Can we really predict awkward wedding moments that can happen at our weddings? Well, yes, we can!
Whenever you mix family, traditions, expectations, people who don’t know each other, and of course, alcohol, you’re bound to experience some awkwardness. You know what I mean by that, right? The moments that make you cringe a little. The ones where you kind of wish you’ll one day forget they happened. However, you know that these are the moments you’re likely to remember? Yeah, those moments.
The thing is, awkward wedding moments are predictable. Yes, of course, every wedding is different. Regardless, the same kind of situations do happen. And, with those situations, some people can experience similar feelings. Once you know what to watch out for, you can better prepare yourself for what may come.
Awkward Wedding Moments To Watch Out For
In this post, I’m going to lay out some of the most common awkward wedding moments to watch out for. In some cases, these moments are bound to happen at your wedding, and you can mentally prepare for them. In other cases, you may just need to be aware of them, and take the appropriate action when, and if, they happen. In any case, you’ve got this!
Let’s get into it!
WHEN YOU HAVE TO GO THE BATHROOM WHILE WEARING A WEDDING DRESS
Depending on the type of person you are, this situation can get very weird for you. So let’s just address it right off the bat.
One of the most common awkward wedding moments can occur when you have to pee while wearing your wedding dress. You may need an extra set of hands. These hands are likely your friends holding your dress for you, while you delicately try to pee and not get any on your dress. It’s not a pretty sight.
Here’s the thing. You’re likely to have to pee at your wedding. Don’t dehydrate yourself so you don’t have to. Just lean into it. If you need help, ask for it. Embrace it. It is what it is. If you can handle the task on your own, more power to you.
WHEN THE FLOWER GIRL OR RING BEARER WON’T PARTICIPATE
Ah, kids. Aren’t they so cute? Especially when they don’t do what you want them to do?
Sometimes kids accept the task of being a flower girl or ring bearer, and then change their minds. They may freeze. They may cry. Some kids may even throw a massive hissy fit right at your wedding. Again, kids. Aren’t they cute?
Look, kids are unpredictable. While bribery, practice, and lots of letting them know what to expect can all be great ways to coax them to be the perfect flower girl or ring bearer, sometimes those things don’t work. Talk to the parents of the kids (or ceremony caretaker, if you’re the parent), about a back-up plan in case things don’t go as planned. And, if you need more tips on having little kids at your wedding, check out this post.
WHEN EVERYONE IS WATCHING YOU (WALK DOWN THE AISLE, KISS YOUR PARTNER, DANCE WITH YOUR PARTNER, ETC.)
All eyes on you! Are you okay with that?
Look, I know that at first glance, it can give even the most social of us anxiety when we think about a whole crowd of people looking at us. Remember, these are people who love you. And, you’re probably looking and feeling amazing in that moment. Plus, weddings can feel surreal. You may not even be thinking about the crowd, because you’re so involved with your partner, or just enjoying yourself.
However, it can still feel a bit awkward. My advice? Accept that it’s your wedding day, and you’re supposed to be the center of attention. If the thought really induces anxiety, consider checking out this post about remaining calm on your wedding day, or consider having a small wedding.
WHEN GUESTS ARRIVE DURING YOUR CEREMONY
Ideally, guests arrive before your ceremony, right? Well, in some cases, they may arrive during your ceremony.
Let me share my experience. My wedding was held indoors. To enter the space, you had to open two huge, noisy doors that echoed through the whole room. Of course, during my ceremony, a couple of guests showed up late. They got caught in traffic, and they weren’t from the area, so I wasn’t mad. I did, however, hear the doors open and it was a bit distracting.
You know what I did? Nothing. I moved on. If you have guests who enter your ceremony, and it’s distracting, try and move on, too. It may happen, or not. The ceremony just continues as if it didn’t.
WHEN GUESTS DON’T LIKE EACH OTHER
Not everyone gets along with everyone, right?
When we mix families, friends, and a large group of people together, there is bound to be a few people with some history. In some cases, they can act like adults and be peaceful. In others, you may be concerned about a legit brawl breaking out.
If you are concerned that drama will create an awkward wedding moment for you, be proactive. Speak to the people who you’re concerned about ahead of time. Assign a neutral third party to handle it if there is an unfortunate event. And, for heaven’s sake, do not sit the parties in question by each other.
WHEN A SPEECHES GOES AWRY
I once went to a wedding where the best man went on and on about how he was so much better than his brother, the groom. While it was funny the first time he said it, it got a bit old after awhile. Eventually the maid of honor had to drag him away.
