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Just Said Yes February 2025

Engagement Party w/ surprise wedding

Paula, on September 2, 2024 at 10:08 PM Posted in Planning 0 2

Just got engaged over the weekend, but my fiance and I have been on the same page for a long time about what we'd like to do wedding-wise - neither of us are interested in a big, traditional wedding whatsoever. Both of our families are aware that we're not interested in a traditional wedding.

We'd still like some sort of celebration because our families are large and spread out all over the US, and I had an idea a little while ago for a big engagement party instead. I'm sort of into the idea of getting married at the engagement party without telling anyone and surprising everyone! I'm not completely tied to this idea but I do like it. Pros/cons?

What suggestions would you have for something in the realm of inviting everyone to a big engagement party and getting married right there on the spot?

Some tidbits of info that might help:

-I still want to wear a dress

-not interested in showers/or bach trips at all

-would ask for no gifts

-we are generally pretty lowkey people

-the invitation would in some way indicate that this is our main celebration & that we'll be getting married privately (so that people know not to expect to come to a 2nd event later) (also if anyone has ideas on how to word this, let me know!)

if anyone has done this or seen it done, would love to hear! TY!

2 Comments

Latest activity by Michael, on September 7, 2024 at 1:41 AM
  • J
    Super March 2022
    JA ·
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    The only con I've ever seen from this situation is that people dont prioritize it the way they prioritize a wedding, so you may have people very important to you that won't show up, and you just have to be okay with that.

    I would put something on the invite like "Please note that this will be our only celebration of our commitment to one another and there will not be a traditional wedding in the future. It is important to us to commemorate this time in our lives with all our loved ones and sincerely hope to see you there!"

    keep it short and strait forward and simple

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  • Michael
    Master October 2023
    Michael ·
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    How many guests would you have? Where would you have the party?

    You could just do a reception at some venue and do the wedding vows at the head table. Much of this depends on what you are skipping. Maybe you skip flowers and decor. May do a less formal dress. But you may still need to make a guest list, send out (or email) save the dates and have RSVPs. You still need to work out catering or other food unless this party is after dinner time.

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