Your wedding day should be a day filled with laughter, fond memories, and most of all love. Of course, there will always be something that does not go according to plan. However, there are some things we can prevent.
Here are 7 things you should absolutely try to avoid on your wedding day:
1. Searching for something
One of the worst things that can happen on your wedding day is not being able to find something. The ring, a cufflink, your something borrowed, or your bridesmaid's earrings, it doesn't matter what it is, trying to find something amid everything else going on is something you should not have to do. To avoid this problem, do your best to have everything laid out the night before. You worry about you (and maybe your finance), but have everyone else in charge of their own stuff. Make a check list of everything you need for the big day and check it off your list as you make sure it is in place for you the next morning.
The last thing you need to be doing on your wedding day is frantically trying to find a back-up vail as you forgot to put yours in the car before you left for the church.
2. Asking others how they liked your wedding
Some of us have learned the hard way, that not everyone loved what you felt was your dream wedding. Everyone has their own idea of what a wedding should be, and perhaps your style is more casual than your best friend who had a very formal wedding. That's fine. Everyone is entitled to their opinion, but in order to avoid having your vision of your happiest day ruined by someone's derogatory remarks, just don't ask. People can tell you how much they loved your venue, or theme, or colors, but don't go searching for their opinion, you may not like what you hear.
3. Worrying about the weather
If you've always dreamed of an outdoor wedding, but live in a state of constant rain, plan for the worse. Yes, you can still organize an outdoor ceremony, but make sure you have a backup location in case Mother Nature does not comply. That way you do not have to stress about what happens if it rains. You already know what you'll do in the event that this happens. Besides, rain on a wedding day is lucky!
4. Wondering if you're making the right choice
Your wedding day should not be the day you are questioning if you are marrying the right person. That is what your dating and engagement period is for. You should be sure of your decision when you're standing across the altar from your fiancé. It is okay to be nervous, and you should know that marriage is not easy, you will fight, you will go through hard times, but if you are sure of your love for each other, and understand it is a process, then you'll be okay.
5. Stress
Who doesn't stress on their wedding day? It can be hard to avoid it, but do your best to eliminate most of the stress by delegating. You have a maid of honor for a reason; don't be afraid to put her in charge of things. If you have a wedding planner, that is even better. The last thing you need is to be stressing about how everyone is getting from the church to the reception hall. You are supposed to enjoy this day. All you need to worry about is saying "I do" in the right moment.
6. Traffic
Traffic is a tricky issue. If your ceremony is in a different location than your reception, you may have to deal with traffic. To avoid worrying or stressing about getting from place to place, make sure you give yourself, and your guests, plenty of time between events. It is better to arrive early, have time to relax and enjoy your new spouse, than it is to be stuck in traffic biting your beautiful manicured nails, worrying you won't make it in time for your first dance.
7. Food poisoning
Eating something bad sometimes cannot be avoided, but there are ways to avoid getting sick on your wedding day. Don't eat something you are not familiar with. While it may seem romantic to serve oysters at your wedding dinner, if you've never eaten them before, they may make you sick! Try serving foods you have tried, know you are not allergic to, and that have a low risk of making you ill. Eat a healthy breakfast so that you can indulge during your reception, just make sure you don't indulge too much, as you want to enjoy the wedding night as well.
8. Family drama
It seems when there is a wedding, family drama seems to follow. All those long lost cousins who stopped talking to each other years ago are brought together in one place to celebrate you, but they just seem to want to rehash the past. While you may not be able to eliminate the drama all together, you can separate yourself from it. Don't participate in gossip sessions or surround yourself with people you know are going to fight. Invite them, put them at different tables, and steer clear of any drama you see brewing on the horizon.
As much as you try to prepare and plan for your big day, there are bound to be some things that come up. Try to plan for any potential problems beforehand, but if they do happen, just go with it. Don't let it stop you from enjoying your day.
I forgot my husband's ring when I got married and while I was mortified when the moment came to exchange rings, we now both look back on it and laugh. Don't let those little mishaps taint the overall picture of your beautiful day.
