Hello!
My friend got engaged several months ago. They were planning a November 2016 wedding but have decided to get married this week at city hall instead. They will both have family present (limited to 15 guests by the courthouse) and it's not a rush job due to an ill relative or anything - she wants to send an announcement to the family and friends that won't know about it ahead of time. It's secret, but not for a bad reason...I guess so that it can go easily and not be stressful. Money is very tight for them and that can be a motive to go the courthouse route...also both of his parents died in the past year so sometimes wedding planning without parents just isn't want people want anymore.
When I google for this kind of announcement I get info for people holding a dinner or throwing a party later on so it is also an invite combo but this will not be the case. They still want to plan on a party in 2016 but obviously way too early to talk about that on the mailing!
Is there any kind of announcement that would be appropriate? Perhaps a picture of them from that day with a quick note? Nothing corny like "we couldn't wait any longer" or god forbid a poem. She asked for my help either because I am aware of wedding etiquette or because I have an English degree and people take that to mean I can be a creative writer. I want to help but can't think of a way that is okay to do this! So any constructive suggestions?