Mark Twain once said, “The two most important days in your life are the day you are born and the day you find out why.” But there are other milestones in between that are significant enough to remember forever. Weddings rank right up there at the top.
With so much preparation, time, money, and effort going into everything, you can only hope that things run smoothly when the big day arrives. And for many couples, thankfully, all goes according to plan. But others are left wondering where it all went wrong.
Bored Panda scoured the internet in search of the juiciest and wildest wedding stories people have shared. From a groom being arrested to a bridesmaid going into labor before the ceremony, there seems to be no shortage of crazy content out there. Keep scrolling for a trip down the aisle of wedding disasters, and don't forget to upvote your favorites. We also reached out to Tammy Hardy, a seasoned makeup artist and the Agency Director of Make-Up Touch. She's seen her fair share of drama at weddings and agreed to spill some of the tea.
#1
I was supposed to be a bridesmaid at this particular wedding but got kicked off the bridal party because I couldn't buy the particular shoes that the bride requested the bridesmaids wear. I couldn't get these shoes because due to a birth defect I cannot wear heels higher than 2 inches (even then it's painful). She knew I couldn't wear high shoes before she even met her now husband.
When the wedding day came around it was fine at first but things started going downhill at the reception. The bride put me at the worst table in the room and I was sitting next to an ex boyfriend who I'd had a nasty break up with. The bride *forgot* that I didn't eat meat so I couldn't eat the first two courses.
During the bride's speech she made comments about how she was glad that all her *true* friends were able to be bridesmaids. Later on I heard her make nasty references to me, using the world cripple instead of my name. Before I left I went to say goodbye to her and she said, very loudly, that I still hadn't paid for the bridesmaid dress. This dress hadn't even been ordered when I was told that I was no longer a bridesmaid.
The next time I heard from her was a year later when she invited me to her baby shower (I do think that the only reason she invited me was to get a gift).
Of course she had every right to request that I no longer be a bridesmaid but the pettiness and nasty comments were over the top. Especially as it was all over a pair of 5 inch heels.
When the wedding day came around it was fine at first but things started going downhill at the reception. The bride put me at the worst table in the room and I was sitting next to an ex boyfriend who I'd had a nasty break up with. The bride *forgot* that I didn't eat meat so I couldn't eat the first two courses.
During the bride's speech she made comments about how she was glad that all her *true* friends were able to be bridesmaids. Later on I heard her make nasty references to me, using the world cripple instead of my name. Before I left I went to say goodbye to her and she said, very loudly, that I still hadn't paid for the bridesmaid dress. This dress hadn't even been ordered when I was told that I was no longer a bridesmaid.
The next time I heard from her was a year later when she invited me to her baby shower (I do think that the only reason she invited me was to get a gift).
Of course she had every right to request that I no longer be a bridesmaid but the pettiness and nasty comments were over the top. Especially as it was all over a pair of 5 inch heels.
108points
Tammy Hardy has been a Hair and Makeup Artist for 19 years, and her work has taken her to more weddings than she can remember. "I will need a minute to actually count them all!" she tells Bored Panda during our interview. "I remember all my brides and have done many where their bridesmaids have now become my brides."
When we asked Hardy whether she had any wild wedding stories, she burst out laughing. "Sooooo many!" she says. "How many do you want?" The makeup artist has witnessed the good, the bad, the ugly, and the utterly hilarious when it comes to weddings.
#2
Had a bridesmaid go into labor during photos before the ceremony. She stayed for the ceremony (albeit sitting in the back) and then she took off for the hospital. Baby was born before the cake was cut!
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95points
#3
The bride did not show up. The guests were at the church, along with the bride’s and groom’s families. The bride’s maids were missing, but the groom and the groom’s men were waiting. We all waited. For 1 1/2 hours. Finally, the maid of honor showed up, and announced that the bride decided she was not getting married. It seems that she used the airplane tickets for the honeymoon to elope with someone else. We all left the church somewhat “rattled”, and felt very bad for the groom. However, that was only the bride’s 1st wedding. Almost 40 years later, and she is on to husband #6. I did not attend any of the other (elaborate) weddings.
95points
One incident forever etched in Hardy's mind involved a bridesmaid unexpectedly revealing something she now wishes she hadn't. "While we were getting everyone ready, a bridesmaid was sharing a story to everyone about hooking up with a groomsman the night before the wedding," the makeup artist tells us.
"As she was in the middle of the story, her partner walks in! The whole room of about 15 ladies goes dead quiet. It was the most awkward atmosphere ever. If he heard anything, he didn't let on but we all felt really bad for him."
