5 Reception Disasters – And How To Avoid Them

There are some difficult to anticipate problems out there — but you don’t have to worry, because The Knot is giving us the heads up!

Wedding Disaster #1: Wild Child

The Problem: Your flower girl, ring bearer, and young cousins: so angelic during the ceremony, so C-R-A-Z-Y after overindulging in your sugary wedding cake. Kids will be kids — but that doesn’t mean they must be screaming, crying, and racing around a formal reception.

The Solution: You can put them in tiny gowns and tuxedos, but you definitely can’t force them to uphold a formal atmosphere. If you’re inviting kids to your celebration, you have to understand they might not make it through without getting rambunctious. That said, there are some great ways to keep them from knocking things over and making a mess.

Tykes that are part of the party should get their own table — sans centerpiece. Instead, cover the table with butcher paper and leave a box of crayons at each place setting. Rather than a five-star meal, serve a kid-friendly favorite, like mac ‘n’ cheese or chicken fingers, which they’ll like better. If you’re worried they’ll go wild, set up the young ones with sitters, either on- or off-site. Get the crew an extra hotel room and show a double feature of The Lion King and Shrek, or hire a clown or magician to come in and entertain them. With the kids out of your hair, you (and the many appreciative parents among your guests) can keep things adult.

Wedding Disaster #2: A Ruined Wedding Dress

The Problem: It’s the morning of and it’s raining. The wedding ceremony and reception are being held inside — but first, the bride has to get there in her voluminous princess-style gown. You could throw a tarp over her or roll her up in a carpet, but we’ve got a more stylish option.

The Solution: No couple wishes for rain on their wedding day, though we hear it is considered good luck. If you’re worried you’re going to get lucky (even if it’s not in the forecast), consider packing a golf umbrella. Why? It’s the only cover large enough to get the bride from the limo to the church to the reception to the hotel without letting raindrops mar her gown. And besides, some of our all-time favorite wedding photos are of newlyweds smooching beneath an umbrella big enough for two.

Wedding Disaster #3: Drinking and Driving

The Problem: You know it’s a successful party when you start running really low on supplies — especially liquor. Everyone’s had a good time, but everyone might not be fit to drive. What do you do about that?

The Solution: You already know that lots of responsible brides and grooms book buses or shuttles to ferry guests back and forth from reception to hotel. What you might not know is that you may need more runs than you think. While no one’s going to say they require a ride prewedding, after a few too many cocktails they might. A couple more bus runs will ensure you’ve got a seat for everyone to get home safely.

Wedding Disaster #4: Blinding Sunsets

The Problem: Little can beat a wedding reception site with amazing sunset views — unless guests are blinded by it. Same goes for candlelight receptions overwhelmed by natural light. Who knew what all those windows could do!

The Solution: Don’t fall out of love with your reception site’s great view — simply arrange to see it at the time of day that your wedding will take place. If you know that there will be a lot of light (or just a little), you can plan your lighting accordingly. Remember that the season will affect light too. Worried it will be too bright? Rent sheer, colorful drapes or simply hang fabric so the sun can still shine in — it’ll just tone it down a bit. Will your sunny site be too dark come evening? Turn low lighting into mood lighting with strategically placed candles.

Wedding Disaster #5: Burned Out Candles

The Problem: Is someone turning down the lights on your romantic, candlelit reception? No, wait, it’s actually the candles that are burning out! Yikes!

The Solution: You don’t want your wicks to wear out before you do, so when you’re shopping for reception decor start by picking up one each of a few different candles. On a day when you’ll be home for a while (we know you know, but never leave burning candles unattended), light them all at the same time — on the hour works best, since it’ll be easiest to remember — and see how long they burn. You need not sit there and watch, just check periodically to see how far they’ve made it. Once you know your votives, tapers, or columns can cut it through drinks, dinner, dancing and, of course, your grand departure, you’re safe to buy the quantity you’ll actually need. And you’ll be all set to light up the night.

About Bel Fiore Bridal

Bel Fiore Bridal is an atlanta bridal shop specializing in wedding dresses, bridesmaid dresses, bridal veils, bridal shoes, tuxedos, and other wedding attire.