How to Deal with the Unexpected on Your Wedding Day
Like it or not, there’s always one thing that goes wrong on the wedding day. Whether it be a minor inconvenience or a huge catastrophe, the important thing is to remain calm and not let the situation overshadow your big day! Ask any bride, they’ll tell you that often the worry of the unexpected is far worse than anything that actually went wrong on their big day. However, I’m sure you’ve all heard the horror of the bride who got her dress covered in mud, or the outdoor wedding that got rained on. The thing to remember is that the odds of a huge problem occurring are small, and even if they do happen, you have a team of people to help solve said problem. You’re never alone!
Weather Related Issues
As a professional who’s been in the wedding industry for over 10 years, I’ve done more than my fair share of solving unexpected problems on the wedding day. Being a member of the PNW means that the most common problem that my couples face is definitely weather related. For example, one of my most recent weddings dealt with high humidity for the first half of the day then pouring rain for the second half. Needless to say, it caused some minor inconveniences, but nothing that caused the bride or groom any worry as we handled the weather in a way that alleviated any potential stress.
Solutions to the Issue’s created by the weather
Bring umbrellas
Bring warm outer garments that look nice
Have a backup plan for ceremony and reception locations, if they are uncovered
Attire Related Issues
Other common issues that occur on the wedding day are usually attire related. A zipper breaking or a button popping off. Again, these are minor inconveniences that on any other day wouldn’t cause a major amount of stress. However, the wedding day is not a standard day, and thus oftentimes even these small issues cause large amounts of panic. The solution is to come over prepared. Bring a sewing kit, extra buttons, clips, extra make-up and hair products and so forth. In my experience, the best way to alleviate stress and avoid potential hiccups is to be overprepared. More than likely the solution to most problems one might face can be packed into a small bag or suitcase for easy travel. That’s why us photographers travel with two cameras, just in case one breaks, we have the second as a backup!
Solution to the issues created by attire
Bring a sewing kit with extra buttons
Bring an extra set of makeup, hair products, and hygiene products
Pack an extra of any item that is crucial for your wedding day look to be completed
Vendor Related Issues
Of course, there could be some potentially larger issues. Say your DJ doesn’t show up, or the officiant gets sick the night before and can’t make it! Oftentimes the solution to these issues isn’t immediately clear, but they do nevertheless exist! If the officiant can’t make it, and you can’t find a suitable replacement then ask someone you know to step in. If they aren’t legally allowed to marry you then the solution is to run to the justice of the peace after the wedding and make it officially official! If your DJ disappears but you have some speakers, then ask someone to hook up to the sound system and spin you some tunes! While these are far from perfect solutions to the problems presented, the point is to show you that there are solutions! Even if the problem seems too big or overwhelming at the time, the best thing to do is to take a step back, calm down and think about a solution; or if the problem is too big for you to handle, ask someone on your wedding team to step in and help, after all, that’s why we’re there. To make your wedding day the best experience possible!
Solutions to the issues created by vendors
Designate a friend or family member to be a backup officiant, DJ, mc or any other crucial role
All that to say, it’s human nature to be worried and I don’t expect this blog to alleviate the fears of the unknown for all. The fact of the matter is that most people have some amount of nervousness and worry leading up to the second they say I do, so even if everything is going perfectly, chances are that you’ll probably still feel some level of anxiousness; yet again i’ll say, you’re not alone! Use the people and resources at your disposal to help keep your wonderful wedding day on track! Just remember, an inconvenience or problem is not the end of the world, and often the solution is easier than anticipated!
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