Things That Might Go Wrong on Your Wedding Day (And How to Handle Them Like a Pro)

We all want the wedding day to be absolutely perfect, so we plan everything down to the last detail. But even with the most meticulous preparation, unexpected things can still pop up. The good news? Many of these moments can actually be avoided with just a bit of extra foresight. After years of planning weddings, we’ve gathered some of the most common (and totally manageable) situations that couples face, plus simple ways to prevent them so your big day runs as beautifully as you imagined.

1. Speeches That Go On Too Long

This might be one of the more “harmless” hiccups at a wedding,  couples may not mind, but vendors certainly do! One golden rule we always follow: never schedule speeches between the starter and main course. The main dish usually needs to be served at a specific time, and if speeches run long, all the chef’s hard work could go to waste. 

Our tip: ask your speakers to practice beforehand and aim for around 5 minutes max. Of course, emotions run high and not everyone sticks to the script, so it’s smart to allow double the time in your schedule just in case that way, it won’t throw off the whole timeline.

💡 A great workaround: If you're hosting a welcome dinner or rehearsal the night before, invite a few loved ones (especially those who get nervous speaking in public) to share their words then. That way, their heartfelt messages are heard without overloading the wedding day. Let speeches be remembered for being touching and meaningful, not never-ending!

2. Guest Transportation – Don’t Overlook It!

Especially for out-of-town or multi-day destination weddings, guest transport is a crucial part of the planning. No one wants to hear that guests arrived late to the ceremony or worse, had no ride back to their hotel. Make it easy for everyone by organizing shuttles from key hotels or central pickup points to the wedding venue, both for the welcome party and the wedding day itself. For return trips, we recommend offering three departure times (e.g. 9 PM / 10 PM / midnight), so early birds and party-goers alike have options.

✅ Here's how to make it run smoothly:

- Survey your guests in advance: who needs transport, where are they staying, which events will they attend?

- Clearly communicate pickup times and locations  in invitations, your wedding website, welcome note, etc.

- Coordinate in detail with the transport company: guest count, wait time, expected arrival times.

- Have clear signage at the venue, especially for return shuttle times.

- Assign a helper (not the couple!) to gently remind guests to hop on the bus, once the drinks are flowing, herding guests gets tricky!

- You don’t have to micro-manage every ride, but clear, thoughtful communication goes a long way in keeping everything running smoothly.

3. No Backup Plan for Bad Weather

Weather is the number-one concern for most couples planning an outdoor wedding. The issue usually isn’t that there’s no backup plan, it’s that Plan B is often underdeveloped or treated like a last-minute afterthought.

Couples can feel disappointed when they have to move away from their “outdoor dream,” especially if the backup option lacks ambiance or charm.

Our advice? Give Plan B just as much love as Plan A. When the alternative is well thought out and beautiful, it’s easier for everyone, you, your vendors, your guests to pivot if needed. The celebration can still feel just as magical.

Don’t let the weather dampen your spirits – or your wedding day joy.

4. Too Much Booze – and Not Enough Water

It may sound minor, but not having enough water or having too much alcohol can significantly affect the energy of your celebration.

We’ve seen it all: groomsmen sipping champagne while getting dressed, brides having beers before the photos… all without eating or staying hydrated. The result? Someone’s tipsy by noon, or battling a headache before the ceremony even begins.

Simple fixes:

- Work with your venue to make sure there’s plenty of water available throughout the day.

- If it’s hot, hand out water before the ceremony.

- During cocktail hour, offer light bites to balance out the alcohol.

These little details are easy to overlook when planning, but make a huge difference on the day. As planners, we’re always prepared for these small (but mighty!) moments – so your celebration can be relaxed, fun, and joyful from start to finish.

Final Thoughts

Many of these things may seem obvious, but they’re surprisingly easy to miss in the whirlwind of planning. When the day finally arrives, it’s these small, thoughtful touches that often matter most.

We truly love what we do and we’re always ready to anticipate and smooth out the bumps (and the dozens of little things you might not even think of) so your big day feels seamless, memorable, and completely you.

If you need support or expert advice while planning your big day, December Wedding Planner is here for you. With years of experience and deep industry know-how, we’re dedicated to helping you create a wedding that is personal, polished, and unforgettable.

Don’t hesitate to contact us:

(+84) 936 436 602 - Ms. Tiên

(+84) 983 03 61 03 - Ms. Hạnh 

Visit our fanpage: December Wedding Store