Photo: Angie Silvy
Every bride- or groom-to-be has fallen down the rabbit hole of possible wedding-day disasters. From groomsmen emergencies to beauty freakouts, it's totally normal to imagine the worst-case scenario. In that light, we looked to some wedding etiquette experts for answers to three big "what ifs" and how to solve them!
One of my bridesmaids will be eight months pregnant on my wedding day. What will I do if she can't attend?
The show must still go on. It is really not polite to ask someone else to stand in at the last minute. Remember, it isn't essential to have an even number of ushers and bridesmaids. Bridesmaids can walk down the aisle in pairs or alone; one usher can escort a bridesmaid on each arm during the recession. Share the video and photos with your absent friend after the wedding.
What if the band that shows up isn't the one I hired?
Popular bandleaders may have several groups playing under their name. Read your contract carefully. Does it say that you have booked the company or a particular band? If you want the exact musicians you auditioned, you must list their specific names and their group name in your contract, along with the wedding date, exact times, length of breaks or continuous music, overtime rates, total price and payment schedule, and any other special arrangements you have made verbally.
What if someone faints at the altar?
Anyone who feels faint should sit down immediately and put his or her head between the knees until the feeling passes. The ceremony should continue unless there is a serious medical emergency.