Last Minute Wedding Emergency Tips
Emergency Tip #1
Traffic Congestion
We've heard from numerous brides who have arrived late to their own weddings because of either poor planning or vehicle malfunctions. Be safe and arrange for alternative transportation, just in case!
Emergency Tip #2
Double-Booked Ministers
Sad but true. Ask your officiant to double-check his or her availability when you first make arrangements, and again the week of the wedding.
Emergency Tip #3
Lost Limousines
Yes, this actually happens. Photographers get lost sometimes, too. The day before your wedding, have all drivers read back to you the directions to your destination to be sure they're exact.
Emergency Tip #4
Cake Mistake
Many brides have complained that their cake didn't taste or look as good as was expected. This often happens with less experienced bakers, such as those who don't specialize in wedding cakes. Definitely go in for a tasting before you sign a contract or pay any money, because the vendor just may not be able to provide the quality you're expecting.
Emergency Tip #5
Late RSVPs
Many guests are not aware of wedding etiquette. For example, they cannot hand out their invitations for others to take their places if they can't go (true story!). Some guests will try to change their RSVPs at the last minute and tell you-not ask you-the day before your wedding that they can come and are bringing extra dates. Be prepared to tell them that you simply cannot accommodate them. Stand your ground!
Emergency Tip #6
Vendors Changing Quoted Prices
Yep. Unless the exact price is expressly spelled out on your contract, a vendor can change their prices at the last minute. If you sign a contract that is not crystal-clear, they might not have to keep their initial word and you may be responsible for paying the changed quote.
Emergency Tip #7
Officiant's Registration Lapses
Check with your officiant to ensure that his or her registration (legal ability to marry couples) is up-to-date. Some officiants may think they're registered but later find that they were not. In that case, you and your new spouse might not be legally married. Keep an eye out for this one!
Emergency Tip #8
No Transportation for Bridal Party
Amidst all other planning, sometimes your attendants might be left without rides to the locations. Remind them to prepare, or you can arrange it for them.
Emergency Tip #9
Rain at an Outdoor Wedding
If you're having an outside ceremony and/or reception, insist on a rain contingency. This works as a backup plan in case it rains. If your ideal ceremony site does not have an ideal backup (an alternate indoor setting), you may need to choose another.
