You spend months planning the perfect wedding and then ... something goes wrong. Sigh. Hear what happened to real brides, how they coped, and what you can do to avert (or at least survive!) your own wedding disaster.
Surprise #1
"There was a mistake when they ordered our fancy tablecloths. Instead, we had to use plain white ones."
— Lisa
Suggestion: Okay, so stark white tablecloths aren't exactly what you had in mind, but look at the bright side: With dim lighting and fabulous centerpieces, you'll barely be able to see the difference. Keep extra votives on hand in case there's a last-minute decor switch — the additional light will spruce up even the plainest linens. Another last-minute fix: Sprinkle petals from your bridesmaid bouquets or pew arrangements on tables during the cocktail hour.
Surprise #2
"I made 60 hand-cut shamrocks for guests to write messages on, but when I checked out the wish bowl at my reception, the shamrocks weren't there — they'd been replaced with plain paper cut from manila envelopes."
— Mitzi
Suggestion: If something doesn't go exactly according to plan, don't freak out. It's not uncommon for the venue staff to miss a memo or two. Prevent confusion by printing out specific instructions for your location manager to give to their staff. Provide a specific outline of where you'll be leaving boxes or bags with things like escort cards, favors, and other details so they know where to find everything.
Surprise #3
"My mom bought toasting glasses and a cake-cutting set, but we forgot to bring them. We instead used the venue's champagne glasses and a butcher knife — oh well!"
— Jessica
Suggestion: It's easy to sweat the small stuff leading up to your wedding, but on the actual day, you'll be too happy to care about something as small as a cake cutter. And let's face it: Your guests will be having too much fun on the dance floor to even notice what you're cutting with. If the thought of a butcher knife in your wedding photos makes you cringe, position your hands so the entire handle is covered or stand at an angle that hides the knife entirely.
Surprise #4
"On our wedding day, I realized that my bobby pins wouldn't be able to hold the weight of my veil to my head. I ended up sewing the pins and a small comb into my veil, and it worked!"
— Jill
