Wedding 911 Hotline: Your Lifeline for Big-Day Emergencies
Your wedding day dilemmas, solved with style and a side of sass.
The Missing RSVP Mystery — Letter # 01
Dear Wedding 911,
My RSVP deadline was two weeks ago and I still have 14 guests who haven’t replied. I’ve texted, emailed, even sent cute reminder gifs, and… nothing. Do I chase them down or just assume they’re a no?
– RSVP Ghosted in Georgia
Response: Darling, a missing RSVP is like a lost bobby pin — it’s out there somewhere, but finding it could consume your life. Here’s the plan:
Assign a point person (mom, sibling, bridal party member) to make phone calls — old-school style.
Give them 48 hours to respond, or they’re marked as “not attending.”
Update your final numbers with the caterer and move on with your sanity intact.
Planner’s Secret: Always pad your catering count by 3-4 seats, maybe even 5. That way if someone “suddenly” remembers your wedding exists, you’re covered without scrambling.
Moval Over — Letter # 02
Dear Wedding 911,
I just got engaged (!!!) and everyone keeps asking about my ring. It’s a “moval,” which I’ve never even heard of before my fiancé surprised me. Apparently, it’s the latest trend? How do I style it for the wedding without it clashing with other jewelry?
– Newly Moval’d in Manhattan
Response: First, congratulations on your engagement — and on having one of the most talked-about ring styles of the year. The moval cut combines the elongated elegance of an oval with the pointed drama of a marquise, giving you a silhouette that’s both vintage-inspired and modern.
For styling:
Keep the spotlight on the ring. Pair it with a slim pavé or plain band so the unique cut stays the star.
Coordinate metal tones. If your moval is set in yellow gold, match your wedding earrings or bracelet in the same tone for a cohesive look.
Play with finger length. The elongated cut flatters the hand, so skip bulky bracelets that draw the eye down.
Planner’s Secret: Moval rings photograph beautifully from multiple angles — so ask your photographer for close-ups during the getting-ready shots and post-ceremony portraits.
The Venue Décor Curveball — Letter # 03
Dear Wedding 911,
I just got engaged (!!!) and everyone keeps asking about my ring. It’s a “moval,” which I’ve never even heard of before my fiancé surprised me. Apparently, it’s the latest trend? How do I style it for the wedding without it clashing with other jewelry?
– Newly Moval’d in Manhattan
Response: First, congratulations on your engagement — and on having one of the most talked-about ring styles of the year. The moval cut combines the elongated elegance of an oval with the pointed drama of a marquise, giving you a silhouette that’s both vintage-inspired and modern.
For styling:
Keep the spotlight on the ring. Pair it with a slim pavé or plain band so the unique cut stays the star.
Coordinate metal tones. If your moval is set in yellow gold, match your wedding earrings or bracelet in the same tone for a cohesive look.
Play with finger length. The elongated cut flatters the hand, so skip bulky bracelets that draw the eye down.
Planner’s Secret: Moval rings photograph beautifully from multiple angles — so ask your photographer for close-ups during the getting-ready shots and post-ceremony portraits.
To Share or Not to Share:
The Private Vow Debate — Letter # 04
Dear Wedding 911,
My fiancé wants us to exchange private vows during our first look, but my mom says it “ruins the ceremony” and that vows should be in front of everyone. I love the idea of a private moment, but I don’t want to upset anyone. Should we save our vows for the aisle, or sneak them in before?
– Torn Between Private & Public
Response: Darling, here’s the truth: your vows are for you two, not for an audience. Exchanging them privately during the first look gives you space to be real, emotional, and unfiltered without worrying about mascara streaks or your uncle live-streaming.
A private vow moment also:
Eases the nerves — you’ve seen each other, connected, and can breathe before walking down the aisle.
Adds intimacy to a busy day — weddings fly by, and this ensures you have a moment that’s just yours.
Beautiful footage — your photographer and videographer can capture those raw, authentic reactions without distractions.
If you still want that public vow moment, you can do a short, traditional vow exchange during the ceremony, then keep the personal promises for your private time. It’s the best of both worlds — and trust me, the photos will make you so glad you did it.
Planner’s Take: Your vows are your promise to each other — they’re allowed to begin in the quiet, before the world is watching. Let the family witness the celebration; let the two of you witness the truth.
The Bridal Makeup Mistake Most Brides Don’t See Coming — Letter # 05
Dear Wedding 911,
My fiancé wants us to exchange private vows during our first look, but my mom says it “ruins the ceremony” and that vows should be in front of everyone. I love the idea of a private moment, but I don’t want to upset anyone. Should we save our vows for the aisle, or sneak them in before?
– Torn Between Private & Public
Response: Darling, here’s the truth: your vows are for you two, not for an audience. Exchanging them privately during the first look gives you space to be real, emotional, and unfiltered without worrying about mascara streaks or your uncle live-streaming.