#4
Many years ago my wife and I went to a wedding of a relative. The church wedding was simple and fine.
The reception was at a hall and I don’t remember if there was a band or DJ. Drinks were fine. They asked everyone to sit at their tables and the announcer would call table numbers.
The buffet was served by a row of staff, so you didn’t just dig in. The main course was pre sliced Turkey. As we sat and waited for our number to be called, we watched as smiling people walked past with plates piled high with food. We were getting hungry!
Finally they call our table and the serving trays were empty! The servers were trying to scrape mashed potatoes in a failed effort to give the remaining guests on line a scoop full. And a spoonful of vegetables. The Turkey was long gone.
To add to the disappointment the bus people are clearing tables of plates still laden with food! Lots of slices of Turkey, two big scoops of potatoes all floating in gravy!
It was pretty clear that the servers had bad judgment and loaded up plates with what was no doubt double servings and simply ran out of food before the final tables were served.
We did stay until the end and ate wedding cake. We stopped At McDonalds on our way back to the hotel.
I later learned that the parents who paid for the reception were mortified and got a big chunk of cash back from the venue.
The reception was at a hall and I don’t remember if there was a band or DJ. Drinks were fine. They asked everyone to sit at their tables and the announcer would call table numbers.
The buffet was served by a row of staff, so you didn’t just dig in. The main course was pre sliced Turkey. As we sat and waited for our number to be called, we watched as smiling people walked past with plates piled high with food. We were getting hungry!
Finally they call our table and the serving trays were empty! The servers were trying to scrape mashed potatoes in a failed effort to give the remaining guests on line a scoop full. And a spoonful of vegetables. The Turkey was long gone.
To add to the disappointment the bus people are clearing tables of plates still laden with food! Lots of slices of Turkey, two big scoops of potatoes all floating in gravy!
It was pretty clear that the servers had bad judgment and loaded up plates with what was no doubt double servings and simply ran out of food before the final tables were served.
We did stay until the end and ate wedding cake. We stopped At McDonalds on our way back to the hotel.
I later learned that the parents who paid for the reception were mortified and got a big chunk of cash back from the venue.
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93points
#5
A guest (girlfriend of one of the groomsmen) snuck into the bridal suite and stole all the purses. She got caught trying to leave the venue by security and had to face the bride. Awkward!!!
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86points
#6
Big old Italian wedding in a local hall. All the aunties, nonnas, whatever brought fabulous food! Lots of good Italian homemade wine. Guy gets mad at his wife and hits her. Her brother yells you SOB, you hit my sister! He hits hubby. Hubbys brothers jump in. Wifes brothers and father jump in. Hubbys uncles jump in. Bride and I , in yellow crepe bridesmaids dress with ridiculous 60’s beehive and stupid whispy veil, run into the ladies room and barricade the door. When it’s quiet we peek out. Cops taking people away. I was underage but we poured ourselves drinks.
86points
On another occasion, a bride was left blushing. And it took a while for those who witnessed it to recover from all the laughter. "The bride kept complaining about her underwear feeling strange," Hardy told Bored Panda. "After some time, she lifts up her dress in the middle of the room and breaks out into absolute hysterics. I glance up from the makeup I was doing to see what she is laughing at. Totally exposed, dress up to her waist, she realizes she has put her g-string on backwards! We were all cry laughing for ages."
#7
Unfortunately my wildest wedding experience involved the death of the groom's father. He was happily dancing to a peppy Motown oldie with the bride and her matron of honor (ME) when he collapsed! We all thought he was joking until his skin changed color. The bride began CPR and an ambulance arrived quickly but it was too late. His wife was screaming hysterically and fainted as they took him away. Many guests were crying and there was complete chaos for the next half hour or so as the reception came to an end. Shockingly, in the confusion, some heartless people stole liquor and food and gifts!
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79points
#8
My dad´s only brother got married when my siblings and I were about 7, 12, 13, and 14.
My uncle was convinced that my siblings and I were going to be horribly behaved at the service and at the reception. We were separated from everyone because of the fear of what we might say or do. (I don´t remember whether or not there were other kids on site or not.)
My mom got seated with the kids at the furthest table. My dad and my grandmother sat at the head table as was their due.
My uncle´s brand new wife had an uncle. This uncle took great advantage of the open bar.
This particular uncle was not only loud and unruly, he chose to urinate in the hotel´s fancy water fountain and then puke on OUR table.
So much for knowing who was well mannered and who wasn´t.
