Wedding Horror Stories: The Day I Had to Cut Off the Bride

If there was ever a moment that made me consider adding an “eat while getting ready” clause to my contract, it was the day I had to cut off the bride the moment she walked into her reception. Now, don’t get me wrong, I know that weddings can be a whirlwind of emotions and stress, and I'm all for a celebratory drink. But this? This was a whole different level.

Thankfully, the ceremony was lovely—so sweet—and the photos afterward went off without a hitch, finishing right on time. Everything was smooth sailing until we hit that tricky moment between lining everyone up for the grand entrance and sneaking the bride and groom away for a couple of sunset shots. That’s when I realized we were headed for a downward spiral and I needed to get some food in front of the bride, stat.

The grand entrance went well, and I was just about to check in with the banquet captain when, out of nowhere, a server appeared at the sweetheart table, pouring wine for the bride. Now, I like to think I’m pretty ninja-like in these situations, so I quickly swooped in, did a quick check on her, and—while making it look like I was just casually admiring the decor—borrowed one of the two full glasses in front of her. Smooth, right? I then sent a discreet message to catering to hold off on the drinks until after dinner and to serve them food promptly. They had their first dance coming up and I wanted to make sure she was going to have the balance and awareness needed for the choreographed performance!

Dinner came at the perfect time, and we were back on track! The party continued, and everyone (especially the bride) could finally enjoy the rest of the night. It was a small victory, but hey, we made it through!

Planning a wedding is stressful—there’s no denying it. Being surrounded by family and friends, having all eyes on you, and dealing with the chaos of the big day can really take its toll. But I always remind my couples, it’s important to know your limit. This isn’t just any party—you’re the guest of honor at your own wedding. It’s a day you’ll want to cherish and remember, even if it goes by in the blink of an eye. Yes, you’ll have photos, but don’t forget to treasure the moments behind them, too!

I’ve dealt with my fair share of tipsy guests who’ve gotten a little too carried away, but cutting off the bride? That was a first for me! I always stress to my couples: please, for the love of all things holy, eat while you're getting ready. If you’re sipping on mimosas while getting your hair and makeup done, that’s fine—just make sure you’re drinking water between sips and eating more than just a handful of chips or fruit. Your stomach will thank you, and you’ll avoid any potentially dramatic situations later in the evening.

Remember, folks: your wedding day is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. So, go ahead and celebrate, but be smart about it, and please don’t make me play the role of the buzzkill!

Stay tuned for more Wedding Horror Stories this month! Have a tale of your own? We’d love to hear it! Contact us here.