You think you have all the bases covered. You've reserved the reception hall. You've hired the best band to play for your guests. The photographer and the caterer have been selected. You've even managed to get an appointment at the best salon and with the best hair stylist in town for the morning ofyourwedding. What could go wrong?
Plenty! Here's a list of 5 things youmustdo to prevent the second coming of the Titanic!
Bad Food- We've all been to weddings where the food was awful. No one ever tells the bride and groom about it. They don't want to be impolite. So, chances are, if your guests think your food is horrible, you'll never be told. Do not select a caterer by browsing the web, the phone book, or by word-of-mouth. Schedule a tasting with at least 3-5 caterers. Be sure to sample everything on their menu that you intend to order. Bring your parents, friends, fiancé - anyone whose opinion you trust. Try to set up these appointments on the same day. Not only will you get a better comparison between vendors, it's just more convenient! By the end of the day, with the input you'll receive from your group, there is little doubt you'll be able to select a caterer all your guests will enjoy.
Live Bands- You're so excited because your favorite band was available to play your wedding. You quickly reserved the date and paid your deposit. Nothing to worry about, right? Wrong! Here are just a few reasons why some brides have been given a panic attack just before their wedding.
1The band breaks up.
2Bad weather prevents the band, who played in another town the night before, from getting to the reception in time.
3The band is involved in an accident on the way to the reception.
4An illness has struck 1 or more members in the band and they are unable to play.
Although unlikely, each of these have really happened to brides-to-be, so it's a good idea to have a backup plan. Burn some wedding CD's to play in the event something happens to the band at the last minute and you are unable to replace them. Make sure you have access to, or can quickly acquire a stereo or boom box to play the CD's. It may not be as good as a live band or a professional DJ, but you can avoid a calamity and still set a celebratory tone at your reception with some good music.
Photographer- What could go wrong with hiring a photographer? Normally, nothing. However, any photographer will tell you that sometimes they get a bad roll of film from the manufacturer. Even more rare, photographers can even lose film. They're human after all. The point is, whether you hire a professional, a family member, or a friend, film sometimes gets lost or just doesn't come out. You only have one chance to get wedding pictures. Here's a must. Have at least one friend or family member hang around while the photographer takes pictures. Without getting in the photographers way, have them snap their own pictures while everyone is still posed. I know of couples whose only wedding pictures are those that, thankfully, other people took.
Hair Style- What could be better than being able to get an appointment on your wedding day with the best stylist in the city? How about using the same person you have used for years. I'm not saying don't change your hair for your wedding day, but the morning of the most important day of your life isnotthe time to experiment! If your stylist-to-the-stars says his creation looks exquisite, you may be reluctant to disagree. Whoever your stylist is, discuss with them weeks in advance how you would like your hair done. This will allow plenty of time for you to find that perfect look.
Wedding Toasts- Unless you have experience at public speaking, donottry to wing this. In fact, you may have no intention of making a public toast, but I have often seen the new bride and groom feel obligated to saysomethingafter others have toasted them publicly. If this should happen, you need to be prepared. It doesn't have to be long, but jot down a couple of thoughts on what you might or want to say to your guests. You don't want to draw a blank when the spotlight is on you or ramble on aimlessly looking for words.
In summary, even though you have spent countless hours planning your wedding, give some thought to these worst case scenarios. It's unlikely that you will have to use them all, and hopefully none of them, but anything that helps relieve the stress that comes with planning your wedding is worthwhile. Many wedding disasters have been avoided by taking the time to make a few simple backup plans.