My uncle was convinced that my siblings and I were going to be horribly behaved at the service and at the reception. We were separated from everyone because of the fear of what we might say or do. (I don´t remember whether or not there were other kids on site or not.)
My mom got seated with the kids at the furthest table. My dad and my grandmother sat at the head table as was their due.
My uncle´s brand new wife had an uncle. This uncle took great advantage of the open bar.
This particular uncle was not only loud and unruly, he chose to urinate in the hotel´s fancy water fountain and then puke on OUR table.
So much for knowing who was well mannered and who wasn´t.
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77points
#9
Literally the wildest?
That would be when a bear ambled into a chapel in Vail where I was attending a wedding. Fortunately, they have rangers to deal with that kind of thing.
That would be when a bear ambled into a chapel in Vail where I was attending a wedding. Fortunately, they have rangers to deal with that kind of thing.
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73points
Hardy told us that, after studying, she started her career doing makeup for TV, commercials, and fashion campaigns. "I began receiving referrals for bridal. And after doing my first wedding, I loved it. I'm a 'people's person' and like to connect on a personal level so it's a perfect match for me!"
We asked what else she enjoys about doing bridal makeup. "We are involved in the prep stage which is a very intimate and personal part of the day, and such a happy environment to work in," she replied. "It creates a very unique connection with the bride and her inner circle which is a really special space to share. I love hearing them all chat about their favourite memories together throughout the years."
Now, want to know the worst part of the job? "Driving long distances back home after standing for long hours without any breaks," revealed the makeup artist.
#10
The couple thought it would be cool to have an owl fly down the aisle with the ring tied to it's foot. Lovely! The only thing they overlooked was the massive mirror at the ceremony side of the room which to the bird just looked like more room. So the groom is standing there with the leather glove on his hand waiting for the owl to deliver the ring. The owl flies past him at speed and like a wile E coyote cartoon splats against the mirror and starts to slide down towards a bunch of lit candles. Oh dear I think, expecting my last shot to be of a burning bird flying around the room. Luckily it missed the candles but then proceed to fly around the room for about ten minutes with all in attendance head's moving in unison watching it and the poor groom standing there with the leather glove still held up waiting for this poor creature to land with the ring.
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67points
#11
I came as a +1 to a wedding. I knew the bride as an acquaintance.
The wedding was in a church of Christ in East Tennessee, where that denomination is cult like. I am Methodist so I was barely tolerated. They put me in the worst seat in the church, behind a wide column that concealed the air conditioner return. I saw none of the service and what I heard was muddled by the whooshing air through the AC. The preacher was loud so I heard enough to know what they were doing. They did way too much. Everybody seemed to want to hog the occasion for their own 15 minutes of fame. The preacher gave a full sermon that was heavy on church of Christ doctrine. Both the brides parents and grooms parents did a wreath ceremony and renewed their vows, they had a candle lighting ceremony, misbehaving ring bearers, communion, the preacher hijacked the part where they exchange vows to talk about some unrelated bulls**t. It was a disgusting display of narcissism before men and an abomination before the Lord for them attaching His name to their self centered pageantry.
The wedding was in a church of Christ in East Tennessee, where that denomination is cult like. I am Methodist so I was barely tolerated. They put me in the worst seat in the church, behind a wide column that concealed the air conditioner return. I saw none of the service and what I heard was muddled by the whooshing air through the AC. The preacher was loud so I heard enough to know what they were doing. They did way too much. Everybody seemed to want to hog the occasion for their own 15 minutes of fame. The preacher gave a full sermon that was heavy on church of Christ doctrine. Both the brides parents and grooms parents did a wreath ceremony and renewed their vows, they had a candle lighting ceremony, misbehaving ring bearers, communion, the preacher hijacked the part where they exchange vows to talk about some unrelated bulls**t. It was a disgusting display of narcissism before men and an abomination before the Lord for them attaching His name to their self centered pageantry.
66points
#12
When I was 15 our cleaner invited our whole family to her wedding and reception. We were friendly with her as she’d given one of our puppies a home when our dog had a litter, but we hadn’t known her long. Being 15 I didn’t really want to go, but my mum said we wouldn’t have to stay long and we would just go for the reception, dance a bit and come home. It was in the Town Hall, a big, grand room in the nearby town.
When we got there we saw the bride and groom dancing, but hardly anyone else in the room. My mum checked the time thinking we were early or late but it turns out no one had turned up! There were my parents, my two brothers and me, and then no more than 7 other people in this huge, heavily decorated room with a large buffet that would have fed around 100 people.
