Our wedding experts round up their favorite ideas to surprise your partner and make some unexpected memories in your celebration.
By: Meghan Ely.jpg "his and hers vow book")
Photo: Momental Designs
In the midst of the wedding day rush, it can be a bit hectic to make sure that you and your partner stay on track with the itinerary. The ceremony and reception are the most important aspects of your big day, but what about all of the romantic moments in between? Here are some special ways to surprise your spouse-to-be on the big day.
"I have found that the more intimate the surprise is, the more impact it has. The surprise doesn’t have to be big, flashy or expensive. It’s more something that no one else would know, and finding a way to integrate it into the wedding without the other person's knowledge. It can be as simple as a song lyric or as big as flying in the other's favorite singing artist. It is the thought that counts!” —Keith Willard, Keith Willard Events
"One of the simplest yet most touching surprises is exchanging handwritten letters before the ceremony. You can arrange for your partner to receive the letter while they're getting ready, filled with personal reflections, love notes, and promises for the future. It’s an intimate way to calm pre-wedding nerves and remind them of the deep bond you share. Plus, it makes for incredible photos and videos!" —Craig Peterman, Craig Peterman Photography & Videography
"One of the hardest parts of having a destination wedding is the fact that sometimes certain loved ones cannot make the trip to your far-away celebration. We love helping partners coordinate a surprise arrival for a guest the other partner didn't expect to see, such as a grandparent, favorite aunt, or best friend." —Jen Avey, Destination Weddings Travel Group
"A surprise song is always a great way to add excitement and a sense of surprise to your wedding day. Whether it's choreographing a dance to their favorite song or including it in the first dance so everyone can come to celebrate on the dancefloor, your partner will be surprised when the song drops." —Colton Simmons, Colton Simmons Photography
"Another great option that always works and is rare to see is performing a song with a wedding band. That would be totally surprising, especially if the song is custom and is written especially for the occasion!" —Julian Ribinik, Julian Ribinik Studios
"Perhaps deliver your note with a gift that has sentimental meaning or something that is of heirloom quality, such as jewelry, perfume/cologne, a watch, or cufflinks. Treat your soon-to-be-betrothed to something really special that appeals to their interests, such as the first edition of their favorite book, a vintage wine, or even something as simple as framed tickets to the first concert or movie you saw together. A special piece of custom artwork can be gifted, which the couple can hang in their home as a beautiful reminder of the wedding day. Whatever gift is chosen, it will be the thought that matters most." —Kelley Nudo, Momental Designs
"Couples can create a playlist or exchange letters or gifts on the wedding day. I do like it when a couple gets away for a private dinner. This can be more in an intimate setting. I've also enjoyed surprises in the middle of the reception, whether it's a surprise live performance, maybe a surprise guest, a cool getaway car, or even a dual celebration (especially when it's with a birthday cake!). There's no designated time for the surprises on a wedding day, so keep them coming!" —Penny Haas, Penny Haas, LLC
"Work with your planner to deliver your spouse’s favorite snack and bouquet of flowers when they arrive at their getting-ready space on the morning of the wedding. It shows you are thinking of them while honoring their time at their wedding party, getting pampered before the first look, and walking down the aisle." —Casey Cannon, EBJ & Company
Planning every last detail can sometimes leave little room for candid, romantic moments, so adding in a little surprise for your soon-to-be spouse can spice up an already incredible wedding — plus, it really sets the stage for your first day of marriage!
Meghan Ely is the owner of wedding PR and wedding marketing firm OFD Consulting. Ely is a sought-after speaker and a self-professed royal wedding enthusiast.