Look, speeches aren’t always executed as intended. If someone gets a bit weird with their speech at your wedding, roll with it. Smile and be gracious. Have a plan to make eye contact with another person who can help if things get out of control. Perhaps they can coax the speaker away from the front of the room, or even unplug their microphone. It will be okay.
If you need some tips on who should give a speech at a wedding, check out this post.
WHEN SOMEONE COMES TO YOUR WEDDING, UNINVITED
Are wedding crashers a real thing? Of course!
Awkward wedding moments can definitely happen if you see someone at your wedding who you know you didn’t invite. Now, in some cases, it could be well intended. It might be that one of your guests brought along someone, because they assumed they could. Or, parents brought their kids because otherwise they would have had to miss your wedding. Of course, it could also be people who knew they were crashing the fun, looking for some free drinks and entertainment.
Here’s what I have to say about uninvited guests. Again, be gracious. If their presence at your wedding is disruptive, costs you money, or is downright not okay, politely ask them to leave. You can likely delegate this task to someone else. However, if they are having fun, being polite, and not costing you extra money, let them stay. The more the merrier, right?
WHEN WEDDING GUESTS GET A LITTLE TOO TIPSY
Some wedding guests just don’t know how to pace themselves.
If your wedding guests get a little tipsy, it’s probably not the end of the world. They are just having fun. However, if they start getting dramatic, violent, or out of control, you may need to deal with a situation. I suggest asking a trusted adult to politely ask any guests who are very drunk to step out, drink some water, and come back when they can handle themselves. Don’t try to take care of the drama on your own. In fact, don’t be involved at all. On your wedding day, just enjoy yourself and deal with drama later.
WHEN IT’S TIME TO CUT THE CAKE
Wait, what? Cake cutting is awkward?
Yup.
Why is cutting the cake so awkward? Well, let me explain it to you. You, and your partner, are likely cutting a cake together for the first time. Your photographer will likely tell you to showcase your left hands, specifically those rings you just exchanged. Some guests will be milling around you, cameras out. Other guests will completely miss it.
And, then, when you do get that cake cut, you have to feed it to each other. People will be rooting for you to smash the cake in each other’s faces. Which is also awkward.
Look, again, my advice is to have fun with it. Just enjoy how cheesy cutting the cake is. Laugh at your partner. Laugh at yourselves. It’s over in a couple of minutes, and then you can move onto something else. Plus, if you’re totally opposed it to, just skip the cake.
WHEN YOU DON’T KNOW SOMEONE AT YOUR OWN WEDDING
If you have a big enough wedding, chances are that you won’t know everyone’s face.
Yes, it can be a little weird when someone says “congratulations” to you, at your wedding, and you don’t know their name. However, if they don’t introduce themselves, or assume you know them, never fear. All you have to do is say “thanks so much. We’re so glad you could come”. After that, move on to the next thing calling your attention. I’m sure something will come up right away, and you can learn who that person was later on.
WHEN GUESTS START ASKING YOU ABOUT BABIES
Alright. So, for many couples, this question will come up.
After you get married, if you are of child-bearing age, people will start asking you about when you’ll have kids. They will likely start at your wedding. It’s up to you how graceful you want to be when they ask. Perhaps you and your partner want kids right away. Maybe you want to wait a bit. It might be that you never want kids, or can’t easily have them. In any sense, this question, while well-intended, can be quite rude and invasive.
How do I suggest you respond? Well, it may depend on your plans. You could outright tell people what you intend to do. Or, you can be vague. A simple “we’ll see what happens!” can thwart this awkward wedding moment. Afterwards, you can excuse yourself from the conversation.
WHEN THE DANCE FLOOR HAS NO ONE ON IT
You know what I don’t like seeing at weddings? An empty dance floor.
Yes, this awkward moment is bound to come up at most weddings, eventually. People need breaks. Some songs aren’t that great.
If you want to have your dance floor popping, all night long, you need to be on it. I don’t think I missed a beat at my wedding. I was out there, on the dance floor, having fun, as much as I could. Remember, guests will follow your lead. If you want to keep things exciting, be in the middle of the action.
CLOSING THOUGHTS
Awkward wedding moments are going to happen. They just will. There’s not a lot you can do about them. My advice will usually direct you to lean into the awkwardness. Be gracious, be polite. Have fun regardless of what just happened. Enjoy your wedding day as much as you can. You planned it, you deserve to love every second. Happy wedding planning!
More From Hummingbird Wedding Advice
Why You May Want A Small Wedding Party
6 Tips To Reduce Your Guest List
Seven Things You Should Never Skimp On For Your Wedding
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[…] the cake cutting. If you want to know my real thoughts about it, check out this recent post on awkward wedding moments. […]