At last, an antidote to the ‘Bridezilla syndrome’, obsession of the brides-to-be who dedicate months and a small fortune in their quest for the perfect wedding.

It’s the Surprise Wedding , based on the traditional surprise party – with one extra surprise!

Some modern couples are springing their big day on unsuspecting guests to save time, money and the stress that accompanies planning for the traditional wedding. It also saves them the urge to elope which deprives them of the presence of family and friends.

According to Marilyn Oliveira, senior editor at WeddingChannel.com, having a surprise wedding appeals to couples looking to “‘make a big splash without a huge budget”. She urges couples who take this route to have a good cover story to ensure that their guests will attend without tipping them off to the purpose of the day.

Here’s how one couple did it. John and Julie’s guests arrived for what they believed was an engagement party. They were greeted by Julie in a long white gown and John in a tuxedo - and the news that they were there to witness and celebrate the marriage.

Julie explained that she had always talked with her friends about what their weddings would be like; who would be maid of honor, what the bridesmaids would wear and other wedding details. “By the time my wedding rolled around, I didn’t want to deal with all that stuff,” she said. “The wedding was in the garden at my parents’ home. They loved the idea and the budget was something John and I could afford.”

Is Bridezilla history? Not likely, given the reach and influence of the $160 billion bridal industry and the social obligations that couples deem necessary to create the ‘perfect day’.

But if your family and friends are with you, and you start your marriage debt free, isn’t that getting pretty close to perfect?

This entry was posted on Saturday, July 19th, 2008 at 3:50 pm. Visit the archives for all blog posts.