Weddings are a momentous occasion, a celebration of two people coming together under oath, in view of their close friends and family.
However, weddings are also hectic and overwhelming and can cause a lot of problems for the couple in question, especially if they’re prone to getting annoyed with planning the little details.
So what should be the solution to this dilemma? An impromptu wedding!
The Basics of Planning an Impromptu Wedding
Impromptu or surprise weddings are low-maintenance, so you don’t need to have a bigger budget or a long guest list. The style also depends on you— a quaint, intimate dinner or a small backyard BBQ— it’s all up to you!
Prepare and Pre-Plan – 2 Months before the Wedding
- Set a Date– You can’t plan a wedding in a week or a month. Different services need different preparation time. So plan your wedding at least 3 months later. This’ll give you time to hire who you want, and get your marriage license.
- Get the Venue – You could simply plan your wedding in your own backyard. But if you have your heart set on a venue, ask them if they have space. However, make sure that the venue doesn’t seem too wedding-like. It’s a surprise, after all!
- Prepare your guest list – This depends on you. You can invite as many people as you want, or just limit your guest list to family. Though if you want to keep the expenses down, you might want to make it an intimate event.
- Send the invitations –This is where your sneaking tactics come into play. You’re supposed to mislead your guests. So send an invitation for an engagement party, or a formal garden party. This way, you’ll know that no one will show up in shorts and a tee.
- Book that photographer – Photographers need to be booked early on so they can plan their own schedule accordingly. More popular bridal photography in Dallas, TX is Lily Hayes Photography , offer their services for impromptu weddings as well, but they need to know a few months in advance as well. Don’t wait until the last minute otherwise you won’t have beautiful weddings of the memorable occasion.
Getting the Details Right – 1 Month before the Wedding
- Book an officiant – Make arrangements with the priest or the officiant at least one month in advance. If you have someone amongst your group who can officiate, contact them and let them in on the secret, but only if you can trust them to keep it as such.
- Get the food – Your wedding, while spontaneous, is still a formal event, so sandwiches and beer are not going to cut it. Even if you’re having a casual BBQ in the backyard, hire a professional to make the food arrangements.
- Buy those party favors – Just because you’re having a surprise wedding, it doesn’t mean you should forego those thank-you gifts. Just go for simpler, less expensive gifts like personalized trinkets or practical favors. It would make for a wonderful gesture.
It might be useful to let your parents in on the secret so they don’t feel hurt about being left out of the loop. Just be sure to only invite those who are happy for you. You are the focus of your wedding. Make the day memorable!
Contact Lily Hayes in Dallas, TX! As an experienced photographer, Lily is a professional affordable wedding photographer Dallas. She offers affordable services in engagement, wedding, newborn and lifestyle photography!