After officiating more weddings around Nashville than I can count — from elegant barns in Franklin to rooftop “I do’s” downtown — I can tell you this: something could go sideways on your wedding day.
And honestly, those little mishaps often become the moments you’ll laugh about for years.
So, from one who’s stood front and center through some “perfectly imperfect” ceremonies, here are the top seven wedding-day slip-ups I see most often — and why none of them should ruin your day.
1. The Case of the Missing Rings
It’s rare, but a handful of times I’ve asked in the ceremony: “May we have the rings?” and been met with pure panic. The best man pats every pocket like he’s on a game show, and the maid of honor starts scanning the crowd.
Relax — you aren’t the first ones it’s happened to. Usually, they’re in the coordinator’s bag or someone’s purse.
My fix: I just about always ask the director, or someone “Are the rings in place?” I really don’t care who has the rings, I just like to know they are going to be there when we need them.
2. The Great Wind Show
Outdoor weddings in Middle Tennessee are gorgeous, but the wind? It’s got a personality of its own. I’ve seen veils wave all over the place, candles get snuffed out and the bride’s hair keep falling in her face.
If it’s breezy, just roll with it. A few flyaway curls make for great photos — we’ll call it “Nashville boho chic.”
My fix: I might make a little joke about it like, “I really don’t like this wind….it messes my hair up.” Of course, everyone can see I don’t have a lot of hair to mess up.
3. The Tears Start Flowin’ (and Don’t Stop)
Between the music, vows, and that moment you lock eyes — it hits hard. I’ve seen tough guys lose it halfway through their vows, and more than one dad start the waterworks early.
And that’s okay. It’s real emotion. Grab a tissue, take a breath, and let it happen. (I keep extras in my folder for this exact reason.)
My fix: If I see tears are the very start I might say, Well, we’ve got happy tears already! We are ahead of schedule.” Or if the groom is tearing up, I might say, “Groom, looks like these Nashville spring allergies are getting to you.” Those kinds of remarks always get a round of laughter.
4. The Mic Meltdown
There’s nothing quite like the romantic moment of “…and now we’ll begin the vows—” SQUEEEEAAAKKK!
Ah yes, feedback — the uninvited guest. Sometimes the sound cuts out, sometimes it blasts like a rock concert. T
My fix: I always arrive early before guests start arriving to do a sound check. But even then, there can be problems during the ceremony.
The trick? I crack a quick joke, keep it light, and we carry on. It’s all part of the show.
5. Tiny Humans, Big Personalities
Kids in weddings are adorable… and completely unpredictable. One flower girl once stopped halfway down the aisle, dumped her basket, and announced, “I’m done.” The crowd loved her.
If it happens, laugh. Guests eat it up, and those moments end up being some of your favorite photos.
My fix: I don’t do anything. It doesn’t bother me if kids do kids things. We just all enjoy it and move on with the ceremony.
6. The Name Game
A couple told me of a friend’s wedding where the officiant called the groom by the bride’s ex-boyfriend’s name! Oh, boy! I do hear stories quite often from couples of weddings they attended where the officiant used the wrong name. I can only remember doing it once. My excuse is that it was hot and the sun was right in my eyes. My called the groom by the wrong name. I immediately realized it as I saw the bride’s eyes open wide. I made a joke about myself and we moved on.
My fix: I write the couple’s names at the top of every page of the ceremony script. If a name goes out of head, it’s easy to glance down and see it rather than search for it in the script somewhere.
7. Fathers of the Bride Fumbles
Two things F.O.B.’s might do. One, try to hand off their daughter to the groom before I ask, “:Who gives this woman in marriage?” Second, step on the bride’s dress as he turns to go to his seat after the presentation.
My fix: I go over these kinds of things with couples in our planning time so they can tell dad. I also often meet the father the day of the wedding and go over those two things.
Final Thought (From the Guy With the Microphone)
Look — your Nashville wedding might not go exactly as planned. But it will be yours. The little hiccups, the laughter, the real, human moments — that’s what makes it beautiful.
So when something unexpected happens, just smile at each other. I’ll handle the rest.