Wedding Day Fixes

Despite months of planning, chances are something will go wrong on your wedding day. Instead of panicking, assess your options and quickly choose an alternative plan.

Below are some situations that could happen to you:

One of my bridesmaids will be seven months pregnant on my wedding day. What should I do if she can't attend?

The show must go on! With one less bridesmaid than you'd planned. (It's not polite to ask someone else to stand in at the last minute.) Remember, it's not essential that you have an even number of ushers and bridesmaids. Your attendants can walk down the aisle in pairs or alone; one usher can escort a bridesmaid on each arm during the recession.

What if someone faints at the altar?

Anyone who feels faint should sit down immediately and put their head between their knees until the feeling passes. Ask a bridesmaid to prepare an emergency kit (see below) ahead of time and tuck it under the front pew. The ceremony should continue unless there is a serious medical emergency.

We live in an area of the country that has unpredictable winter weather. What can we do it there's a blizzard?

If a snowstorm threatens the festivities, make arrangements with a snow plow operator to clear out your driveway and church or synagogue parking lot. You might also rent four-wheel drive vehicles to ensure you'll have reliable transportation and be able to pick up guests at the airport.

I've heard that the band you hire isn't always the one that shows up. How can I make sure I get the right group.

Since popular bandleaders may have several ensembles playing under their name, read your contract carefully before signing. Does the contract say that you have booked the company or a particular band? If you want the musicians you auditioned, you must list their individual names and group name in your contract, along with the wedding date, length of breaks (or continuous music), overtime rate, total price and any other special arrangements you have made with them verbally.

What if the best man forgets or loses my wedding ring?

Turn your engagement ring around so that your stone faces the inside of your hand. Later your clergy member can bless the real wedding ring.

Wedding day emergency kit:

• Names and phone numbers of your florist, photographer, caterer, musicians, etc.
• Smelling salts
• Aspirin
• Ibuprofen
• Needle and thread
• Safety pins
• Hairpins
• Clear nail polish
• Tampons
• Tissues
• Cellular phone or change for a pay phone
• Scissors
• Nail file