If you're looking for a unique and memorable way to celebrate your engagement, why not surprise your friends and family by turning your engagement party into a wedding? It’s a great way to celebrate your love and commitment in a less-stressful, meaningful and intimate way, surrounded by your closest loved ones.
But before you start planning, it's important to know the steps you need to take to make your surprise wedding happen. Here’s some ideas:
1. Invite only close friends and family to the engagement party will help keep the wedding a surprise, as fewer people will be in on the secret. You can still have a larger wedding later on if you wish, but keeping the guest list small for the surprise wedding will help ensure that the event remains intimate and special. This also gives you an opportunity to celebrate with your closest loved ones and share the news with them in person.
2. Choose a location that can double as a wedding venue, such as a bar, hotel suite or meeting room, park or backyard, will make it easier to transition from the engagement party to the wedding ceremony. This can help save time and money, as you won't need to book a separate venue for the wedding. It can also make the event feel more personal and special if you are able to get married in a location that holds meaning to you.
3. Keep the dress code casual will help prevent guests from suspecting that a wedding is about to take place. If everyone is dressed in formal attire, it might give away the surprise. Instead, encourage guests to wear comfortable clothes that they can move and dance in. This will also help create a laid-back and relaxed atmosphere for the party.
4. Consider hiring a professional photographer or videographer to capture the surprise wedding. This will allow you to have lasting memories of the special occasion, and you can share the photos and videos with friends and family who were not able to attend the party. You can also use the photos and videos for your wedding website or social media pages. Make sure to plan ahead and hire a photographer or videographer who is available on the date of the party.
5. Have a wedding officiant on hand to perform the ceremony is an essential part of any wedding. This could be a friend or family member who is ordained, or a professional officiant. Make sure to plan ahead and have an officiant lined up before the party. You may also want to consider writing your own vows or choosing readings or music that are meaningful to you as a couple.
6. Set up a wedding altar or arch and decorate it with flowers and other wedding-appropriate decorations will help create a wedding-like atmosphere and make the transition to the ceremony feel more seamless. This can be as simple or elaborate as you like, depending on your budget and style. You may want to consider hiring a florist or working with a wedding planner to help with the decorations.
7. Serve a wedding cake instead of a traditional engagement party cake will give guests a clue that the party has turned into a wedding, and also provide a sweet treat to celebrate the newlyweds. You can choose a traditional tiered cake, or opt for a more creative and unique design. You may also want to consider offering a variety of dessert options, such as cupcakes or a dessert bar, to accommodate different dietary preferences.
Looking for a venue to host your engagement party/wedding? Contact your local Hyatt Hotel, we'll be able to assist you.