From hair and dress issues to drunken guests and unseasonal weather, here’s how to sail through any wedding debacle
On their big day, even the most chilled out couple wants everything to go as well as it possibly can. A lot of time, effort and money has gone into making it the best day ever and it’s not unreasonable to hope that it will be – for everyone involved.
But of course, life doesn’t always go to plan and mishaps occur. Some are bigger than others but on the day, even the slightest inconvenience can feel like a major crisis!
According to Guides for Brides, nearly 1 in 5 engaged couples (17.8%) spend 16 to 18 months planning every detail of their nuptials to ensure the day runs without a hitch. But can you still truly enjoy your big day if things unravel or don’t go according to plan?
After starting her business in 2020, planner Georgie Mitchell now organises up to 80 weddings a year. She knows how much is riding on this event for couples and wants to share what she has learned over the last few years.
Here are her expert tips to ensure that the day runs smoothly, whatever challenge is thrown your way:
An accidental stain to your wedding dress
“Avoid this by ensuring your dress is wrapped in something protective and stored out of harm’s way. If a spill does happen, make sure you have an emergency kit on hand. Stain remover pens are really effective when applied before the stain has a chance to set in. Most importantly, try to laugh. It’s unlikely a stain will be that noticeable to your guests and you can work out ways to disguise it in the photographs.”
A rip to the train or veil on the bridal gown
“An emergency sewing kit is another essential item. Figure out who in your bridal party is good with a needle and thread and make sure they have a mini kit on them. Should any rips occur, they can hopefully stitch it back together. But just like with a stain, it’s unlikely to be that noticeable to anyone else and it’s easily hidden in photographs.”
Painful wedding shoes
“Do NOT leave trying on your shoes until the morning of the wedding. Most shoes need a little breaking in so practice makes perfect. And if they’re still painful after a few wears, consider shopping around for something else. No matter how beautiful the shoe, you want to feel comfortable. And most skirts on wedding dresses are so long, they’ll cover the shoe anyway!”
Squabbles between bridesmaids
“If there’s tension between anyone in your wedding party, address it ahead of time to make it clear that everyone must stay civil for the big day. Don’t involve yourself in the drama or take sides. If drama does suddenly unfold, remove yourself from the situation and pick someone else to intervene and remind guests that your wedding day is strictly good vibes only.”
Unexpected downpour for an outdoor wedding or reception
“Outdoor weddings are beautiful but the British weather doesn’t always play ball. So I would ALWAYS advise couples to have a Plan A and Plan B. Whether that be a pop-up gazebo or umbrellas for all the guests. If it’s just a light drizzle, you have to decide whether you’re willing to get a little wet. It could make for some unique and beautiful wedding photos so embrace it! Everyone is looking at the couple to see how they react, so if you laugh it off and go with the flow, they will too.”
Make-up artist running late
“I always say with hair and makeup, leave far more time than you think you need. If they say they’ll need two hours, aim to give them four. It’s better to be ready early rather than rushing out of the door. If you want to get cracking before the makeup artist arrives, you could ask a bridesmaid to help you with your skincare or blow drying your hair. Whatever speeds up the process.”
You hate your hair or makeup
“I think a trial ahead of time is always a wise idea so you can get an idea of an artist’s technique. Plus, most makeup artists will discount the trial cost from their total price. If you feel like they’ve done something different to the trial or just don’t think the makeup or hair suits you on the day, communicate this and see if you can make any adjustments. This is another reason why it’s best to plan to be ready early, so you have plenty of time to do any tweaks.”
The wedding speeches go on too long
“Give everyone an allotted time for their speech to start and finish and then ask them to practise it in front of someone else ahead of the day to ensure they won’t run over. If it’s the father of the bride, you could ask a bridesmaid to hear it ahead of schedule. You could come up with a code word or a subtle way to alert them that their time is running out and they should wrap up. If you don’t want to rush a speech, speak to your caterer to find out the plan. It may be that your desserts are served a little later or that your first dance needs to shift back a bit. No weddings stick to the timings with military precision, so don’t worry too much! “
Someone is too drunk
“If you’re worried about certain individuals hitting the bar a little too hard, you could insist that no one has shots or spirits until after the wedding breakfast. You could even close the bar during the day and ensure that it’s only welcome drinks on offer. Try not to let it spoil your day though. Who hasn’t had a drunk guest at their wedding?”
