Am I the a-hole? 9 wedding disasters to make you cringe

Weddings are magical, until they’re not. Not everyone is guaranteed a wedding disaster story, but those who have one will be thinking about it for years to come.

We have some real life wedding moments that the key player really should have asked themselves: Wait, am I the problem? Am I the a-hole?

Alterations disaster

“My friend never tried on her dress after alterations. Day of, she discovers the corset panel wasn’t sewn back in. The wedding started an hour late while we literally safety-pinned her into the gown.”

Verdict: NTA (Not the a-hole)

No one wants their wedding dress to not fit them like a glove on the day of the wedding. The bride didn’t mean for this to happen and trusted that the alterations would be right. That’s why we always say to include a sewing kit in your wedding emergency kit.

Wait, what goes in a wedding emergency kit? Find out!

Maid of… Dishonour?

“The MOH gave a 10-minute speech about her ‘special connection’ with the groom, ignored the bride completely, then was caught sneaking into the honeymoon suite with him before the send-off.”

Verdict: YTA (You’re the a-hole)

Everyone has a history, but boundaries exist for a reason. Review speeches ahead of time and say “no” to those who want to take the mic but you don’t 100% trust. It’s your day.

Reception or cocktail hour

“We went to a wedding at a lakeside restaurant. Pretty ceremony, lovely patio reception… and then we were kicked out after an hour. No music, no cake, no dinner.”

Verdict: Somewhere in the middle

A wedding should be just as the couple envisioned and what fits within their budget. But there has been some mismanaged expectations.

Our tip? Communicate on invites and consider budget-friendly reception alternatives.

The Barter Bar

“The couple had a cash-only bar — and I mean cash only. Guests were literally trading coins to get a soda.”

Verdict: NTA – with a caveat

Of course, it’s up to the couple to choose a cash bar, but again – communication is key. Put these details on the invite and provide drink tickets to avoid chaos.

Buffet Breakdown

“They invited 300 guests but only paid for food for 50. Guests were scraping lettuce leaves.”

Verdict: YTA

Running out of food isn’t funny. People have made an effort to come to your wedding and celebration. They’ve travelled, bought outfits, found babysitters. Match your guest count to catering, and then over-provide a little.

Bluetooth Blues

“The ceremony music was run from a Bluetooth speaker with no one in charge. Songs cut in and out, and the bride literally had to yell mid-aisle.”

Verdict: NTA

Tech happens! Assign someone to handle the music, test equipment beforehand, but roll with the punches.

Missing Groom, Missing Cake

“By the time the couple was ready to cut the cake, half of it was gone — guests raided the dessert table early, and no one could find the groom.”

Verdict: It’s tricky

Guests shouldn’t be helping themselves to a wedding cake, but there’s a good run of program for a reason, and communicating key moments are coming up to the guests before they go off is important.

Plan your perfect wedding day program!

Fog Machine Fire Drill

“The couple’s first dance had a fog machine… which set off the fire alarm. 45 minutes in the parking lot with fire trucks while grandma stood in heels.”

Verdict: YTA

If you’re the couple and you’re planning something special like this, you have to run it by all the suppliers, including the venue. Always test equipment and consider guest comfort. Is a little bit of smoke worth the panic of a fire drill?

The Seating Sulk

“My cousin’s mom hated her table placement and spent the night sulking — until she passed out on the dance floor.”

Verdict: She’s the a-hole

Family politics are tricky, but things need to be pushed aside in the name of love! If your family is tricky, make a Switzerland table, where everyone is a neutral with no dog in the fight.

Having trouble with your seating plan? We’ve got all the tools you need.

Don’t be a Reddit thread!

Sometimes weddings go sideways through no one’s fault. The best way to avoid being “the a-hole” is planning, communication, and a bit of foresight. Bonus: a good sense of humor helps when chaos inevitably strikes.

Weddings can be unpredictable, but if you get all your planning together, you should be able to pull it off! Join Easy Weddings to keep all your plans in one place.