If you are looking for a way to have a truly unique wedding, consider throwing a surprise wedding. It is much like having a surprise party, except for when your guests arrive, the surprise is that they are at your wedding. This is how to have a surprise wedding that will really make a splash.

There are a few reasons why a couple might choose to have a surprise wedding. One is that they really love drama and want to do something that will make their wedding unforgettable. Another reason to have a surprise wedding is when you just want to get married surrounded by your loved ones, but don't want months and months of fuss and planning leading up to the wedding. There is one reason that is definitely a bad idea to host a surprise wedding, which is the knowledge that your family would try to talk you out of getting married if they knew about it in advance; that is not likely to be a happy surprise for anyonetips at wedding.

When planning a secret wedding, the first thing to consider is who you will tell in advance, if anyone. Some brides and grooms will choose to at least tell their parents what they have up their sleeve to avoid any hurt feelings or heart attacks. How far in advance is a matter of preference. Some brides want to have their mothers help them with the planning and shop for their bridal gown and jewelry, whereas others may only tell their parents about the surprise wedding a few hours before it begins. When you decide to keep your upcoming nuptials a total surprise, you may wish to hire a wedding planner, since you will be unable to enlist friends and family to assist you with your wedding plans.

The usual format of a surprise wedding is to invite the guests to a party under some other pretense, and when they arrive, they discover that the party is in fact a wedding. Your cover story for the party could be almost anything, as long as it makes sense for the venue to which the guests are invited. A birthday gala celebrating a milestone, for instance, makes a great cover story for a surprise wedding. Other ideas include anniversaries, book launches, or holidays, especially New Year's Eve.

Invite your guests to your party in the usual manner. If possible, you can even keep up the pretense in the beginning of the party. For instance, everyone could be ushered into a small room for cocktails and appetizers for a "New Year's Eve" party. After they have had time to settle in, have a hotel employee announce that their hosts would like them to adjourn to a nearby room...at which time they walk into the room which is set up for the marriage ceremony. At this point, it is time to spill the beans. Either the groom or another designated person can inform the guests that they have in fact been asked there to witness a wedding...starting in one minute.

After the gasps have died down, the groom can take his place at the altar, and the wedding can proceed in the usual fashion. The excitement of seeing the bride all decked out in her fabulous wedding gown and bridal jewelry will be even greater due to the surprise of the situation. At the conclusion of the ceremony, a wedding reception can follow. Be prepared for lots of hearty congratulations, as well as more than a few questions. Surprise wedding accomplished!