celebratory party, it wouldn't have been special." I guess I just don't see the point - maybe if you told us why you want to do this?

tmhildebrand

I just think it would be fun, something different.... we don't have a lot of money to make it a big thing, but I want it to be memorable and fun! My family is a little.... well for lack of a better word.... crazy. My family isn't the kind that would get together for a Birthday party, or a Halloween party.  I want them involved, I just don't want all of the craziness that comes with the involvement.  Again, I just think it would be fun and a little bit more memorable then just the reception.

Frogger5

Well, I'm sure you could make it work. Maybe if you could find a place with two rooms, where one would be set up for cocktail hour (like the reception they're expecting) and the other, "secret room" set up for the ceremony. After half an hour or so, you guys sneak out and get ready, and then have the officiant get everyone's attention and tell them to follow him to the next room. Done. Or, you could do a really REALLY quick ceremony right in the middle of everyone at the cocktail hour with just a short intro speech by the groom or officiant. Like 5 minutes, tops. I guess it just seems like with either scenario you might miss someone (like what if your family keeps dispersing - mom's in the restroom, cousin goes out for a smoke, etc.).

The thing about the money aspect is, no one spends that much money on the ceremony part - the reception is where all the money goes. Also, most of the craziness that goes along with wedding planning is also directed at the reception. I don't think you'll really reach all of your objectives by doing this, but it does sound different and interesting, so definitely go for it if you want! Not trying to be a wet blanket, I guess it's just unusual enough that it doesn't quite make sense in my mind!

tmhildebrand

You're not being a wet blanket, I appreciate the feedback... Its just one of the ideas that the FI and I were tossing back and forth... we are just trying to keep an open mind and hope that this goes as smoothly as possible... my girlfriend had mentioned going to one and I just wanted to see if it was something that had been done.  Thank you for your honesty.... you guys are great!

bellevuelimo

Yes I have been to a surprise wedding as the video person and  the crowd and started the ceremony. Wow what a surprise for all.

Frogger5

Have to bring this thread back - I actually have knowledge of a surprise wedding now! But, it is of the pretend it's a regular party and then they get married at the party. I was getting my hair and make-up done at my trial appointment, and the woman who was after me was doing it that evening. She is an older bride, and the guests all were gathering to celebrate her FI's 50th BD. So, it happens! Course, I don't know how it worked out, but she was excited!