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from Dr Diana Carroll, Celebrant. 
Surprise! We’re getting married! It’s no surprise that Surprise Weddings are so popular! You still have all the fun of planning a wedding but get to do it all your own way. And Surprise Weddings are usually cheaper, easier, and less stress than a regular wedding. But what are the advantages and disadvantages? Here are some insights to help you decide if a Surprise Wedding is right for you: Keeping it a secret! This both an advantage and a disadvantage! Yes, you have all the excitement of holding this big, beautiful secret close to your heart, and that’s sure to put a smile on your face every time you think of it! But can you really keep it a secret right up until the wedding? That can be hard, especially if family and friends keep saying ‘so, when are you two getting married?’ Keeping it secret is super important – a Surprise Wedding tends to fall a bit flat if some people have worked it out ahead of time. Less stress with wedding planning is a major advantage! Most Surprise Weddings are arranged under the guise of another celebration such as a birthday, NYE Party, or engagement. These events are easier – and cheaper - to plan than a wedding. If it’s your engagement party, you only need to plan one event and not two. A Surprise Wedding also means you don’t need a hen’s night, buck’s party, and all the other dates that are traditionally involved in wedding planning. Doing it your own way! Many couples find the well-meaning advice of family and friends can be overwhelming during the wedding planning journey. Having a Surprise Wedding avoids the involvement and advice of family and friends and the pressure that can bring. It allows you the freedom to make all your own plans and do it your own way. No difficult wedding party decisions can be another bonus. Most couples having a Surprise Wedding don’t have a wedding party because that would mean the secret is out. This avoids all those tricky decisions about who to choose. And it keeps the costs down too! Saving money is a real benefit of a Surprise Wedding. They are usually way cheaper than a regular wedding. Just think of it as a party and ‘Surprise, we’re getting married!’ There is no need for a formal sit-down dinner, it’s almost always cocktail-style drinks and food, so this is a big saving immediately. And you’re not limited to regular wedding venues – it can be at home, in a park, on the beach, at the pub, or at any venue you like. I’ve done Surprise Weddings in the front bar of the couple’s favourite pub, out in their back yard, at a beautiful winery, at a function centre, and many other places. I married Samantha and Peter (picture above) in a beautiful Surprise Wedding at home at their engagement party. So much fun! All this makes Surprise Weddings serious fun! But there are a few disadvantages: Keeping it a secret can be stressful, especially if it’s a long way off. And whilst going it alone and doing your own thing are two of the key advantages of Surprise Weddings for most couples, you may still feel sad that you didn’t get to share it with your mum or the bride tribe. Family and friends may be disappointed that they were not included in your wedding journey, especially your parents and closest friends. Your guests may be disappointed too because they did not dress up appropriately for the occasion or did not know to bring a gift, even if you don’t want anything. Realistically, other occasions don’t have the same importance as a wedding, so some guests may not come. Friends may call up and say ‘sorry we missed your birthday, we had to work/couldn’t get a sitter/the dog was sick’ but they probably wouldn’t have done that if they’d known it was your wedding. No speeches! The wedding speeches are always a highlight of a traditional reception, with Dad, the Best Man and others saying a few prepared words. This may be something you have to miss out as not many people can make a good speech with no preparation. But most families have that one person who can say a few words no matter what, especially after a few drinks! And you two can both say a few words too. Choosing a Celebrant who knows Surprise Weddings is super important. You want someone who gets you, who listens to you and understands what you want, who makes you feel good, and who can make you laugh. You want someone you like and trust, who will answer all your questions (even the ones you haven’t thought of yet!). And you want to be sure they have the confidence and experience to make it super special. I’ve done many Surprise Weddings and whilst each one is a little different, just as every couple is unique, I know all the tips and tricks to make it work for you on the day. Importantly, I’ll help you plan the ‘reveal’ so the moment of ‘Surprise! We’re getting Married!’ is just perfect! If you’d love me to marry you, let’s chat soon! Please email or call with your wedding date to see if I’m available. As your Celebrant, I will guide you through the wedding. I am calm, relaxed, and happy! Call me on 0419 829 667 or email diana@bestweddingcelebrant.com.au 
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