When running through your wedding planning checklist, is there a column for a contingency plan in case something happens? Of course, we all hope that the wedding of our dreams will come true without any glitches or setbacks. But what if something goes wrong? Inevitably, no matter how well you plan or organize the day, something will go wrong.
Any number of things can go awry during the execution of a wedding, from the cake melting to a tuxedo gone missing to a sudden torrential downpour. Instead of freaking out at the moment, it’s best to come up with a wedding contingency plan or plan B so that if something goes wrong, you can handle it in stride. Here are a few suggestions for what to do in case something goes wrong on the day of your wedding.
1. Pick a venue with Multiple Spaces.
The safest way to battle the elements is to find a venue with multiple spaces with both indoor/outdoor areas, like La Vie, pictured above. Make sure you like all of the spaces. Otherwise, you won't be happy with your plan B. If you or the venue hires a wedding planner, be sure to go over all options for both the ceremony and reception in case your big day faces an unexpected rainstorm. This will create a smooth contingency plan if your outdoor ceremony has to be moved indoors.
2. Get it in writing.
Of course, your wedding planning checklist should have any agreements with vendors in writing, giving specific instructions on load-in times, where to set up, point of contact (coordinator or family member), and any other detailed descriptions to help the vendor be as efficient as possible. Be sure the vendors have signed off on them, so you can hold them accountable if anything goes wrong. Also, come up with a few backup vendors that you know will be open the day of the wedding in case the worst-case scenario happens and the vendor doesn’t show up at all.
3. Give multiple directions to the venue.
You definitely want to make sure that key vendors like the photographer, caterer, and wedding officiant don’t get lost on the way to the ceremony. Make sure your wedding planning checklist includes directions for vendors on how to get to your wedding venue with an exact address. Be as detailed as possible! Some venues are more remote than others, so make sure to give helpful markers in your directions. Make sure they have a point of contact; in case they get lost, they can get a hold of someone at your wedding who can guide them to the venue quickly.
4. Keep a dress disaster kit.
We know. We don’t even want to say it. But if we’re going to talk contingency plans, we have to talk about a possible dress disaster. From small rips in delicate lace to random oil stains from dinner, it’s best to be prepared with a dress remedy kit. Include all remedies for stain removal, including stain wipes like Shout Stain Wipes. Make sure you have white linens handy for tougher stains like oils or makeup, and include cleaning agents like baby powder, rubbing alcohol, salt water, and club soda. ALWAYS DAB, NEVER RUB! This could make the stain worse. Also, if the stain can’t be removed 100%, keep chalk in your kit to cover up the remaining residue. No one will be the wiser! If you’re uncertain whether the above remedies might damage your dress, test it on the underside hem. Also, keep a mini hair dryer to dry the stain. Here is a list of the above-mentioned products for your dress disaster kit:
- Shout Wipes
- White linens (washcloth)
- Baby powder
- Rubbing alcohol
- Saltwater
- Club soda
- Chalk
- Mini hair dryer
5. Keep the cake safe to protect it from melting.
The summer months are definitely the high wedding season for weddings, and while it’s the perfect opportunity to celebrate outdoors, it’s a huge bummer for delicious wedding cakes and their signature buttercream frostings. No matter what flavor your cake is, it is essential to remember that the cake will not last long in hotter temperatures. So unless you’re planning on eating the cake immediately after the ceremony, it’s best to come up with a solid plan for keeping it cool. Make sure it is kept in a cool place before being displayed. Remember, there is no need to display the cake until it’s time to start filing in for dinner! If the sun is still out, make sure the cake is in the shade, whether protected by a tent or umbrella. If kept indoors, keep it away from high-volume areas or windows exposed to the sun. If a total cake disaster occurs, have some backup cupcakes so you can still have their moment for the camera.
We hope your wedding goes off without a hitch! But just in case, we hope these tips help you with your wedding planning checklist. Have you had a wedding crisis? How did you survive it? Tell us in the comments below or on Facebook or Twitter.
