If a car breaks down, a dress is torn or the caterers cancel on the wedding day, it's essential to know who to call, and to call them quickly. Fortunately, members only need to remember one number – ours. ‘We have a long list of reliable suppliers for members to call if they need help,' says wedding specialist Kate Russell. Read our tips below on how to pre-empt common wedding emergencies, and give our number to the best man or the bridesmaid so that they can ask us to solve any issues that crop up on the wedding day. We're open 24/7 and ready to tackle any last-minute problems, and can also arrange expert wedding planners and event organisers who'll micro-manage everything from the engagement to the honeymoon.
The wedding dress gets stained
If the dress gets a mark on it before the wedding, call us and we'll find the nearest specialist dry cleaner to handle it. If, however, the dress is stained at the reception, after the photos have been taken and the register's signed, then it becomes a matter of degree. A small stain is best left untreated: trying to clean it could make it spread, and make the stain more noticeable. But if it's large and you have to remove it – and have nothing to lose if it does spread – then ask us for instructions on the best way to treat it. We can put together a stain removal pack before the wedding so brides have everything they need to tackle lipstick, food, red wine and other stains.
It rains
Many couples want an outdoor wedding in the summer, but the weather is notoriously erratic. If it's overcast in the morning it could still be a scorcher in the afternoon – and vice versa. Our tip is to be prepared to take advantage of the sun if it shines, and have shelter on hand for a quick escape if it rains. We can help members to arrange marquees so that the reception can be held outdoors no matter how changeable the weather is. ‘We can also hire a stack of stylish umbrellas so guests stay dry if it showers,' says Kate.
Champagne runs out, the cake melts
Most friends and family will RSVP weeks before the wedding, but it's not unusual for a handful of people to turn up without having responded to the invitation. Talk to the caterers (or ask us to do it for you) beforehand to find out how accommodating they can be if they need to lay on a few extra plates or serve up more bubbly than expected. If there are any issues with the food – or the caterers cancel at the last minute – then call us. We know bakers who can supply cakes at the last minute and professional chefs who can serve up a banquet at short notice.
Best man loses the rings
The hapless best man losing the rings is a comic cliché that TV and film writers have returned to countless times. This means that almost every guest at the wedding will instinctively ask the best man whether he's ‘lost the rings' at least once before the ceremony, forcing him to check his pockets at regular intervals. But if he does somehow manage to misplace them, don't panic. ‘We'll source, purchase and deliver rings from a local store, or arrange for the exchange of token rings which can be swapped for the actual ones when they show up,' says Kate.
If you want to play it safe, however, then hold on to the rings yourself until it's time for the ceremony.
Band splits up, DJ is sick
If the band splits up before the reception or the DJ comes down with the flu, then call us and we'll find a replacement. It's a good idea to bring an MP3 player packed with your favourite songs to the wedding to cover any musical gaps while we arrange the entertainment. They're easy to plug into a sound system and are portable – the best man can look after it in his pocket (along with the rings).
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