Outdoor Weddings

Surprise Wedding.

We actually have been trying to work around our schedules for months to get the wedding planned, it came down to we had less than 2 weeks to get it planned.  WE decided that since it was such a short time, we would invite everyone to a bonfire.  We live across the backyard from his mom and dad.  Between the 2 yards there is so much space and with it being fall and just how we are the bonfire idea fits us perfectly.  I've been married previously and the big showy white wedding dress and all that just wasn't me.  This time in addition to being 5 months pregnant I wanted to be comfortable.  We decided screw tradtion, blue jeans and boots it is.  Our colors are just a mix of all the fall colors, red, yellow, orange, green, brown.  Instead of your traditional wedding decorations of flowers, I decided I only wanted mums & leaves.  His parents have monkey bars in their backyard, we are decorating the monkey bars in garland (leaves) and ribbon, and this fine mesh fabric.  We are going to have cake as is tradition (5 months pregnant and someone said cake there was no way i was cutting that out), but no caterers or anything like that, we're doing chili, shredded chicken and sloppy joes. Sides of potato chips. My friends have all agreed that they think the idea works so well in to who I am really that its goin to make it that much better.  We are in fact having a bonfire. we're going to have straw bails around the fire and we're going to have straw and pumpkins, gourds, etc. And to top it all off I can't resist the fact that it is supposed to be a big surprise!!!! Now, I do still believe in something old, something, something borrowed, something blue.  And by gosh, I got nothing borrowed.  I've got 2 old my aunts leaf earrings, and a handkerchief that was my grandmothers before she passed, my blue hello my jeans, new my blouse for the big day, but nothing borrowed!!! lol.  AHHHHH!!!!

Re: Surprise Wedding.

  • That sounds fun!  Borrowed, hmmmm thats the one thing I'm stuck on too.  Maybe a necklace, bracelet or watch from someone?  Good Luck!!
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  • wow!
    this sounds amazing actually. i really admire that you are doing what you are comfortable with and celebrating the way that will be most meaningful to you

    the only thing is, i guess it sounds disconcerting to me the fact that it will be a surprise. i feel like people would want to know that they are going there to celebrate you guys, especially because people might feel awkward later the fact that they didn't bring a gift, etc.
    i would maybe considering sending invitations, but it doesn't have to be frou frou, but just a heads up "hey, we're having a bonfire, and by golly we're getting hitched too!"

    i love the idea, but i think people would appreciate a heads up. this sounds amazing, i hope you have a great time!
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  • I love the idea of it being a surprise. I had wanted to do that, but it just didn't seem feasible for us.

    Sounds like it will be a great time! Congrats! Maybe your mom has something special you can borrow??
  • All of that sounds fun!  And the surpise factor is a bonus.  I would love it!  Have a great time.  Enjoy!
  • Let your older family members know you're in the market for something borrowed. 

    That's what I did, and I ended up with my grandfather's wedding band that my aunt had had resculpted into a heart pendant.  I sewed the pendant into my petticoat and gave it back the next day.  Your relatives have probably been hanging onto some piece of sentimentalitiy like that and I'm sure they'd let you borrow for the big day!

    Best of luck with your wedding!  I'm sure it will be beautiful.
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  • edited October 2010
    I agree, ask older family members about the something borrowed, and I'm sure someone will come up with something.  Maybe jewelry, toasting flutes or a cake cutting/serving set?

    Is there any way you can somehow spread the word that it's really important that people attend this?  The only issue I see with a surprise wedding is that you may have some issues with people not coming that WOULD if they knew it was your wedding.  I get that you want it to be a surprise, but it would really suck if some of the people closest to you don't come because they didn't know (for both them and you). 

    I know that for a bonfire, I might not come if I was tired, wound up getting caught up at work, had a busy week, etc etc.  And then I would feel awful if I found out I missed your wedding. 
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  • I don't understand what is supposed to be a surprise and to who.  ?
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  • I LOVE everything about your idea except the surprise part.  I also would be really likely to skip a bonfire for a silly reason like I was tired or just not in the mood.  I'd feel HORRIBLE if I missed some close to me's wedding because I was "tired" "grumpy" etc.  TELL THEM!
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  • I really like the idea of a surprise wedding but they are hard to pull off for a number of reasons as far as guests go.  I would send either informal invites or simply call the people you want there and tell them what is going on.  Too many people I think could come up with an excuse to miss a bonfire but if they knew it was also your wedding they would definitely come.
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  • I'm actually borrowing some makeup from my FSIL ;o) She has like 3 kaboodles af stuff. I'm wearing it, right? lol
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