Photo by: Scrole Vision Photography on The Brides Cafe via Lover.ly
Badly behaved guests can cause major headaches on your wedding day. Here are four trouble-makers to be on the lookout for—and tips for shutting them down from Sojourner Auguste of Erganic Design, the event planner behind this gorgeous real wedding—which reportedly had no disruptive guests ;) —and hundreds more.
1. THE 20-QUESTIONS GUEST
How to identify her: Her name keeps popping up in your caller ID. "Is the rehearsal dinner venue chilly? Should I bring a wrap?" "Where should I get breakfast the morning of the wedding?" "We forgot the GPS! Can you tell me how to get to the ceremony?"
How to deal with her: "Don't let yourself be sidetracked," says Sojourner. Hand over your phone 24 hours before your wedding. Either your mom and MOH can screen calls and let you know if anyone really needs your attention.
2. THE WANNABE WEDDING VENDOR
How to identify her: She's in the middle of the action, offering up "helpful" suggestions based on, "Well, in my experience." She's asked your photographer to get some shots outdoors, told your caterer table six should really have a bigger centerpiece, and asked your wedding planner for "a quick look" at the processional order.
How to deal with her: If you know someone's going to try to run the show, give your vendors a heads up and let them deal with her. "Your vendors are there to carry out services you've hired them for, "says Sojourner, "not to encourage your guests' career dreams." Make sure your vendors know to run any changes by you, no matter how much your mother-in-law insists, "Oh, it's FINE."
3. THE OPEN-MIC MAGNET
How to identify him: His natural habitat is within five feet of a microphone. You may have seen him wrestle a mic from an unsuspecting maid of honor at previous weddings. He's incapable of having a conversation without mentioning, "That time we were on spring break in Cancun."
How to deal with him: "Make sure to tell your band leader or DJ ahead of time if you don't want any impromptu speeches," says Sojourner. Ask the people who are speaking (usually the maid of honor and best man, sometimes a parent) not to hand over the mic to any other guests.
4. THE DRUNK UNCLE
How to identify him: It's always an uncle, right? Or the random plus-one. In any event, she's the one pole dancing on your tent supports. And he's loudly telling strangers, "I can't believe she's marrying a boy! I thought she was a boy until she was 22!" (Not mentioning any names, but true story.)
How to deal with him: "Give a heads up to the bartenders," suggests Sojourner. They can water down drinks or hand the offending guest a bottle of water while the next round is being poured. If you're not providing transportation, display a list of taxi numbers on your favor table—and let your bartenders know they're free to claim keys from any intoxicated guests who are talking about driving.
Have you seen any badly behaved weddings guests lately? Are you worried about anyone at your wedding?