Before the happy couple can exchange their vows they have to plan their wedding day. Here is where you can help either as a friend or part of the family.

Not just as a bridesmaid can you prepare some beauty items for the bride (or other female guests). Torn tights? Open seams? A stain on the dress? Not a problem for you!

Just put a pair of tights, sewing supplies and a stain remover in a little bag which is always within reach on the big day. What else should you put in there? Tampons, chewing gum, hair needles… Just put everything in there that comes to your mind. This way you will be prepared for any possible mishap.

The booked photographer has to cancel on the day of the wedding while the bride is already walking down the aisle? If there is no professional substitute available, just get your own reflex camera. Pictures taken by friends are just as good to help memorise the special event.

Who knows, maybe you will find guests who are interested in photography and take over shooting the pictures. Just remember to have a full battery and an empty memory card at hand.

The best sign for a good or bad party is the mood of your guests. The choice of music decides if the dancing floor is full of people or completely empty. But what can be done if the DJ is nowhere to be found?

Wedding guests can prepare a playlist at home and put it on a USB stick that they can whip out of their bag on the wedding day. It is not a substitute for live music but at least you can dance to all your favourite songs.

Especially young guest need a lot of attention during the wedding party. If the bridal couple has not organized a professional nanny for the flower girls you can comfort crying kids with a book or home-brought puzzle.

Make sure there are two or three people at the party who have an eye on the kids for the evening.

After mastering various problems in the last months, brides have gained nerves of steel by the time their big day has arrived. But what about other nervous guests such as the father of the bride?

Overcome with his emotions he might very well fumble his prepared speech. To calm everyone’s nerves, hand out a glass of champagne to the guests. It loosens the mood and is a great party starter.

Do you have any food intolerances or allergies? You might be in very good company. Unfortunately, a wedding menu does not always match every guest diet. Therefore, a small ration of allergy pills for you and other guests might save the day. And you can fully enjoy the offered menu.