THE bride is in the toilet crying, the bride’s father in a passionate embrace with the groom’s mother and the best man is attempting to steal an ice cream van.

All true stories according to wedding planner Sarah Haywood who, as the author of top selling bridal books Wedding Bible and Wedding Bible

Planner, knows well the chaos that can follow too much champagne, at even the chic-est of nuptials.

“For whatever reason, some people come to a celebration such as a wedding with the express intention of becoming ‘completely bladdered’,” says Sarah.

And no bride is immune to the problems caused by drink.

“One of the main problems is that weddings are emotionally charged occasions,” says Sarah. “There’s nothing quite like a marriage ceremony to make us take a closer look at the state of our own relationships. Mix alcohol into that cocktail and it’s a recipe for disaster.”

TIPS FOR AVOIDING DRUNKEN DISASTERS

Start by limiting what is on offer to champagne or sparkling wine, wine and bottled beer. Ensure there is plenty of water and soft drinks, especially in warm weather and centrally-heated banqueting rooms.

As well as mineral water, put out jugs of tap water. This will not only prevent people getting drunk too fast, it will encourage those who do drink too much to offset the damage.

If you are having a summer wedding, have lots of soft drinks on offer from the start so those who need to can quench their thirst before moving on to the harder stuff. Given the option many will.

If you are serving Pimms on a hot day make it weaker than usual as guests can quickly become legless without meaning to.

Make up some enticing soft drinks and serve them from glass jugs with lots of fruit and herbs so they look appealing.

Tell the venue you do not want the waiting staff to keep topping up the glasses.

Later in the proceedings consider keeping the tea and coffee going all evening (set up a cappuccino bar or tea and coffee station somewhere). Perhaps have cake and coffee at midnight if you are partying into the early hours.

The sight of a drunken bride thinking she looks cool on the dance floor is not attractive. Enjoy a drink, but don’t spend the rest of your life regretting that you missed it because you over-imbibed.

Your wedding day will go by in a flash – save the cocktails for the honeymoon.