We felt bad for the bride and groom so tried to make up for the lack of people by dancing and eating a lot, but they were acting as if it was totally normal. They seemed to be having a really good time. After a while a couple of people left and the 5 of us in my family made up half of the guests! I felt very awkward, and instead of staying an hour or two we had to stay the whole night, all the while pretending we were having a great time.
We found out later the reason no one had showed - it turns out that the bride and groom had been married before. In fact, they’d been married and divorced 9 times! The reception we went to was their tenth wedding… which explains why none of their family and friends wanted to waste anymore time on them. A match made in heaven! I wonder if they are still married, or how many more weddings they’ve racked up now…
When we got there we saw the bride and groom dancing, but hardly anyone else in the room. My mum checked the time thinking we were early or late but it turns out no one had turned up! There were my parents, my two brothers and me, and then no more than 7 other people in this huge, heavily decorated room with a large buffet that would have fed around 100 people.
We felt bad for the bride and groom so tried to make up for the lack of people by dancing and eating a lot, but they were acting as if it was totally normal. They seemed to be having a really good time. After a while a couple of people left and the 5 of us in my family made up half of the guests! I felt very awkward, and instead of staying an hour or two we had to stay the whole night, all the while pretending we were having a great time.
We found out later the reason no one had showed - it turns out that the bride and groom had been married before. In fact, they’d been married and divorced 9 times! The reception we went to was their tenth wedding… which explains why none of their family and friends wanted to waste anymore time on them. A match made in heaven! I wonder if they are still married, or how many more weddings they’ve racked up now…
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65points
Despite loving weddings, Hardy said brides aren't always easy to deal with. We weren't too surprised to hear that. We asked whether she'd rather work with a difficult model or a difficult bride. "I would rather work on a fashion shoot with a difficult model, as they are more aware of the parameters of hair & makeup," she said. "It can be challenging to manage expectations when it comes to brides, especially in today's times with photo enhancing filters and editing."
#13
My husband and I were invited to a Scottish wedding reception. The kilts, the highland fling, the bagpipes playing haunting then dance-inducing music. Neither of us were fond of weddings yet everything about this one was fun and exhilarating until …
We only knew the bride and groom and the parents of the groom. A lovely couple came and spoke to us and the woman kept zoning in on me and being a little too interested. She then whispered in my ear if I would be interested in a foursome with her and partner.
Quickest exit we made from a wedding … without the couple.
We only knew the bride and groom and the parents of the groom. A lovely couple came and spoke to us and the woman kept zoning in on me and being a little too interested. She then whispered in my ear if I would be interested in a foursome with her and partner.
Quickest exit we made from a wedding … without the couple.
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62points
#14
At this wedding but the best man/groom's brother objected to the marriage mid ceremony and called the bride all sorts of names before running out of the church. After the hubbub died down they finished getting married. My wife and I visited the couple recently and they are still married and have a little baby girl.
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59points
We ended our chat by discussing why some brides lose their composure and asked Hardy for her advice for those getting ready to walk down the aisle. "I try to emphasize to my brides that comfort is key to being confident on their wedding day. It's not the day to force yourself to try a new hair or makeup style if it's not something you would normally go for," she shared.
"On the wedding day, try not to stress about the small things that may go wrong. Your guests don't know what you had planned, and hardly notice the finer details. The wedding day goes by so quickly. Be sure to take a moment with your partner aside from all your guests to soak it all in together."
#15
I think the most memorable one was when a member of the bride’s family had a grand mal seizure. It was a beautiful poolside wedding. The ceremony had just started. Then it happened!
Afterward, the groom scooped up the woman in his arms and carried her to a bedroom inside the house. 911 had been called. When they gave the word that she was all right, but was being taken to the hospital for observation, the groom said, “We’ve waited a long time to get married. We’re not waiting anymore!” And the wedding continued.
Afterward, the groom scooped up the woman in his arms and carried her to a bedroom inside the house. 911 had been called. When they gave the word that she was all right, but was being taken to the hospital for observation, the groom said, “We’ve waited a long time to get married. We’re not waiting anymore!” And the wedding continued.
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59points
#16
As a wedding coordinator I had a very drunk groomsman hold a broken champagne glass to my throat because I cut him off (stopped his alcohol supply). It went a bit wild from there. There were fights, someone landed on the dessert buffet, cream and custard was everywhere. One of the bridesmaids used a butter knife and cut her dress off. There was banshee screaming from the bride. It was the most out of control wedding I’d ever witnessed.
