Ever since you were a child, you’ve likely dreamed of your perfect wedding. Although you’ve been checking off boxes on your wedding planning checklist for what seems like an eternity, there’s something that every bride and groom-to-be need to remember: things don’t always go according to plan. That’s the beauty of life — it can be a bit unpredictable.
Something will likely happen on your wedding day that you didn’t expect. Whether your flower girl is sick, your officiant doesn’t arrive on time, or you simply forgot your family heirloom necklace at home, it’s hard to know what might or might not transpire on your big day. Just remember that no matter what goes wrong, it isn’t significant in the grand scheme of things. Your love is what truly matters. Here’s a list of seven things that could likely go wrong at your wedding, and remember: don’t panic.
Problem #1: Someone in your wedding party is late
We form our wedding party from the individuals that mean the most to us. However, these loved ones aren’t necessarily punctual! You may love your sister to the moon and back, but she still may show up late to your wedding. You may purposely have to tell her a meeting time 15 minutes earlier than everyone else just so she shows up on time, and even then she might still arrive behind schedule.
Use technology to your advantage! Alarms, automatic reminders, group texts — keep your wedding party up to date & things are more likely to go smoothly.
Solution: Have a little pep talk prior to your wedding day. Explain to her that she means the world to you and you want her there to help you get ready and to calm you down when you’re feeling a bit nervous. Better yet, make sure you two arrive together — that way, there’s no excuses about traffic, her hair or the fact that it took 20 minutes to get her morning cappuccino.
Problem #2: Something is missing
Between all the hugs and quick chats, you may have been too busy to notice that something specific you picked out isn’t anywhere to be found.
Solution: Take a moment to realize that one small missing item isn’t going to make or break your wedding. Allowing yourself to get upset, however, could ruin your big day. Just remember, no one at your wedding knows what should be there – only you do. Everyone is so focused on you they’re not going to notice that the special napkins you ordered are missing or that the groomsmen aren’t wearing their boutonnières.
If you’re really worried, it’s not too late to consider looking into wedding insurance (it’s hard to put a price on having peace of mind).
Problem #3: Someone gets a little too tipsy
We’d all love to have fairy-tale families, but the reality is, emotions can run high at weddings — especially when alcohol is involved. Whether your friend causes a bit of a scene or your brother gets sick on the dance floor, an overly drunk guest can quickly create a scene.
Solution: If you notice that someone is getting a bit too drunk, speak to the bartender. After all, they can (and should) cut someone off if they’re too intoxicated. Then, make sure that guest gets home safely.
Problem #4: The weather rains on your parade
Do you have plans to take your wedding photos outside? Unfortunately, we can’t always control the weather. If it rains, the last thing you want is to have your pictures taken inside the limo or in an unplanned location in the venue’s main lobby.
Solution: For these types of problems, always have a backup plan. Anyone who is involved with the wedding party should also be made aware of any alternative plans. Where will you take your family photos? How will you photograph your cocktail hour? Run through various scenarios so you feel secure on the big day.
Problem #5: Catering mishaps
The servers are bringing out the dinner plates, hot and ready to go, but then it happens — a couple guests are horrified at what is put in front of them. A vegan gets a plate of beef and someone allergic to shellfish is given a shrimp cocktail.
Solution: Although things happen, issues like this can often be avoided through being proactive. Stay organized and communicate with your guests well in advance. That way, you can discuss any allergies or dietary preferences with the kitchen and serving staff.
Problem #6: A baby starts excessively crying during the ceremony
Whether you have children or not, you know that babies can be a touch unpredictable. Although they look absolutely adorable in their little wedding outfits, once they start wailing, they’ll likely want more than a hug.
Solution: Don’t feel guilty if you prefer an adults only wedding, just make sure you’re upfront from the get-go. If it is your baby who begins to cry, take a moment to be a parent — after all, it’ll likely be an ongoing joke as they grow older. Another option is to have an on-site babysitter or two during the ceremony to watch the little ones while you say your “I dos”.
Whether a guest embarrasses you or the officiant says your name wrong, these things DO happen. However, they are minor and should not be taken harshly. With proper planning, you can eliminate the more disastrous scenarios — for instance, hiring a wedding photographer can ensure your wedding photos turn out alright (90 percent of couples hired a professional photographer in 2016).
Use a week-before-your-wedding checklist to ensure things are all ready to go for the big day.
If you’re proactive, you can greatly reduce the number of minor issues you experience. Just be sure to maintain a positive attitude and keep your expectations realistic. Don’t sweat the small stuff, smile your way through any emotional moments and focus on what matters — your future filled with love and companionship.
What are some unavoidable circumstances you’ve encountered during your wedding or someone else’s? Please comment below if you have anything you’d like to share! And don’t forget to stay current with wedding fashion and industry trends by checking out our Facebook and Pinterest pages — we’re always sharing new content and photos!
