More couples are choosing to have “surprise weddings,” according to a recent style story in The New York Times.
Save the date? More like, spring the date on your guests at the (very) last minute.
Last week, we told you about a New York Times story noting an uptick in high-end elopements (couples who plan a runaway affair, but with lots of the perks and price tag of a traditional wedding). This week, another twist: At least anecdotally, more couples appear to be hosting surprise weddings.
“No longer the sole domain of celebrity couples looking for privacy, such weddings are becoming popular among couples who can’t pin down a date months in advance, are overwhelmed by the prospect of planning a huge gala, or want to save a bundle on doing an out-of-season event, sometimes without having to provide dinner,” writes Alix Strauss. “The here-and-now philosophy offers many positives.”
The story profiles several couples who chose the surprise approach and makes the case that these brides and grooms aren’t always looking to save money (although that can be the case) — but they are looking to reduce the pre-planning fuss.
“I’m an anti-bride who’s an event producer who didn’t want to plan my wedding,” said Kate Levenstien, who married Fletcher North, and invited guests to an “engagement celebration” that was — surprise! — actually their wedding. “Both of us are jokesters who love adventure. We wanted to skip the formality and have something nontraditional.”
