Having a close friend - or worse still, your mother - turn up in a white gown on your special day is a classic Big Day blooper.
But there are also other mistakes that the hosts can make that will take the shine off your big day.
1. Forgetting a Family Feud
When your own view of the world is full of love and positive energy, it can be tempting to assume that everyone around you is equally blessed.
But it important that you do not gloss over other people’s feelings or concerns.
Your wedding may not be the best time to build bridges between estranged family members. If your sisters haven’t spoken in a decade, seating them side-by-side at you wedding may backfire on you. Rather than inspiring a reconciliation, it may make both them and everyone in their vicinity very uncomfortable.
If your wedding simply won’t be complete without a reconciliation, consider getting the estranged parties together in the weeks before your special day.
Just keep in mind that resolving conflicts of any kind is usually a delicate and complex process.
2. A Hitch in your Transport Plans
The ceremony is sensational, the reception is perfect and you and your partner waltz off into the sunset… leaving a hundred weary guests with no way to get home.
Even if you think you have assigned enough “skippers” to transport everyone at the end of the night, make sure that you have a contingency plan.
If public transport isn’t an option, considering hiring a shuttle bus or arranging with a taxi company to direct some of their cars to your venue.
Keep in mind that the more remote your location, the more difficult it is to get home - and I’ve had first-hand experience of a wedding in a country town, miles from a main road and with no cell phone reception… Let’s just say that my pretty party shoes were no match for the walk home!
3. Things Best Left Unsaid
The first rule of public speaking is identifying your audience.
Your speeches should reflect the tone of your special day. If it is a very formal occasion, structured speeches are expected, but if it is more relaxed, you might like to encourage impromptu well wishes from family and friends.
The boorish best man speech has become a bit of a cliche, but poorly chosen words can tarnish your whole day. If you are concerned about the content of the speeches - or are unsure about what you should say - do some research into the etiquette of speech-making.
If in doubt, remember that the bachelor parties are the best place for bawdy comments and your wedding video is for a lifetime!
4. Bubbling Over
The euphoria of the day is usually enough to keep the bride and groom dancing into the night, but if you are keen on consuming some bubbly have a strategy in place before you get started.
When our spirits are high it often takes less alcohol than normal to become intoxicated. To avoid any bubbly blubbers (when you start sobbing on the shoulder of the nearest waiter) set some ground rules early:
- Don’t start as soon as you roll out of bed - champagne with your cereal probably isn’t necessary
- Fill your own glass rather than letting others do it for you, so that you can keep track of refills
- Put your glass down between sips - and set it almost our of reach so that you have to make a conscious effort
- Drink at least as much water as alcohol and have water bottles on every table
- Make sure you eat, even if your dress is fitted
- Make a pact with your bridesmaids to ensure that you all monitor each other
Just remember that this is a day you want to remember, so pace yourself!
