The 10 Things That Will Go Wrong at Your Wedding

I was interviewed by the Daily Mail about the common disasters that show up at weddings—and how to stop them from wrecking your day.

You can read the full article here, but here’s the rundown in my own words.

The short version:

Your mum goes full bridezilla
She means well. She’s just got her own idea of what your wedding should be. Gently remind her this is your marriage, not her re-do.
(Also: mums, still cool to cover the bar tab, right?)
It rains
Outdoor wedding? Good. Backup plan? Better. Clear umbrellas from the dollar store? Genius.
A baby screams mid-ceremony
If it’s your baby: be a parent first. If it’s someone else’s: consider hiring a babysitter for the day.
Flower kids or ring-bearers flop
Set them up for a win. Don’t expect a toddler to handle the crown jewels. Keep it fun and low-pressure.
Your DIY arbour falls apart
Pinterest doesn’t build structures. Pros do. Don’t spend your wedding night in emergency because of a budget arch.
You forget your vows
Write them down. Read them. Don’t try to wing it. You’ll thank yourself later.
Drunk uncle chaos
Don’t invite anyone you don’t like sober. That solves 90% of reception problems.
You picked the wrong photographer
Some direct the day like a film set. Others hang back and document it. Pick the style and person you’re comfortable with.
The ceremony is boring
A good celebrant is better than the beer. A bad one makes people wish they were already at the bar.
Everyone’s running late
Tell guests to arrive an hour early, give them a drink, and start when you’re ready. Also: hire people who turn up.

Weddings are messy. That’s okay.

The best ones aren’t perfect—they’re personal.

And judging by the comments on the article, people get it. Some highlights:

The real key to success is guests you can trust. We got hit with wild wind that picked up the arch and threw it into the lagoon. Our friends moved everything inside and set it all up again. — Bruce Watkins, Sydney

We focused on the fact that it was not just two individuals coming together, but two families. We listened to everyone’s opinions but were quietly resolute about our final decision. We’re about to celebrate our tenth happy year together! — Elly, Adelaide

Get married at the courthouse with only immediate family and chuck a party after the fact. Sure, it’s not romantic, but it saves you a bundle and there is a lot less stress involved. — djs.specs, Brisbane

Best friends only. Civil or celebrant ceremony. Wedding party books into a mutually convenient venue for a few days. Have a nice time. Inform the family after the honeymoon. — Tin Cup, Sydney

The tie off the bathroom robe becomes the lifesaver to tie your wedding dress up with when your attendants accidentally leave that part at your house and you’re running late!! — MetalGirl, Australia

The biggest takeaway? Let go of perfection. Gp from Sydney said it best: