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30 Wedding Disasters So Cringe They Should’ve Come With A Warning Label
Interview With Expert
Every wedding is unique, but some take “unforgettable” to a whole new level and not always for the right reasons. From cake-tastrophes to speeches that made everyone stare at their plates, the internet has no shortage of awkward, tacky, and downright bizarre wedding stories.
Today, we’ve gathered some of the most jaw-dropping tales that guests lived through with a straight face (or at least tried to). Keep scrolling for wedding chaos you won’t believe actually happened.
This post may include affiliate links.
#1
Craig Reynolds 7 months ago
Not just mothers. I knew an acquaintance who was in love with his daughter. I know this because he would tell everyone how beautiful his daughter was and that if she weren't his daughter, he would marry her. Creeped me out.
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#2
#3
Ace 8 months ago
Seen this one quite recently, the story does not quite hold water, since in no jurisdiction is it the responsibility of the newlyweds to "send in" anything. That's the whole point of having to use a licenced officiant, whose job it is to ensure the legalities are all taken are of.
L.V 8 months ago
I don't know, when we got married we had to take the signed paper to the town hall ourselves (Scotland).
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Amanda Reinstatler 7 months ago
What the F**K!?!?!? I KNEW there had to be women wgho do this sh1t. How disgusting. The "groom" should be happy its not real
Every couple has a vision for their wedding. Some dream of an all-white setup with delicate lilies and strings of fairy lights. Others might want a beach wedding with barefoot vows and crashing waves. But then, there are a few who toss tradition out the window and come up with requests so unexpected, they make planners raise an eyebrow. From neon dress codes to camel entrances, weddings can get delightfully weird. And sometimes, those quirks can be the most unforgettable part.
To understand how event planners navigate these requests, Bored Panda spoke with Raghubir Singh, a seasoned wedding planner with over two decades of experience. Singh is the founder of “BMP Weddings,” a luxury wedding planning service based in India. He’s handled everything from royal-themed palace weddings to intimate hilltop ceremonies. “Our goal is always to make the process stress-free for the couple,” he says. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t a few surprises along the way. Especially when families get involved.
#4
Glen Ellyn 8 months ago
I wouldn't have stood around and waited for dancing and drinks. I'd have left right after the ceremony. Five hours?? No way. 🤦🏻♀️
TiaMa 4 months ago
Its actually quite common in e.g. Slovakia and Czechia. For bigger weddings almost anybody is invited to the ceremony, only the close family and closest friends are invited for official dinner (enjoyable by grandmothers too) and then friends join in for the fun evening part with (mostly) open bar and dancing.
#5
Earonn - 8 months ago
That's a bad serving crew. A friend had a similar arrangement at her wedding and we were all served food at various places along the table. Also, if they serve seconds and you see it's at the end, why not get up and get something?
JK 8 months ago
Maybe, but whomever set it up did bad planning. Always round tables. My sister just did a buffet and it worked well. More people interaction.
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Mreoww 7 months ago
Where I live, weddings typically involve long rectangular tables; small round ones are unheard of. However, the good thing is that servers come to each and every guest one by one, giving them a serving of every item on the menu, so nobody goes hungry. I suppose it’s a but slow, but it’s so much more effective than the post above.
Craig Reynolds 7 months ago
Oh, heck no. I would have ended up ruining the wedding because I would have gotten up, gone to the end of the table, and taken that second delivery of food away from the end and brought it back to the middle. If anyone dared say anything, I would have loudly proclaimed they ate enough the first time around while those of us in the middle had nothing. That's just how I roll.
#6
OpheliaPoe 8 months ago
I don't understand. Just...how? Why? What was the purpose of the mail invites if the weren't actually invites at all?
“We want the couple to have everything they dream of, but there are moments when the family adds... layers,” Singh shared with a chuckle. “Like one time, an uncle insisted every centerpiece should have a framed photo of the family’s first pet parrot. Not the current pet, one that passed away in the '90s!” While honoring personal memories is important, Singh admits some requests really test the limits of creative design. “You learn to smile and figure out a solution.”
Food requests can be equally unusual. “Once a bride’s father asked for a custom dessert table featuring only triangle-shaped sweets,” Singh said. “Apparently, he believed they bring good luck. We had to shape everything, from cookies to laddoos, into triangles!” While it was a fun challenge for the catering team, it also raised questions about practicality. “At the end of the day, everyone just wants the food to taste good and make people happy.”
#7
OpheliaPoe 8 months ago
The amount of effort that must have taken her, it sounds exhausting! She would have exerted less energy getting a second job (assuming she had one to begin with) to buy those things.
Rikki Kay 8 months ago
My sisters and I were invited to a bridal shower. I wondered why since the bride's father was our employer (we were teachers at his music school) and although we had known the family for years, I still thought it was strange. I mentioned that I didn't want to spend a lot of money on a gift and not be invited to the wedding. Older sister assured me that wouldn't be the case; they're not that type. Guess what?? EXACTLY that type. We spent over $300 on a gift and not one of us was invited to the wedding. People s,uck!
#8
Toujin C'Thlu 8 months ago
The groom seems to have a low opinion on people's intelligence. I think most Americans would recognize an Olive Garden when they see it
Charles McChristy 8 months ago
I don't know who is still eating there enough to keep that place open. I've not been there in over a decade. Their food was bad at first but is now just so much worse. My roommate still eats it all the time.
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Fire Singer 8 months ago
Ok if having your wedding at OG is what you want I'm all for it...but to not reserve the place and set it up with the management? Now that's what I would call tacky.
OpheliaPoe 8 months ago
I can get behind a small wedding at an unexpected place, it sounds like it could be fun and funny. But this is very much not it AT ALL.
#9
Biofish23 8 months ago
If WB had approached FB in advance with her plan, and offered to help contribute to the cost of flowers that would have been great. Ask, don't steal is basic kindergarten concept.
K Barnes 8 months ago
I'm ok with a bit of Robin Hood style theft. Stealing flowers from a nursing home? That's a LOW low.
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YLKM 7 months ago
One of my former friends daughter took all the swan oil lamps I had on the tables. Didn't ask, just took them. Later I found out that her mom encouraged her. I said, "wow, those were meant to go to my family members and no one asked!" They didn't even offer to give them back. I stop hanging out with all those people, turned out they were all parasites.
Amanda Reinstatler 7 months ago
Wow thats gross. Did WB think FB wouldnt figure it out...at the wedding!?!?!
And then there’s the issue of guest numbers. “Too many people at once? It becomes a zoo,” Singh laughed. “We’ve had events where families insist on 700 guests but want it to feel intimate.”
It’s a planner’s nightmare trying to create cozy moments in a sea of people. Not to mention the logistics: food portions, parking, seating, it all spirals quickly. “We always advise setting realistic limits, but not everyone listens.”
#10
Viola Fö 8 months ago
I'm replying to you bc I like your name. a wedding in a gym?.like a gym with weights and stuff? it smells like sweat and metal. I guess the guests could do some weight training during the long a*s ceremony 🤣🤣
Load More Replies... OpheliaPoe 8 months ago
Inside of a gym at a campground? Like with weights and benches and yoga mats pushed off into a corner or ??? Is there some campground gym that would not be that or is this like some kind of elementary school summer camp gymnasium or ??? I just want to see this place. I have never seen a gym of any kind and thought, this would make a PERFECT red carpet wedding venue!
Fire Singer 8 months ago
I have told my mom I will forever be grateful to her for telling me based on the time of my wedding we needed to serve dinner. I was 24, didn't know any better, and thought appetizers would be enough. So glad we did the dinner route instead!
Michael Largey 8 months ago
How to invite a lot of people but still keep your guest count low.
#11
Just Another Karen 8 months ago
i also asked for money instead of gifts, BUT i said that people could contribute with any values they could. AND if they weren't able to gift us, it was ok. entitled bride indeed.
Royal Stray 8 months ago
On one hand, I really get wanting money instead of 50 toasters or something you'll hate to have in your home. But in that case 1. Don't ask people for money. or 2. Tell people gifts or just money in case they want to contribute is fine. But you absolutely do not put a number on there
Amanda Reinstatler 7 months ago
Unbelievable. People these days (especially brides ) dont want gifts anymore - they want the guests to pay for their ENTIRE $75K wedding, AND honeymoon, AND bach parties, AND gifts and cash - like theyre trying to make money off their wedding. The credit card debt from these weddings will be lasting waaaaay longer than the "marriages" ever could.
#12
OpheliaPoe 8 months ago
Elder millenial wedding theme: MySpace Top Friend List Invited Only But Made Visible to Everyone You Know
Royal Stray 8 months ago
I get bring worried here, but the polite thing to do is to send out a Mail to the people who didn't make it with something like "Due to the current situation we've unfortunately needed to scale back the wedding. This does not mean we want you there any less, and had the situation looked differently we would have adored to have you there. Unfortunately we must inform you that your invite to X and Y wedding is no longer valid due to the Venues new policy and risk of spreading COVID. We are terribly sorry for the inconvenience and really do wish you all the best, love X and Y." Or something along those lines. To the people who made it you can just say "Hello this is X and Y we just wanted to confirm that your invites still stand even during this situation. If some of you can't show up due to the pandemic we still wish you all the best and understand your situation"
Amanda Reinstatler 7 months ago
WHY do people think that everyone is just dying to go to their weddings.
Sometimes, saving money becomes the top priority. “One groom’s family asked us to reuse the mandap decorations from another wedding that happened the night before,” Singh recalled. “They even suggested we just turn the flowers around to hide any wilting.” Cost-cutting is understandable, especially for large weddings, but Singh says it can go too far. “We’re all for smart budgeting, but let’s not forget the occasion’s importance.”
He’s also seen clients try to substitute with cheap alternatives that clearly don’t hold up. “Using knockoff décor or low-quality lighting might save a few bucks,” Singh explained, “but the final look suffers.” In today’s world of viral photos and Insta-worthy backdrops, first impressions matter. “Plus, it’s not just the wedding on display, it’s our team’s reputation too.” Balancing quality and budget is a delicate dance they do every time.
#13
The Mediterranean Fruit 8 months ago
Exactly me thoughts! I's say $5000 or below, is low key.
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Toujin C'Thlu 8 months ago
I really hope the brother was banned from family gathering after that
Littlemiss 8 months ago (edited)
$12,000 holy... mine cost about $500. I would love to do again with people who matter being present.
#14
JK 8 months ago (edited)
I gave my sister a pair of crystal salt cellars with pewter spoons. She got married on NYE while I was in town spending Christmas with an older couple who were friends of mine. So we were opening gifts and Kendra was pissed because it was a regift. We go into the basement, get a blue Tiffany box, find some white tissue paper. She even has white satin ribbon that she ironed and tied the box in a bow. We are cackling. Sister didn't ask me to stand up, but made me responsible for getting our nursing home grandmother into clean clothes and into the van, all that stuff. Good friend Bill and I cut out early and go to a NYE party. Sister calls me and asks me about stolen gift envelopes. Really? It is the last wedding I went to. Politely decline if it ever comes up again. EDIT: Oh, and, I'm in grad school at the time. Had to buy a black dress. Told her I bought a three strand pearl necklace. She says "Are they Mikimoto pearls?" Yeah, I can barely scrape up the $500 plane ticket, yet I'm going to spend $5k on a Mikimoto three strand pearl choker?
#15
K Barnes 8 months ago
And at least everyone was able to laugh at the mistake! Signs of a good crowd.
Load More Replies... Robin Roper 8 months ago
I danced with my son to Israel Kamakawiwo'ole ➖ 'Over The Rainbow' & 'What A Wonderful World' Medley. It was lovely.
“There’s a fine line between saving money and being tacky,” Singh said frankly. “People sometimes forget that guests remember more than just the food. The vibe, the coordination, the comfort, it all matters.” According to him, weddings should feel like thoughtful celebrations, not chaotic productions. “Even simple weddings can feel elegant when done with care and planning.” It's not about spending more; it’s about spending smart.
#16
Fire Singer 8 months ago (edited)
I must be old because like...whose wedding goes past 9pm anyway? Just me??
#17
The Mediterranean Fruit 8 months ago
Hopefully they meant for the women to wear dresses/skirts since it says the men had to wear kilts instead of pants.
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OpheliaPoe 8 months ago
Where does one acquire such a specific article of clothing? Does said article of clothing exist?
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Teutonic Disaster 8 months ago (edited)
Just imagine if people actually showed up. 1 duck, 2 chickens, 20 cats... whole lotta fowl play.
Robert Beveridge 8 months ago
With a request list like that I'm amazed one of the allowable animals wasn't a Phish
KatSaidWhat 8 months ago
tie dye kilts? Scots everywhere laughing and also crying. My grandparents spinning in their graves.
Jac Carr 8 months ago
Surely they meant to wear shorts yet the men automatically jumped to kilts?
L.V 8 months ago
Love a man in a kilt, but I'm not sure about the tie dye part 😄
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#18
OpheliaPoe 8 months ago
Um, yeah, if you experience sticker shock on your wedding expenses you either save up or scale down.
Charles McChristy 8 months ago
The reason it cost more than normal is because they probably worked out a select menue with the restauraunt/venue. $50 is nothing. I would happily pay that to help out a young couple celebrate their wedding day. Now, $500 would be a hell no, but $50 isn't tacky at all.
Amanda Reinstatler 7 months ago (edited)
Tacky AF - if you really intend on straight up asking for money just to attend - do NOT call it a f@ckin "RSVP" when its a cover charge.
Royal Stray 8 months ago
Only things it's fine to expect guests to pay is if it's a short trip (next town over/ reasonably close), then they'd pay for their own gas or train tickets or whatever. Or if they are asked to buy formal wear and doesn't have any since that's relatively reasonable to expect. Maybe, maybe a hotel room if the guests themselves are coming from further away or want to be able to stay later or drink while there. But that's it and the last one really depends on
One easy fix he always recommends is trimming the guest list. “It’s the simplest way to cut costs without cutting quality,” Singh shared. Fewer guests means better food, more meaningful moments, and a calmer schedule. He’s even seen couples thank him later for suggesting this. “They say it let them enjoy their own wedding for once, which is honestly rare!” A more intimate crowd often leads to a more memorable event.
#19
Royal Stray 8 months ago (edited)
The guy could have asked the bride to throw the flowers to the bride's-maid or in her direction or something, and then proposed in a nice private moment after the wedding. Even if the bride's-maid missed it it would have been a cute moment. But no. But yeah classy of the bride to manage to keep it in
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Learner Panda 8 months ago
40 degrees Fahrenheit is very cold. 40 degrees Centigrade is very hot. Assuming this post is American.
#21
Jenn Smith 8 months ago
Potato bar sounds awesome to me! But definitely should have had plenty for everyone. Sour cream, bacon, different kinds of nice cheese...now I want a loaded baked potato.
The Mediterranean Fruit 8 months ago
And drinks. Not necessarily alcohol, but at least coffee water or some punch.
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Bigmomma 8 months ago
That is cheap my wedding didnt even cost 1k I found a gorgeous dress from China£150 fit great and I felt great my dad worked at a florist so all my flowers I got free plus I went in his car with the ribbons on it my cousin did my hair up she's a pro hairdresser I gave her a few quid for it so she didn't lose hours from work we had wedding at registry office and then hired a balcony at pup and paid for a spread £200 we didn't ask for presents and just asked people to come in what they felt comfy their presence was more important than aesthetic a friend put money behind bar and food that was left over we asked others in pub if they wanted to join us we then had our honeymoon at local hotel as I was pregnant and couldn't travel due to hg but it was a wonderful fun day and been married 11 yrs now u dont need to spend a fortune just have fun
Another helpful move? Clear communication between the couple and their families. “When everyone’s on the same page, we can focus on execution, not conflict,” Singh explained. Whether it’s choosing vendors, deciding on themes, or timing rituals, clarity keeps things smooth. “It’s your day, but it works best when everyone feels heard.” And for planners like Singh, that collaboration is what makes it worth it.
#22
Hippopotamuses 8 months ago
Somehow. I don't think that this marriage is going to be for better or for worse.
Craig Reynolds 7 months ago
The word "SIMP" immediately popped into my mind after reading this.
#23
Toujin C'Thlu 8 months ago
Because they think virginity is still important for some reason
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#24
Learner Panda 8 months ago
It used to be normal to open and read telegrams at the reception, but doing all the cards is just boring.
In the end, Singh says he’s learned to expect the unexpected. “Every wedding teaches us something new,” he smiles. From parrots to triangle sweets, it’s all part of the story. “But the goal remains the same, create a beautiful experience the couple will never forget.” Whether it’s grand or simple, quirky or traditional, a wedding done with heart is always a success. And as Singh puts it, “A little bit of chaos just makes it more fun.”
#25
Libstak 8 months ago (edited)
I actually respect this idea. It ensures they decompress and actually have time to eat together. They can then get social and check in with all their guests at the tables etc without missing out on their own food and each other's company.
Sandella 8 months ago
I would have done the esting thing if I could have as I don't recall actually getting to eat at my wedding. The photos thing is completely normal as far as I'm aware...
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White Sauce Hot Sauce 8 months ago (edited)
I've seen it, but not for a whole hour. It's meant to give them time away from guests to get some food in them, the food they sampled during the wedding planning. Otherwise, they'd be inundated with guests trying to take pictures with them, dancing, and talking. They've probably been awake before dawn with no time to relax or savor their wedding day.
CaliPanda 8 months ago
Did this at my cousin’s wedding. I was a bridesmaid and the entire wedding party was able to grab a quick bite before the formal guest dinner. It only seemed like 30 minutes or so.
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#28
Papa 8 months ago
I was once asked to be one of the groomsmen in a wedding where I only knew the bride and groom because we hung out at the same beer joint. I initially accepted because it caught me off guard and I didn't want to be rude, but then a week or so before the wedding I was told that the maid of honor had backed out, so the woman I was walking down the aisle was maid of honor, so that meant I would be best man. I got over not wanting to be rude and told them I was sorry but I'd have to work and wouldn't be able to attend.
K Barnes 8 months ago
I was asked to be a bridesmaid in the wedding of a former coworker that I had only hung out with outside of work in groups 4-5 times. I had never hung out 1-1 or met the fiancé. I felt bad politely declining but am so glad I did. Another coworker agreed and was the MOH solo (no bridesmaids)... said it was incredibly awkward.
Load More Replies... Otto Katz 8 months ago
Yes! My sister! She invited my husband and I, on a beach with about 50 people. We had to stand at the back. then in the reception, which was in a beach pavilion, shaped like a crescent, she sat us at the far end away from the rest of the family with people who worked with her. Because of the shape of the building, we couldn't see the head table, the band, the cake, rest of the family etc. as soon as dinner was over, we left. No reason to stay.
Well, these posts are definitely a reminder of what not to do at your wedding. Have you ever been to a ceremony where things went off the rails, awkward speeches, tacky themes, or drama that stole the spotlight? Send this to a bride-to-be or groom-to-be as a gentle nudge (or friendly warning) of what to keep in mind while planning. After all, a little prep can go a long way in avoiding a wedding people talk about for the wrong reasons!
#29
Child of the Stars 8 months ago
This seems odd enough that it makes me wonder if it was an emergency thing. As in her hair got caught in the dress zipper or something and needed to be cut out.
#31
SouthernGal 8 months ago
Sad the bride didn’t take the groom’s feelings into consideration when planning the wedding. I don’t like to dance either, and didn’t have dancing at my reception.
Christina Born 8 months ago
She shouldn't have forced him to dance. His anxiety was probably super triggered to the point he couldn't function properly. I would have had the same problem.
#33
OpheliaPoe 8 months ago
I misread this and thought the women pressuring him were the ones involved in the bouquet toss AND they were the bride's sisters. Meaning they would have all been his cousins too.