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56points
#17
This was several decades ago. I was invited to my husband’s cousin’s wedding. In a meeting the night before the event, I (and other cousins) were given our “assignments”. We were to be servers at the reception. Yes, you read that correctly, SERVERS. I was tasked with bringing drinks, offering refills and other miscellaneous chores. And trust me, some of those guests were demanding and rude. And for our trouble, we got to eat in the hall kitchen.
I was told later that it was supposed to be an honor to do this. Please, don’t honor me again!
Needless to say, I was hesitant to attend other weddings on his side of the family.
I was told later that it was supposed to be an honor to do this. Please, don’t honor me again!
Needless to say, I was hesitant to attend other weddings on his side of the family.
55points
#18
My eldest son's wedding was a fiasco from beginning to end!
The bride spent $800 on her wedding gown, but the fittings had been done by family, who didnt have experience with tailoring. Every time the bride bent over, we were treated to a glimpse of her bra and body.
My son was embarrassed to tell us he couldn't afford tuxes for himself and his friends. We made frantic calls to different stores and found red vests for rent (not cheap, as you can imagine).
The wedding took place in a bar where my son had played gigs, and it wasn't set up for weddings. The man who was to officiate was drunk, didn't know their names and had a difficult time climbing up on the stage, nearly falling off! During the ceremony, he turned to my son and said, “Do you take her as your awfully wedded wife?”
The wedding colors were red and black. On the white wedding cake, the red icing ran, making the cake look like it was bleeding.
My son's father in law had planned the reception to be a concert at the bar. The band was good, but the volume was at ear damaging levels. All the wedding party drank jaggermeisters, got incredibly wasted and quarreling loudly with each other.
My husband and I decided to bow out quietly. I feel badly that we missed much of my son's celebration, but they actually think it was great time, and are still going strong after being married for 10 years.
The bride spent $800 on her wedding gown, but the fittings had been done by family, who didnt have experience with tailoring. Every time the bride bent over, we were treated to a glimpse of her bra and body.
My son was embarrassed to tell us he couldn't afford tuxes for himself and his friends. We made frantic calls to different stores and found red vests for rent (not cheap, as you can imagine).
The wedding took place in a bar where my son had played gigs, and it wasn't set up for weddings. The man who was to officiate was drunk, didn't know their names and had a difficult time climbing up on the stage, nearly falling off! During the ceremony, he turned to my son and said, “Do you take her as your awfully wedded wife?”
The wedding colors were red and black. On the white wedding cake, the red icing ran, making the cake look like it was bleeding.
My son's father in law had planned the reception to be a concert at the bar. The band was good, but the volume was at ear damaging levels. All the wedding party drank jaggermeisters, got incredibly wasted and quarreling loudly with each other.
My husband and I decided to bow out quietly. I feel badly that we missed much of my son's celebration, but they actually think it was great time, and are still going strong after being married for 10 years.
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54points
#19
One of my school classmates got married recently. I attended his wedding.
While entering the event, I noticed some of his family members clutching guns. I greeted them and entered the venue. During the wedding ceremony, I heard some gunfire. I assumed it was firecrackers, but I was mistaken; it was celebratory gun shots. I ignored it and began taunting my friend about the lovely wife he was getting married to.
Suddenly, I noticed a mob gathered around a particular location. Curious, I walked to the location where I observed a man (a random guest from bride’s side) lying down with blood streaming from his shoulder. He was struck by a bullet during celebratory firing.
He was taken away to a hospital.
Number of guests attending the event soon started leaving. I, too, wished the couple and returned from the venue within an hour.
Two days after the incident, I heard that the injured man was safe, but the episode made me nervous of marriages that included celebratory firing.
While entering the event, I noticed some of his family members clutching guns. I greeted them and entered the venue. During the wedding ceremony, I heard some gunfire. I assumed it was firecrackers, but I was mistaken; it was celebratory gun shots. I ignored it and began taunting my friend about the lovely wife he was getting married to.
Suddenly, I noticed a mob gathered around a particular location. Curious, I walked to the location where I observed a man (a random guest from bride’s side) lying down with blood streaming from his shoulder. He was struck by a bullet during celebratory firing.
He was taken away to a hospital.
Number of guests attending the event soon started leaving. I, too, wished the couple and returned from the venue within an hour.
Two days after the incident, I heard that the injured man was safe, but the episode made me nervous of marriages that included celebratory firing.
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51points
#20
My first wedding season, someone stole the wedding rings from the Best Man’s bag while they were at a bar next to the room getting ready. They left the empty box and everything, and the bride and groom spent the reception filling out a police report.
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48points