The Oops: You or a sloppy guest spills red wine on your gown.
The Fix: In a pinch, stain-removal wipes will work wonders on most dresses, says Mindy Weiss, a California-based event planner who has coordinated weddings for celebrity brides like Trista Rehn, Jessica Simpson and Gwen Stefani. "If you address the problem quickly, you'll have a better chance of getting the spot out completely," advises John Mahdessian, President of Madame Paulette, a fabric-care specialist in New York City. He recommends the Madame Paulette Professional Stain Removal Kit (purchase it for $6 at madamepaulette.com), and swears it will remove any stain — from oil-based foundation makeup to red wine to tomato sauce — on any fabric within minutes.
Photo Credit: Sarah Ainsworth on Bourbon & Bloom Vintage Rentals via Lover.ly
Next: You rip the hem of your gown on the way to the reception ►
The Oops: You rip the hem of your gown on the way to the reception.
The Fix: No time to sew it back on? Break out a roll of double-sided fabric tape and use a piece to stick the torn hem back in place. If you don't have fabric tape on hand, masking tape or gaffer's tape (which a lighting professional would have in his or her kit) will do the trick, says Weiss.
Photo Credit: Rawsii Photography
Next: You're at the altar, and the room starts to spin ►
The Oops: While you're at the altar, the room starts to spin and you feel faint.
The Fix: Grab a seat quickly (ideally, you'll have arranged ahead of time to have a chair placed near the altar). "Sometimes when you stand for a long time blood pools in your legs, making you feel light-headed," explains Angelo Racaniello, M.D., an emergency room physician at JFK Medical Center in Edison, New Jersey. Some prevention: Eat a healthful breakfast the morning of your wedding — say, scrambled eggs, a piece of toast and fruit. An empty stomach can make you more prone to dizziness, especially if you sip champagne before the festivities begin. And, drink lots of water, as dehydration may also make you feel weak.
Photo Credit: Susan Jackson Photography
Next: By the end of the ceremony, your feet are killing you ►
The Oops: By the end of the ceremony, your feet are so sore you can barely walk, never mind dance the night away.
The Fix: If you have your heart set on a gorgeous pair of shoes that you know will torture your tootsies, wear them down the aisle and for pictures, then switch to a more comfortable pair when the party starts. Or, put on some sneakers (don't worry — your gown will hide them), or just kick off your shoes altogether, says Weiss. Regardless of the shoes you choose, break them in two weeks ahead of time; spend about 10 minutes a day wearing them on a carpet so you they don't get dirty or scuffed, advises Weiss.
Photo Credit: Casey Fatchett Photography
Next: You have a hangover from last night's rehearsal dinner ►
The Oops: You have a hangover from last night's rehearsal dinner.
The Fix: Drink up — water, that is. Alcohol causes dehydration, so you need to replenish your body's liquids. (You may even be able to ward off that nasty morning-after feeling by downing plenty of H20 before you go to bed after a night of imbibing, says Dr. Racaniello.) Then, eat to beat that sluggish feeling — something bland, such as oatmeal cooked in water or a banana, that won't trigger a bout of vomiting or diarrhea. Pop ibuprofen (with food) to ease a headache and an antacid like Tums if you have a queasy stomach, says Dr. Racaniello.
Photo Credit: Jayd Gardina Photography
Next: Heat and nerves are making your sweat glands work overtime ►
The Oops: Heat and nerves are making your sweat glands work overtime.
The Fix: You need a strong antiperspirant. In the months before your wedding, try out different brands while you exercise to find the one that works best. If you can't find something strong enough, talk to your doctor. A prescription formula like Drysol or Xerac AC is more powerful than the usual drugstore offerings, says Debra Jaliman, M.D., a clinical instructor at Mt. Sinai Medical Center and a dermatologist in private practice in New York City. Depending on the style of your gown, you can also have your dressmaker sew in absorbent perspiration pads under the arms of your dress, adds Weiss. If you tend to perspire all over, lightly apply Zeasorb, a super-absorbent powder that's stronger than many talcs (it's available at most drugstores), to trouble spots.
Photo Credit: Hoffer Photography
The Oops: It's raining.
The Fix: All you can do is make the wet weather less of a nuisance. If your wedding will be outdoors, have a backup plan — perhaps put a waterproof canopy on hold at a local rental company so you can get it at the last minute, if need be. Another bright idea: Hand out inexpensive parasols to guests without umbrellas. Weiss often attaches a note reading, "Rain, rain, go away. But you won't ruin our wedding day!" Chances are guests will remember this clever touch more than they will a few raindrops.
Photo Credit: Unplugged Photography
Next: What to pack in your emergency kit ►
Your Be-Prepared Kit
Create your own “emergency” pack with these big-day essentials (or purchase Mindy Weiss’ Emergency Wedding Kit, $65, at mindyweiss.com):
Stain-removal wipes. For spills on most fabrics (sold at pharmacies and grocery stores).
Baby powder. Great for preventing shoes from squeaking as you walk and for controlling light perspiration.
Hairspray. For tress repair.
Double-stick fabric tape. Fix fallen hems or fasten bra straps that keep peeking out of your gown or your bridesmaids’ dresses (sold at fabric and craft stores).
Moleskin. Attach to shoes to prevent blisters and as padding for sore feet (sold at pharmacies).
Scissors. To cut the moleskin and the fabric tape down to size.
Superglue. Among its uses: repairing shoe heels that snap off and fingernails that break.
Breath mints. They help with dry mouth and keep your breath sweet for greeting guests — and for your first kiss as husband and wife.
Straws. Sip drinks through a straw to avoid ruining your lipstick.
Ibuprofen. A fast fix for headaches.
Mini sewing kit. Include thread in white and in the color of your bridesmaids’ dresses to repair last-minute tears.
Clear nail polish. Use it to stop pantyhose runs in their tracks.
Tissues. For tears and much more.