Are you are a couple that is not one for the traditional and want to create a buzz? Have you done the "traditional" wedding ceremony before but now feel like it's not necessary? Do want to have the fun of a wedding, but not necessarily the price tag? If you're answer is yes to one or all of these questions, then a surprise wedding may be just want you need.

Now, I can hear you through the screen "A surprise wedding? What in the world?" This is actually something that is slowly becoming more common. This trend tends to be more so with people who may be entering to a second (or more) marriage who do not want the fuss of a wedding and who want to keep the party small.

Another reason you might decide to go this route is because you may have a very limited budget, but you want to have a wedding and you want to maintain your financial control. One thing I've learned in planning weddings and other events is the guest list can get out of control fairly quickly. You intend to have 80 guests, but some how (with the help of family members) you end up with 160 and how you're trying to figure out how to pay for all of them. Those 75 people you planned to have come to your "engagement party" will be surprised to find out that it will actually be your wedding.

If you are that daring couple that wants to take on this feat, there are some things you should keep in mind:

• Consider whether the surprise is actually going to be a pleasant surprise and not a disappointment to your family and friends as some guests may feel left out, confused or overwhelmed. You want this to be a happy time, so make sure there are no underlying issues in regards to your significant other, and that the families are happy and accepting of your soon-to-be spouse before you decide to do your ceremony.

• It might be worth telling immediate family – children, parents, elderly grandparents… or anyone who you want to know ahead of time to help with the planning and to take part in your day. Try to leave the surprise element for your guests. Also, this could help avoid a potentially devastating situation.

• One way to ensure the guests arrive on time is to say that some other special event is about to happen at that time. For example if it is a ‘birthday’ party people may be very casual about arriving on time. Let guests know that you have special entertainment booked that is going to commence right on the dot and you wouldn’t want them to miss it.

• The best way to announce that a surprise wedding is about to take place is to have the MC or or another person in on the surprise state what is about to happen in an announcement to your guests and then give time for them to digest the news, chat and laugh. This will give you time to prepare for your ceremony as well as set the mood for your special moment.

• Also, keep in mind that because you are having it as a surprise, it is highly unlikely you be receiving gifts. Make sure that you are okay with that decision and move forward. If you are centering it around a birthday, housewarming etc., there is the gift potential, but it probably would not be what is traditionally given since it is, after all, a surprise to them. In the event you are asked where they can buy you a gift, let them know you give them registry information at a later date. If you plan on sending out thank you cards to your guests as a way of telling them much you appreciate them sharing your day, you can include where you are registered then. However, it would only be appropriate to do so for the individuals that specifically asked you. People will probably look to see if you have a registry somewhere, so it's okay to do at least one.

If you think that you are that couple to be able to pull something like this off, have fun with it and it will definitely be an event that people will be talk about for a long time.

If you need help planning YOUR surprise, contact us HERE and we'd be happy to help you get started.