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#40
#43
The Mediterranean Fruit 8 months ago
These vows sound like they were worded poorly and the passage of scripture that they are talking about is often misunderstood. A biblical husband is supposed to be a leader and a protector. But he is also supposed to "love his wife, like Christ loved the church." Jesus died for us, aka. the church. So a husband is supposed to be so devoted and love his wife so much that he would die for her, and never disrespect her. A good husband should never pressure his wife into anything. A biblical women is to be submissive. But this does not just mean in the way that most people assume. A woman was created to be a "helpmeet." Women were literally created to do what men couldn't. To complete them. This does not mean women are men's personal slaves. No. Women and men are to work and live in harmony together.
#44
#47
Otto Katz 8 months ago (edited)
the mother of the bride is traditionally the last of the guests to be escorted to her seat by the ushers before the procession begins. No guests are allowed after her, until after the bride goes down, all the way, and late guests are let into the side pews, near the back of the church with as little disruption as possible So, technically she could be considered the first of the 'grand march'. (never heard it called that before) She can be ushered by her husband, at which point he goes back to stand next to his daughter to escort her down, or by a regular usher.
#48
Michael Largey 8 months ago
I can understand the desire to avoid confusion. Don't want some random guy in the bridal suite on the wedding night.
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#53
OpheliaPoe 8 months ago
I'm imagining the little old lady getting wheeled up in her chair to hand back her key.
talliloo 8 months ago
a commenter stated "imagining the little old lady getting wheeled up in her chair to hand back her key." well, i did attend a wedding where this prank was pulled. after all the other ladies had turned in their keys a little old lady - i think someone's grandmother - with a walker approached the groom and handed him the key with a wink and said she was sure he was the best...if she could remember.
#57
#59
Michael Largey 8 months ago
As someone said, "Poor South Carolina! Too small for a republic, too large for an insane asylum."
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What do you think ?
Earthquake903 8 months ago
Just save the money for a house or something, ffs. Weddings are a great way to start a marriage in debt or drain your parents retirement fund. Unless you're super rich, then by all means, don't do anything useful with your wealth, waste it on a wedding. 🙄
Pencil 8 months ago
I've posted this before but the best wedding I ever attended was a surprise. All the guests thought we were going to a simple backyard bbq/housewarming party. When everyone had arrived, the hosts, aka the bride and groom, announced they were getting married. Right now. A 5-minute vow-exchange later, they were husband and wife. My "wedding gift" was a big bowl of homemade potato salad. It was awesome.
Liz Strevens 7 months ago
I remember my (m) cousin's wedding many years ago. The bride wore a peach coloured crinoline style dress with a rust coloured peplum jacket with frog fastenings, and a poke bonnet. She looked like Little Bo Peep or a character from an old Quality Street tin. The bridesmaids wore dresses in a 'contrasting' mint green. The catholic priest was drunk and the highlight was when he asked my cousin if he would take this woman as his 'awful ledded wife'.
Earthquake903 8 months ago
Just save the money for a house or something, ffs. Weddings are a great way to start a marriage in debt or drain your parents retirement fund. Unless you're super rich, then by all means, don't do anything useful with your wealth, waste it on a wedding. 🙄
Pencil 8 months ago
I've posted this before but the best wedding I ever attended was a surprise. All the guests thought we were going to a simple backyard bbq/housewarming party. When everyone had arrived, the hosts, aka the bride and groom, announced they were getting married. Right now. A 5-minute vow-exchange later, they were husband and wife. My "wedding gift" was a big bowl of homemade potato salad. It was awesome.
Liz Strevens 7 months ago
I remember my (m) cousin's wedding many years ago. The bride wore a peach coloured crinoline style dress with a rust coloured peplum jacket with frog fastenings, and a poke bonnet. She looked like Little Bo Peep or a character from an old Quality Street tin. The bridesmaids wore dresses in a 'contrasting' mint green. The catholic priest was drunk and the highlight was when he asked my cousin if he would take this woman as his 'awful ledded wife'.
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