5 Wedding Disasters and how to Avoid them

 

Weddings are magical… and sometimes (when done without proper preparation and tick lists), just one step away from full-blown chaos. From flying veils to last-minute vendors vanishing, it’s no wonder some couples start perspiring when wedding planning sets in. But fear not – in this month’s wedding blog we delve into the possible pitfalls to make sure our bridal- couples-to- be are well prepared for their magic day.

Here are five common wedding disasters—and how to avoid them like a seasoned professional.

1.The Weather Turns Wild

 

Imagine your dreamy beach ceremony turns into a wind tunnel, complete with flying umbrellas and guests chasing their hats down the shoreline. We’ve seen a beach bride’s veil launch like a kite while saying her vows, and fighting a mouth full of sand while saying I do. It sounds to awful for words, so let’s look at some solutions:

How to Avoid It:

• Check the season. Avoid known rainy and windy seasons. Keep in mind that sunrise or sunset ceremonies often mean cooler, calmer conditions. There are some brilliant weather apps available with 7 day forecasts. If the App says there will be a gale force wind on the day, rather err on the side of safety and have a backup plan.
• Have a solid Plan B. Make sure you have a nearby indoor venue or covered venue on standby. A sturdy gazebo or beachfront marquee can save the day. Ask the wedding venue to have staff on standby to quickly move chairs and décor to Venue B if need be.
• Communicate with guests. Let your guests know to dress appropriately (heels and sand don’t mix, and a little wrap or pashmina is always a good idea!). Provide essentials like umbrellas or fans if need be.

 

2.Sound System failures

 

Crashing waves are beautiful but with insufficient AV equipment it may just ruin your beautiful vows on the day. Of all the professional vendors you need for your wedding, your sound/ AV and photographer must be the two most important suppliers on the day. Your grandparents in the second row may be smiling sweetly,  but have not heard a word since the officiant said “Dearly beloved…”

How to Avoid It:

• Use professional audio equipment. Lapel mics and a portable PA system are a must for beach or outdoor weddings. Do not rely on natural voices, they disappear in the wind and waves in the background.
• Test the tech. Always, always do a sound check the day before with all equipment and speakers present. Test the sound in different weather conditions, rather be safe than sorry.
• Have a technician on hand. All AV companies offer the service of having a technician available on the day. Please make use of this. It alleviates so much stress to know a professional is available to take care of any sounds glitches that could possibly happen. Uncle Dave might know his way around a stereo, but this isn’t the time to wing it.

 

3.The case of the disappearing vendors

 

Oh that sinking feeling when the ceremony is about to start and you realise the wedding cake hasn’t arrived. Neither has the photographer. You call—and get voicemail. It’s panic all around.

How to Avoid It:

• Use a coordinator. If you’re hosting a destination or beach wedding, a local wedding planner or coordinator can be a game-changer.  Not only do they deal with reputable suppliers all the time, they can also do the chasing for you.
• Confirm, confirm, confirm. If you are taking care of your own wedding vendors and arrangements, then look for vendors with solid reviews, contracts, and a professional online presence. Once booked, double-check all times, addresses, and requirements a week and a day before the big event. Have your suppliers on Whatsapp and resend the venue location pin on the morning of the wedding. Make sure your wedding venue has a list of vendors and their contact detail, as a back-up.

 

4.Fashion Failures

 

Sometimes bridal fashion does not align with the natural elements. The bridesmaids are melting in velvet gowns on a scorching day, or they are turning blue in the freezing weather, and the bride’s gorgeous ballgown is picking up all the beach sand. Beautiful beach weddings have specific fashion and beauty challenges:

How to make the most of beach fashion:

• Hair and makeup. Go for waterproof, humidity-proof (tear-proof) options and consider an up-do for breezy days. Up-do’s really get our nod for beach weddings – its elegant, stays in one place and does not cover your face in wedding photographs when the breeze gets out of hand.
• Say yes to sensible shoes. Sandals or wedges are much more beach-friendly than stilettos. This is not the time to impress with the highest heels in the shop. Keep those aside for the wedding reception and change over when you have a moment.
• Dress for the location. Stick with lightweight fabrics like chiffon, linen, and cotton which work best for hot, sandy settings.

 

5.Timing Trouble

 

We all know that time is often not our friend when it comes to weddings. The ceremony started late, the sun is setting faster than expected, and the Chef is getting really agitated because his well-planned plated meal is standing under the warmer and drying out while the couple is still taking wedding photos.

How to Avoid It:

• Plan with precision. Beach ceremonies often work best earlier in the day or at golden hour (about 1 hour before sunset). Try and stick to timelines and try to manage speeches which can often get out of hand timewise.  
• Always add buffer time. Always include a cushion between events to accommodate delays. Your catering team will thank you for this.
• Hire a professional photographer. Lastly, a professional photographer knows how to work with changing light conditions and grab the perfect sunset shot in seconds.

 

Weddings, like marriage, are beautifully unpredictable. While disaster-proofing your big day is so important, don’t forget to laugh through the little hiccups. That spontaneous seagull photobomb may just become your favourite wedding pic. And there is nothing more iconic and memorable than a beautiful beach wedding.

Planning a beach wedding or outdoor ceremony? Then Umthunzi Hotel is your venue of choice. Find us on www.umthunzi.co.za for affordable fully inclusive wedding packages.

 

She knows her Merlot from her Mojito, her hotel from her motel. From craft food to caviar, her innate curiosity about life and wanderlust provide inspiration for her blogs, articles and press releases about the travel, wedding and Spa industry. Over twenty years in the hotel marketing & PR arena with impressive hotel groups, from Dubai to Durbanville, has evolved into the pure enjoyment of freelance projects under the banner of About Branding.