How to Fix Minor Mistakes at Your Wedding Ceremony

Or even avoid them all together!

While we have no advice for if you say the wrong name at the altar (looking at you, Ross Geller), we do have tips to help you smooth out some minor mishaps that could otherwise adversely affect your nuptials.

By Emily Lasnier

clear-candelabra-on-pedestals-and-chandeliers
Photo: Bob & Dawn Davis Photography

Your wedding is supposed to be perfect and the best day ever, but the reality is that even if it feels that way after the fact, almost everyone has had something go wrong at their nuptials. It’s just usually something minor enough that they get swept up in the magic of the event, or they were able to roll with the mishap and turn it into a memory. Though the reception may be where the bulk of your time and budget goes, the ceremony is certainly the most important part of the day. After all, it’s when you and your spouse make things official! It’s also when all eyes are definitely on you, so mistakes are more likely to stand out. While we have no advice for if you say the wrong name at the altar (looking at you, Ross Geller), we do have tips to help you smooth out some minor mishaps that could otherwise adversely affect your nuptials. 

common mistakes at your wedding ceremony, how to avoid minor mishaps at your wedding ceremony

Photo by James Moes; Planning & Design by Bob Gail Special Events

Here are some tips for how to fix minor mishaps at your wedding ceremony: 

- If you start to fall. Unfortunately, there’s not a ton you can do while it’s happening, besides holding on to whoever is escorting you down the aisle. Prevention is the key if you’re worried about clumsiness. Be sure to get plenty of practice walking with your shoes and in your dress. If you have an aisle runner, make sure it will be secured well enough to bunch up and not slip (consider getting a non-slip runner from The Original Runner Company). Avoid having your aisle just be a lawn or another uneven surface. 

- If you mess up your vows. Most stuttering or stumbling will likely be seen as charming by your guests, as it represents your emotions coming through. Holding back tears may make it harder to speak clearly, so it can be better to just power through. 

- If children are disruptive. They could be the kids of your guests or a part of your wedding party, but a crying child is never anyone’s favorite memory. Having small (and quiet!) toys or snacks to keep kids occupied helps, as well as an area for parents to sneak away with their offspring until the child calms down. 

- If there is trouble with the rings. Were the wedding rings left behind by accident? If it’s too late to send someone for them, but still before the vow exchange, discreetly let the officiant know and they can skip past that part in the ceremony. Of course, you might have no idea of this mishap until the moment – if so, either enjoy the comedic relief, or look to family in the first couple of rows to offer their rings for the symbolic gesture. Perhaps you have your rings, but the heat of your summer wedding has swelled the fingers of you and/or your partner. In that case, just put it on as far as you can or use a smaller finger. You can use some cold water and soap in the bathroom later!

For more advice, get ideas on how to make a grand entrance at your ceremony, learn how to organize your bridal party processional, and get a sneak peek of the Summer 2019 issue of Inside Weddings! 

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