A private vow moment also:
Eases the nerves — you’ve seen each other, connected, and can breathe before walking down the aisle.
Adds intimacy to a busy day — weddings fly by, and this ensures you have a moment that’s just yours.
Beautiful footage — your photographer and videographer can capture those raw, authentic reactions without distractions.
If you still want that public vow moment, you can do a short, traditional vow exchange during the ceremony, then keep the personal promises for your private time. It’s the best of both worlds — and trust me, the photos will make you so glad you did it.
Planner’s Take: Your vows are your promise to each other — they’re allowed to begin in the quiet, before the world is watching. Let the family witness the celebration; let the two of you witness the truth.
The Curious Case of
the Unwanted Labubu —
Letter # 06
Dear Wedding 911,
A sweet friend gave us a Labubu figure as a wedding gift because “it’s trending and will go up in value.” I appreciate the thought, but it’s not really our style, and we’re trying to keep our new home décor minimalist. Do I keep it, return it, or quietly rehome it?
– The Bride Who Prefers Clean Lines Over Collectibles
Response: Gifts, even quirky ones, come from a place of love — but you’re not obligated to display something that doesn’t fit your life. If the giver is a close friend, keep it for a while and bring it out when they visit. If not, you can discreetly store or rehome it, especially if you know it will bring someone else joy.
Planner’s Tip: If your goal is to avoid décor curveballs, skip the guesswork and keep your registry focused on monetary gifts — like a home fund, honeymoon fund, or even a general cash gift option. Be clear in your invitation or wedding website: “No boxed gifts, please.” Guests will still bring the occasional wrapped surprise (we see it at almost every wedding), but the more direct you are, the fewer unexpected Labubus you’ll have to rehome later.
How to Add Taylor Swift’s The Life of a Showgirl to Your October 4 Wedding Playlist—No Last-Minute Panic — Letter # 07
Dear Wedding 911,
Our wedding is October 4, 2025—just one day after Taylor Swift drops The Life of a Showgirl on October 3, 2025. My fiancé and I are massive Swifties and want to weave some of her new tracks that we haven't heard, yet—like “Opalite,” “Honey,” and “Actually Romantic”—into our reception playlist. Is it too tight a timeline to pull it off, or can we be confident our DJ will have them ready to go?
– Just a Couple of Swifties Saying ‘I Do’
Response: Absolutely—you can pull this off smoothly, and with flair. Since The Life of a Showgirl drops on October 3, you'll have that day to pick your favorites and share them with your DJ before your October 4 celebration.
Here’s how to make it seamless:
Give your DJ a heads-up now. Let them know Taylor’s album is dropping just before your wedding, and you'll send fresh tracks directly after release.
Send a curated playlist fast. Email your final song choices (e.g. “Opalite,” “Actually Romantic,” “Honey”) within 12 hours of release to stay on track.
Blend the new with the familiar. Mix in classic Swift hits like Shake It Off or Love Story to keep the energy high and the dance floor packed.
Planner’s Secret: If your DJ or AV team can’t handle last-minute additions, lean on your favorite Swift classics for those unforgettable moments — your guests will still go wild, and your playlist will feel just as special. You’ve got plenty of time to map each beloved track to its perfect spot — from your grand entrance to your first dance, high-energy floor fillers, or a send-off they’ll never forget.
Beyond Sparklers: Creative Wedding Exit Ideas —
Letter # 08
Dear Wedding 911,
I love the look of sparkler send-offs, but our venue doesn’t allow them. I don’t want to miss out on that grand, magical exit moment—what are some creative alternatives that still feel fun and photo-worthy?
– Searching for a Sparkle-Free Send-Off
Response: You’re not alone—lots of venues are saying “no” to sparklers, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have a dazzling exit. The good news? Some of the best wedding exits happening right now are sparkler-free and just as magical.
✨ Popular Sparkler Alternatives:
Bubble Machines: Soft, dreamy, and whimsical. Bonus: they look stunning in photos when backlit.
Champagne Pop Exit: Bridal party or guests line the way with mini bottles or confetti cannons styled as champagne pops. High energy, high fun.
LED Glow Sticks / Fiber Optic Wands: Safe, colorful, and reusable—these turn your exit into a mini light show.
Ribbon Wands or Pom-Poms: Perfect for daytime weddings or venues that don’t allow liquids or lights. Add a custom color scheme for photos that pop.
Planner’s Secret: Ask your photographer what will capture best at night—bubble machines look gorgeous with strong flash, while LED lights or phone flashlights work better for low-light exits. Whatever you choose, rehearse a quick run-through with your wedding party so the timing (and the photos) are seamless.
✨ Have a wedding dilemma of your own? Come back each week for a new Dear Wedding 911 letter — and send your questions to shaymah@shaymahansariweddings.com for a chance to be featured.