Your wedding day should be perfect, right? It’s rare for weddings to go off without a hitch but, luckily, most of the problems encountered are rather minor (think sunburnt bridesmaid or an unexpected guest). More often than not, these snags are easy to work through (the show must go on!) and can be laughed off later on. However, there are those major emergencies that could make or break your big day (snow in July!?), so it’s important to plan ahead to avoid any last-minute binds.

Have an inclement weather plan – always
Maybe snow in July isn’t probable, but what about rain? Rain isn’t always a bad thing (and can make for some wonderful pictures!), but it’s still important to have protocol in place should the skies open up on your special day. This is especially imperative for outdoor weddings, but it’s still nice to have a plan for inside weddings, as there’s still the means of transportation and patios to consider.

Prep an emergency kit in advance
Imagine everything that could go wrong with your wedding. OK, stop! Chances are, none of those things will happen, but wouldn’t it be nice to have the necessary tools on hand? Find a stylish bag or box to keep the essentials – sewing kit, ibuprofen (wild rehearsal dinner?), mouthwash (for the smooch, of course), and literally anything else you think could come in handy.

Have a day-of contact
No, you can’t be your own contact! You’ll be much too busy with rings, cakes, and champagne, so don’t add that onto your load. Pick someone who will always be on hand and can keep you updated throughout the day, should something arise. Provide them with a list of names and numbers for all day-of vendors. A best man, maid of honor, or parent is a good choice for this role.

Do your research
If you live in or near a city, you’ll want to consider the potential of road closures and other transportation issues. While there’s no way to avoid rush hour, you can be ahead of the game by knowing if there are any big events (other than yours!) nearby that could throw a wrench into your guests’ transportation plans. Checking up well in advance gives you the opportunity to provide your guests with alternate routes.

Hire a wedding planner
Just do it. Although you would surely benefit from having a full-service planner, sometimes it just doesn’t fit in the budget. If that’s the case, be sure to book someone for day-of coordination  – you won’t regret it. You’re essentially paying, in part, for their experience, which is invaluable. Trust us – the last thing you want to be doing during cocktail hour is lighting 100 candles and making sure the ceremony flowers are repurposed to the reception area. Leave it to the experts and enjoy your day with your new bride or hubby.

Be ready for hurdles along the way, but don’t go looking for them. We don’t tell our couples this to scare them, but rather to prepare them. Not everything needs to be an “emergency” – it is what you make of it, so remember why you’re there. At the end of the day, you will be wed to your other half and that’s all that matters (not that there was one too few boutonnieres)!

Proudly serving Bay Area Weddings for over twenty years, Fantasy Sound aims to be engaged couples’ first stop- offering Disc Jockey, Videography, Event Lighting Décor and Wedding Planning services. They are fueled by great ideas paired with strong coffee, and will never turn down a piece of red velvet wedding cake.