Attend a few dozen
wedding each year, and you start to see patterns: what's wonderful,
what's okay, and, of course, what it is that goes wrong. I see how
much love and hard work my couples put into having the perfect
wedding, so here is the real-life list: the things that most often go
wrong, and how you can avoid them.
#5: Your Reader
didn't make it.
Having a guest read
for you at the ceremony is a time-honored tradition. It's a
beautiful way to include someone special in your family. I have seen
some absolutely stellar readings from grandparents, aunts and uncles,
best friends, and brothers and sisters. I've also needed to quickly
and smoothly cover up when a reader isn't present. To help avoid
this faux pas, make sure you ask your reader early, so they have a
lot of time to prepare themselves. Choose someone who you know is
comfortable in front of a crowd! When you do ask, go with someone
you know you can rely on to take the responsibility to heart.
Readers should have the material no less than three weeks ahead of
time. Encourage them to rehearse in front of a mirror, and more than
once, to help prevent bursting into tears at such an emotional
moment. Ask your officiant to have a copy of the reading on hand,
just in case, and give the officiant the name of the reader. If at
all possible, designate a person to check on your readers, making
sure they are present, ready to go, and know where to stand.
#4: Bugs.
Seriously, bugs.
Outdoor weddings
mean insects are all around you. If you are in a watery or woodsy
area, mosquitoes, chiggers, and ticks are liable to be unintended
guests. In a garden, there may be a lot of bees or dragonflies. Ask
your venue how they control for insects. If possible, have your
ceremony at times insects are less active (sunset weddings are
lovely, but buggy). If you have a wedding website, gently remind
guests to use bug spray. For a prettier and more natural prevention,
incorporate plants and flowers that discourage bugs, such as
lavender, lemonbalm, lemongrass, citronella, chamomile, larkspur, and
chrysanthemums.
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| Larkspur and Chamomile bouquet? Yes, Please! |
#3: Have the Rings
and the License Ready
Misplacing the
rings happens often enough that I usually ask my couples where they
are the moment I get to the ceremony. You'd be amazed how often the
rings are forgotten in someone's bag! We've borrowed rings from
guests and even used pieces of grass to cover for missing rings
during the ceremony. While it makes for a funny story, it may not be
the story you wanted from your big day. Your best man should have
the rings on his person; if you don't have one, designate a person to
take on the duty. A maid of honor or mother can track the license
and make sure it's on hand for signing.
#2: The Weather is
Crazy!
Too hot or too cold
means miserable guests – not to mention you sweating or shivering
in your gown. When you choose a date, think about common weather
patterns in your area and how comfortable you and your guests need to
be. The beautiful days of summer are gorgeous, but you and everyone
else will sweat. Autumn skies and leaves make for stunning
photographs, but not if you are desperately wishing for your
pashmina.
Naturally, this
doesn't mean you have to hide indoors on your big day! Consider fans
as programs or favors; opt for a shady location instead of direct
sun; know when the heat will be at its worst, and plan around it.
Have bottled water available at the ceremony! If it's cooler out,
have throws or pashminas available for guests to use.
Even more than
temperature are the two troublemakers Wind and Water. Rain on your
day can be worked around simply by having a back-up location indoors.
Wind is another matter. If you are getting married in spring or
autumn, when wind tends to kick up, be prepared! Anchor your arch
firmly. Have support for any standing flower arrangements or
decorations. Dispense with the candles – they're going to blow
out. Consider sewing some seed pearls into the edge of your veil to
give it a bit more weight, preventing it from blowing into anyone's
face.
#1 Wedding Fail:
The Runner
Oh, the runner.
Three words of advice: don't do it! The runner looks lovely in
photographs, but I have yet to see one go as planned. They are
awkward during the ceremony. They don't unroll, or they're crooked
and twisted. They blow out of the way. They wrinkle. They rip.
They trip you up. Spread flower petals instead, you'll be safer and
happier! Or go completely without something underfoot. After all,
all eyes will be on you, not what you're walking on.
Love,
Holly
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