Navigating Common Matrimonial Mishaps

You’ve planned your wedding down to the last petal in your flower girls’ baskets, but life has a way of subverting even the best-laid plans, turning “I do” into “now what?” Stephanie Frazier Grimm, founder and creative director of Couture Parties, is here to help visiting wedding parties navigate some common matrimonial mishaps. 

By Tracie Seed | Newport Wedding Magazine 2020

You forgot your wedding party gifts! Slip on a pair of sneakers from Sole Desire and run to Primavera for some thoughtful trinkets. Visit Newport Sweet Shoppe for local indulgences, such as lobster-shaped cookies and chocolates. “I love anything ‘classic Newport,’” Grimm notes, “so I would suggest anchor pearl earrings from Kiel James Patrick, and for the guys, anchor cuff links from Style Newport.”

Fido frolics through the mud before the ceremony. Go to Wag Nation for a shampoo, new collar and matching leash, and consider hiring a dog handler. “Pets must leave right after the ceremony because venues do not allow them at the reception,” cautions Grimm. “I recommend Lucky Dog Resort; they can be the handler and board your dog for the night.”

Your future mother-in-law gives you the cold shoulder. Warm her up with a Water Journey at the Bodhi Spa, where she can experience a 104-degree Epsom salt pool, eucalyptus steam room and infrared sauna. (Tell her that the 50-degree water plunges will give her energy for the dance floor … wink, wink.)

Your bridesmaids chip their perfectly pink pedicures. Make a beeline to Envy Salon and Spa or Star Nails & Spa for indulgent mani-pedis. 

Your 5-year-old niece loses her Newport Creamery Awful Awful all over her new dress and ruins her flower crown. Head to The Secret Garden or Chaves’ Gardens for alternative posies, and Bellevue Kids for a new frock.

Your future sister-in-law ties one on at the rehearsal dinner. Nurse her hangover with the hair of the dog at the Brick Alley Pub, whose Newport Jerky Mary features a blend of housemade mix, Absolut Peppar Vodka, Newport Jerky Roadkill hot sauce and a skewer of beef jerky. 

Your maid of honor is 12 weeks pregnant and can’t fit into her dress! If Mery’s Tailor Shop or Rosa’s Dry Cleaners & Tailor Shop can’t squeeze her burgeoning figure into the outfit, grab a pair of Spanx (or two) from Deborah Winthrop Lingerie in Portsmouth. 

Aunt Betty hugs your best man and gets bright pink rouge on his shirt. Try your luck at Polo Cleaners, which offers same-day service. If that doesn’t work, Marc Allen Fine Clothiers, Royal Male and Michael Hayes offer fashionable replacements. 

Rain threatens your outdoor wedding. “Leave wiggle room in your budget for a rain plan,” Grimm says. “If you’re having a tented wedding, make sure it is big enough for your ceremony and cocktail hour.” Download the Dark Sky app to formulate a wedding weather plan, and if rain is in the forecast, stock up on umbrellas, coat racks and bins to place umbrellas in. Newport Tent Company is your one-stop shop to help you prepare, and Newport Mansions Stores carry a wide assortment of beautiful umbrellas and rain ponchos.