Things You'll Need:
- Invitations
- A venue
- A wedding officiate
- Decorations
- Announcements
- Refreshments
- Wedding cake
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Step 1
The first step in throwing a surprise wedding is to come up with a cover reason for the party. Perhaps one of the couple is having a birthday or some other reason for a celebration. Invite people to the party for another reason other than a wedding!
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Step 2
Decide where to have the party. Couples who are living together can choose to have the party at home, in a restaurant, banquet hall or other venue. Anywhere a “regular” party can be thrown, a surprise wedding can happen.
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Step 3
Arrange for someone to marry you! Contact a minister, rabbi, or Justice of the Peace to see if they are available on your date. Alternatively, there are many places where you can “rent” a minister. You’ll likely be asked to meet with the officiate prior to the wedding date to set up the details such as vows and the fee. Ask the officiate to come AFTER the guests arrive. So, for example, if the party is to start at 5 p.m. have the officiate arrive at around 6 p.m. so that guests will have time to arrive and get settled.
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Step 4
Just before the officiate arrives, gather the guests together to make the announcement. Some couples choose to hand out a printed wedding announcement, whereas others prefer to make a verbal announcement. As the guests are reeling with shock that you are getting married right then and there, the couple can steal away and change into wedding attire if desired.
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Step 5
From this point on, the wedding progresses like a typical wedding. Vows and rings are exchanged, and the bride and groom kiss. Refreshments are served and a wedding cake is cut. Emotions and energy run high at this type of wedding, and your guests will leave with memories that last a lifetime!
