Speaking While Intoxicated
This one should be a new form of misdemeanor. If your wedding
traditions include the bride or groom making a speech to the
assembled guests, do it before you enjoy the free bar. You'll be
thankful later when you watch the wedding videos, and you won't have
to apologize to people you don't remember insulting.
Beware the Infamous "Wardrobe Malfunction"
Black underwear, white dress. It was a bad idea in elementary
school, and it's still a bad idea today. Check in a mirror in
various lighting situations to make sure that your dress isn't sheer
or invisible in certain conditions prior to the ceremony. If you are
renting a tux, check it for rips and make sure you have it fitted
before you bring it home. Also, black is the only acceptable color
for a tuxedo.
Late to the Altar
Not only is this one inconsiderate to the guests and your soon-to-be
spouse, but it also wreaks havoc on your vendors. Ice sculptures
melt, food gets cold, and photographers lose needed time to pose
people and get those still shots for memory albums. The only reason
you should ever be late to your own wedding would be something
completely beyond your control, like a force of nature.
Running out of Food/Drinks
You made the guest list. You know how many people you expect to be
there. Running out of food is a good way to make sure your guests
feel unappreciated and is inexcusable. This is not the place to save
money. Make sure you have enough dinner and drinks for all who are
expected to attend; it's better to throw some away than have hungry
guests and nothing to feed them.
Know Where the Ring Is Before Walking Down the Aisle
It happens more than you might think. The best man is supposed to be
holding the rings, and he leaves them in his other coat. The bride
expects them to be brought on a pillow but the ring-bearer is only
eight and thought they were golden Barbie doll crowns. Do one more
spot check for the rings before you start down the aisle and you
won't have to worry about an awkward moment and a ruined ceremony.
Inviting Your "Ex" Without Telling Anyone
Unless there is an extremely good reason for inviting your
ex-boyfriend or ex-wife, don't do it. It makes everyone
uncomfortable. A close corollary to this is not letting members of
the wedding party know what your betrothed's name is (yes, it sounds
unbelievable but it does happen).
If you have not been engaged for a long time, or you recently ended
a long-standing relationship
prior to your wedding and your wedding party isn't familiar with
your intended, make sure you introduce them. You don't want to deal
with a wedding toast to you and your ex-girlfriend because the best
man didn't know your bride's
name!