Here’s how to ensure the day you get hitched goes off without a hitch.
Absolute perfection is often the benchmark that blushing brides-to-be strive for when planning their big days.
However, ceremony spoilers — including troublemaking guests, blubbering babies and an attention-seeking mother-in-law who insists on wearing a white gown for the fête — can quickly turn any woman’s dream nuptials into a nightmarish disaster.
But an experienced wedding expert’s got the skinny on the best rules to set for avoiding a big, fat, unruly mess.
“You’ve planned everything down to the tiniest detail and finally get to enjoy your day — why risk something spoiling it?” tying-the-knot guru Samantha Gilchrist, 41, from London, told NeedToKnowOnline.
The wedding pro — who’s hosted countless “I dos” across her many The Gilchrist Collection venues throughout the UK for 15 years — noted that celebration catastrophes like having a disheveled bridal party or hordes of hangry attendees can easily be dodged by a diligent bride who clearly sets high expectations for the festivities well in advance.
“While some of these things are a little outside your control, it’s important to let your wedding planner and venue know what your boundaries are, and the things you would find unacceptable, were they to happen on your big day,” said Gilchrist.
“They’ll be able to support you in handling issues both ahead of time and on the day itself.”
Here’s the holy matrimony hotshot’s must-do rules for saying “I do.”
No ‘I guess’ guests
To guarantee wedding day success, Gilchrist suggests being “brutal” when it comes to deciding which loved ones actually make the invite list.
“Your guests can cause a whole lot of issues on your big day!” she warned. “No RSVP means there’s no meal or table setting, no wedding favor, and you haven’t factored them into any evening catering arrangements.”
Gilchrist advises brides and grooms to exercise wisdom when selecting guests, being careful to only welcome folks who’ll happily follow their rules from the start.
Baby’s not on board
Nothing ruins a sacred moment at the altar like the ear-shattering cry of a screaming baby.
And Gilchrist wants them out.
”Children are unpredictable and often choose the worst times to be loud,” she said.“If you truly want to be in the moment and have young children at your wedding, please ask parents to leave with them if they start fussing.”
Online, a number of brides have gone viral for deeming tots personas non-grata during their special events.
Your presence isn’t a present
Unless there is a strict no-gift policy, wedding guests should always offer the happy couple a token of congratulations — and it doesn’t have to break the bank.
“[Gift them] money for them to start their new life or go towards their honeymoon, an item for their home, something personal and handmade,” urged the wedding planner. “It doesn’t matter but you never show up empty-handed.”
Spruce up the crew
“Unless your wedding is a laid-back affair, ensure you tell your team to match your dress code,” Gilchrist instructs brides of their big day vendors — such as planners, caterers, DJs and photographers.
“They need to blend into your day and look professional, but you also don’t want them to look like a bridesmaid or groomsman, so also let them know what the color theme is,” said the wiz. “When I worked as a wedding photographer before founding Gilchrist Collection, I always checked dress codes and color with my couples.”
No red wine blues
Rather than running the risk of staining your white gown with crimson sips, Gilchrist suggests leaving red wine off of the wedding day menu.
“It’s a recipe for disaster!” she said. “Don’t risk accidental spills by sticking to white wine or clear spirits, and keep red wine off the top table during your meal.”
“Trust me, your dress will thank you for it!”
Color me anything but ‘Cadbury’
Cadbury purple might look great as the wrapping foil around a delicious chocolate Easter egg — but Gilchrist says it’s a horrific hue for “I dos.”
“Anyone who was in the wedding industry in 2008-2010 went through a period of every wedding being ‘Cadbury’ purple, and it was such a strong color we all got sick of it!” she insisted. “It’s a really hard color for bridesmaids to wear and often doesn’t work in reception settings.”
Her deep aversion to the dark shade aside, the marriage ceremony master wants wedding lovebirds to follow their colorful hearts: “Ultimately, it’s your day, and we’ll do whatever makes you happy.”
Mocktails are a must
Instead of limiting sober guests to sodas and water, Gilchrist wants brides and grooms to offer a few funky non-alcoholic beverages at the bar. In fact, providing cool alternatives to beer and booze has become a big day trend amongst taste-making Gen Zs who’ve recently exchanged vows.
“Our recent study found that around a quarter of adult wedding guests don’t drink, and the last thing they want to do all day is sip a warm soft drink out of a nasty tumbler,” said the nuptials know-it-all. “Pay as much attention to your alcohol-free options — because all your guests deserve to enjoy delicious drinks.”
Feed your foodies
Feasting out on a couple’s love typically doesn’t satisfy their hungry wedding guests, so Gilchrist insists new hubbies and wives keep something yummy on attendees’ forks and knives.
“You, your wedding parties and your guests will likely have skipped lunch, or eaten lightly to get to the ceremony,” she said.
“Which means by the time your wedding breakfast comes around, usually any time from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m., you are all very hungry.”
Gilchrist added, “If you’re serving alcoholic drinks all day, it can [also] help avoid any guests overindulging before the reception starts.”
