When Things Go Wrong: 4 Tips to Avoid Wedding Disasters

Bride and Groom
Published August 27th, 2013

You may not want to think about what could go wrong on your big day, but we can assure you, it’s better to prepare for the things that could potentially go wrong and create a solid back-up plan.

Also, as emotions run high on your wedding day, things that would normally seem insignificant will seem catastrophic unless you anticipate them and know how you will handle the situation. There are dozens of things you can do in preparation alongside our wedding planners to ensure nothing happens on your big day that will ruin your wedding. Not to say that things won’t go wrong, it is likely that something will happen that you wish you could change, but it is often how you react that is remembered, not the incident itself.

Instead of worrying about what could go wrong, here are a few things you can do to ensure you’re ready to take on any wedding day challenge that comes your way.

1. Accept That Things Will Go Wrong

If there is anything that is universal about weddings, it is that something will go awry. Usually, it’s something small; the flower girl got nervous walking down the aisle or the groom forgot to do a twirl during your first dance. Other bigger things are also possible and out of your control; the weather doesn’t cooperate, or the best man sleeps through breakfast. Big or small, you need to let these things go. Most often, the mistakes from the day are the stories you laugh about with your friends after the big day. Try to avoid becoming a bridezilla story.

2. Plan Slowly

Like any project, when you rush through the initial planning process you are bound to miss key components and let significant details slip through the cracks. When you are beginning to plan your wedding day, take your time. Plan one aspect at a time to start, and work with your vendors to make sure they are fully equipped to begin the detailed planning and production process.

3. Trust Your Vendors

If you hire experienced wedding vendors with great references, you can relax knowing that they will take care of the details. Make sure to put in the upfront work by getting to know them and building a strong and communicative relationship. Also, read, re-read and negotiate your contract to know that you are covered in the case that something goes wrong on their end. Then you will feel comfortable letting them do what they do best and can focus on having a great time with your partner and family.

4. Get Protection

Wedding insurance may seem like an unnecessary expense when you are breaking down your budget and everything is going great. But you will be able to breathe easily and avoid a lot of stress by knowing that the biggest unforeseen disasters are covered. All policies are different, but typically they cover the cancellation or rearrangement of a wedding or reception due to accident, illness or bereavement within the main wedding party, or if a supplier goes out of business. Most policies also cover loss or damage (due to accident, fire or theft) to the main wedding outfits; presents, rings; the cake and flowers; as well as the price of having to retake photographs and video; failure of wedding cars; and personal liability and legal expenses. With a good policy, you can rest easy.