Photo: Christa Strick Photography
Every couple wants their guests to have a great time at their wedding, but there’s always the chance that a guest will enjoy themselves a little too much and over-indulge at the bar. Not a big deal — unless getting to and from your wedding involves driving a car. If you have a guest with a set of keys who is in no shape to drive, what should you do? Here’s some advice from our experts to help keep everyone safe.
If you’re worried that one of your guests isn’t fit to get behind the wheel of a car, don’t be afraid to speak up. Start by finding whoever they arrived with, whether it’s a spouse or significant other or a group of friends. Recruit them to help you handle the situation: It’s much easier to address when you’ve got a few people on your side. If any of them are sober and comfortable driving, ask them to take the keys and get everyone home safely.
Did the guest in question arrive alone, or with other people who also aren’t fit to drive? This is where Uber or a local taxi service comes in. Confirm with your venue that the guest can leave their car overnight (and make sure they let any night staff and those working the next morning know that the lone car in the lot is okay), then arrange a ride home for your inebriated guest. Be sure to text them or leave a voicemail letting them know where there car is, in case there’s any confusion in the morning.
Worried about even putting your guest into the back seat of a car? Find a quiet space, such as that couch in the lobby, where they can rest and collect themselves before you send them home. No matter the situation, be sure to provide your guest with something to eat and lots of water to start hydrating, hopefully putting a little bit of a dent in the hangover they’ll have tomorrow.
See more: What Should You Do If a Bridesmaid, Groomsman (or You!) Gets Drunk Before the Wedding?