Wedding day hiccups are completely normal, and will inevitably happen! Do weddings always run to plan (probably one of our most asked questions!) Most of the time yes, but sometimes no. And we see it even with the most organised couples – clear timelines and great suppliers, but even so, small things still can happen on the day and that is just the way of weddings!
The way we like to look at it is, not whether something goes wrong, but how prepared we are and how it can be handled in the moment. Let’s have a look at some of the most common wedding day hiccups, and what you can do to stay one step ahead!
Supplier Issues
Suppliers can arrive late, bring the wrong item, go to the wrong entrance or need clarification when they arrive. It doesn’t happen often, but when it does happen it can cause a knock on effect if we’re not managing it efficiently. You may also sometimes have some suppliers, like DJs, who need clear direction on timings or announcements.
The best way we can avoid stress here is to be prepared. You can do this by making sure every supplier has a clear timeline, full address and access details well in advance. You are best to send one final wedding plan to all suppliers together in one email, so they can also contact each other if needed. They should also have a contact number that is not yours! This could be a coordinator, a venue contact or someone you trust in your wedding party!
Confirm everything again in the lead up to the day. A quick check in prevents a lot of confusion on the day itself. However, if something does go off plan, keep communication simple and direct. Be clear about what is needed, where they should be and by when. Most issues can be resolved quickly when someone takes control early.
Timeline Delays
Delays are one of the most common issues on a wedding day. Sometimes hair and makeup can overrun, group photos take longer than expected, guests take time to move between spaces, and speeches almost always run longer than planned (we’re looking at you best men!). Trying to stick to a rigid timeline usually makes this feel more stressful than it needs to be. If every part of the day relies on the previous one finishing exactly on time, small delays quickly turn into bigger problems.
The key note here is building breathing room into your day from the start by avoiding planning things back to back or trying to fill every five minutes of the day. We like to call it buffer time! And it really helps to make the day flow. If things do start to run late, prioritise what actually matters. It is always better for your team of suppliers to adjust timings slightly, instead of rushing through something really important. And there is usually an opportunity later in the day where you can catch up where needed.
You also need to put your trust in your suppliers with the timeline. If the caterer says they need more time for dinner – listen! They also run weddings on a regular basis, so will know how to manage things on the day if timings are early or late – make them aware that you are happy for them to do what is needed.
Running out of alcohol
This happens more often than people expect, especially during the drinks reception or when couples are managing their own bar. Warm weather, longer gaps between food and drink, or underestimating quantities can all play a part. It is easy to assume people will drink at a steady pace, but in reality it often comes in waves. Guests tend to drink more straight after the ceremony and again later in the evening.
A large reason for running out of alcohol or drinks is because of you not knowing how much you need (and why would you?!) Have a proper conversation with your planner or caterer about realistic quantities based on your guest list and timings. They will have a good idea of what works. It is better to slightly over cater than run short. Especially if you have a larger guest list. If drinks do start to run low, it can usually be managed without it feeling obvious. You can reduce the menu, slow service slightly, or move guests on to the next part of the day earlier. Most guests will not notice if it is handled calmly.
Logistical problems
This is where most unexpected issues sit, and they can vary depending on what you have planned. You might have a wobbly dance floor, a marquee lining that needs securing, a dress that splits or a drink spilt on an outfit. Buttonholes can go missing, bouquets might not be quite what you expected, and transport might be late.
Weather is also another big factor, rain and wind can quickly affect outdoor plans, especially for ceremonies or drinks receptions. For marquee weddings, issues with generators, lighting or toilets can also come up. And these need quick decisions to keep everything running.
We can be really prepared here. If you are relying on transport, make sure it is confirmed properly and they have full timings and addresses. We would also advise for things such as marquees and toilets, that the suppliers are local, so if there are issues, they are nearby to fix them. You can also send a what3words pin to help avoid confusion! If you are planning anything outside, have a clear backup option or 2, and know where things can be moved if needed.
It’s helpful to have a small emergency kit to hand or in the bathrooms. With basics like safety pins, a sewing kit, clothing tape, stain remover wipes, plasters and tissues solves most small issues quickly.
If something does go wrong though, most of these issues are fixable with quick, practical decisions. Adjust some timings, move things if needed and focus on keeping guests comfortable rather than sticking rigidly to the original plan.
Guest related situations
We all know that weddings bring together different families, friendship groups and personalities. So things can come up naturally. Guests may drink more than planned, or family tensions can surface, or someone may feel unwell due to the heat, nerves or the pace of the day. Emotional conversations also sometimes happen at the wrong time, even when everyone has the best intentions!
Think ahead about your guest list and whether there are any sensitivities to be aware of, and making sure someone you trust knows about them. On the day, most situations can be managed quietly if they are handled early on. If someone needs space, give it to them. If you need space, make eye contact with your planner or coordinator – we know how to swiftly move you away without raising suspicion! The sooner things are addressed, the less likely they are to affect the wider atmosphere of the party.
No wedding day is perfect, and it doesn’t need to be. The best weddings are the ones where things are handled calmly and the focus stays on the experience, not the small issues happening in the background. Don’t focus on them and just let them be handled. If you go into the day expecting a few small hiccups and feeling prepared for them, everything becomes much easier to manage.
And most of the time, your guests will never notice a thing!
Worried About Hiccups At Your Wedding
If you’re planning your wedding and worried about those potential wedding hiccups and who’s going to manage them, or you’re recently engaged and want help with planning, get in touch and book a consultation with Chloe for On The Day Management or with Hannah for Full or Partial Planning.
If you enjoyed reading some of our tips on how to manage hiccups on your wedding day, then we know you’ll love hearing planning tips from Hannah on the Podcast “Let’s Get You Wed!”