Prevent Wedding Day Mishaps!
With a bit of advance preparation and some savvy on-the-spot solutions, you'll be prepared for any mishap that comes your way.
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. "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.
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. That sad, I always supply fabric tape in an emergency kit for my clients! It works wonders on everything!
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 will have located, ahead of time, a chair near the altar. Just in case). "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.
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! 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.
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.
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 atMt.SinaiMedicalCenter 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.
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. Attach a lovely 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.
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