OK, here’s the truth: No matter how many times you triple check your to-do list or read up on wedding mistakes, there will definitely be something that goes wrong on your big day. How do we know? Because even the experts have experienced mishaps, unexpected changes, and total disasters they couldn’t begin to plan for.

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Here, professionals in the wedding biz share the biggest fiascos that happened on their watches (some even at their own weddings!).

1. The Limo Didn't Make It
“For my wedding, we had a beautiful white classic car that was supposed to take us (the bridal party) from our house to the church. Well, the car died and we were stuck on a road in San Francisco. Eventually, another car came to pick us up. But I was late—very late—to my own wedding.” —Joyce Scardina Becker, events expert, Events of Distinction 

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2. We Couldn't Find the Groom
“About 20 minutes before the ceremony, nobody could find the groom. Word got to the bride, who then panicked and almost called the whole wedding off. It turns out the groom was stuck in the bathroom and couldn’t get out. Finding him was the best moment of my career.” —Marissa Smith, wedding planner from Virginia 

SATC wedding

3. They Messed Up Our Last Name
“I got married at home plate of Safeco Field, home of the Seattle Mariners. After we were announced man and wife, the scoreboard read, 'Congratulations Mr. & Mrs. William Cooper.' The problem was, my husband’s last name is Taylor. We did not see the board, so we had no clue, but it was great fodder for the guests and the photographer, who did catch it, and the correction that I guess came shortly thereafter.” —Jennifer Taylor, events planner, Taylor’d Events

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4. Someone Ate the Cake Before It Was Cut
“When the staff at the venue brought the cake out for the bride and groom to cut, I noticed a slice had already been eaten. Someone at the venue thought it would be a good idea to eat the cake way too early in the night. I managed to cover the missing piece so the other guests wouldn’t notice during the cake cutting. I also managed to keep the bride and groom calm when they found out what happened." —Sarah Larson, events planner from Minneapolis

5. The Rain Would Not Go Away
“I had a wedding reception that was completely ruined by rain the minute it was going to start. I ended up moving the whole wedding inside in a matter of 30 minutes. We completely reset all of the tables with clean linens (because we happened to find extra in the venue) and also alternative centerpieces.” – Katie Werkin, wedding planner,  Chancey Charm Columbus

rain wedding

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