Event planner Lisa Chappelear knows from experience: Never attend a wedding without the toolbox.

Years of food stains, ripped hems, pantyhose runs and loose earrings have taught Chappelear to come prepared for whatever the big day will throw her way. So, just in case, her Home Depot toolbox is packed with an assortment of last-minute remedies for the most common — or unusual — occurrences.

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"It's inevitable: Girls always get stuff on their dresses," said Chappelear, whose new Event Perfect wedding shop in Virginia-Highland opens this week. "There aren't a lot of things you can eat that won't spill on you, so I always suggest drinking water. And I carry straws just in case."

The toolbox also is packed with trade secrets, from deodorant and makeup to aspirin and earring backs. One of her favorite problem-solvers is a stick of white chalk ("It's white-out for a dress and really works in a pinch").

As is the case with many wedding planners, Chappelear gets to play psychologist for the day — as well as organizer.

"There are a lot of emotions involved in the day, but it's also a day that involves a huge outlay of cash," she said. "It's not surprising to have moms getting in the florist's hair because they've seen a wilted flower petal.

"Sometimes I have to run interference. But I just remind [the moms] what the day is all about: Whether your daughter is having a good time on a day that hopefully won't come around again," Chappelear said.

Wedding planner Darlene Treadwell has faced a myriad of problems caused by today's blended and reblended families. Her creativity and sensitivity have often saved the day.

"I had one bride whose father was away in the Army and couldn't be at the wedding," she recalled. "So the bride put a rose on the empty seat next to her mother for him. In another wedding, the bride wanted to honor the stepmother who raised her but also to remember her deceased mother. We came up with her lighting a candle for her mother and honoring her stepmother with a special flower. There was not a dry eye in the church!"

The cost question

One of the biggest problems that planners face is the budget question. Many brides, torn between lifelong dreams of a fantasy day and the reality of their checkbooks, find it difficult to cope. Treadwell always starts by making practical suggestions on how to trim costs.

"For instance, if you pick flowers that are out of season, you're going to pay extra for them," she said. "Also, the day of the week that you pick for the wedding makes a huge difference in the cost. You can cut thousands off the cost by picking a midweek day."

One of the biggest wedding expenses involves food and drink.

"Many people envision a sit-down meal with waiters, but sometimes a buffet is better," Treadwell said. "People can pick what they want; they're not just getting chicken, red potatoes and asparagus that they won't eat. A buffet is also a good choice for vegetarians or people on a diet. And it's cheaper than a sit-down, but that's not what the caterer is going to tell you."

When it comes to the bar bill, Treadwell always encourages a cash policy.

"Why pay for someone to get drunk at your wedding and drive home, possibly having an accident?" she said. "Have a cash bar available or a champagne fountain."

The guest list

Trimming the guest list is another obstacle that couples find difficult to hurdle. But Treadwell suggests they start by using one simple method.

"Circle the names of the people you don't know," she said. "People shouldn't be on the list because they are a social obligation of your parents."

Nationally-known wedding planner David Tutera agrees that getting the endless invitation list to a manageable size is an important cost-cutting tool.

"You need to get a concrete idea of how many invited will really attend," he said. "Make up a list of the people who really will come and keep a separate list of the not-sures."

Tutera advises couples to avoid an out-of-control budget by keeping a tight rein on extras.

"Anytime I've seen people go way over budget it's been because they were wishy-washy," he said.

"It's very easy — especially in the last two months — for costs to escalate. You add a second photographer, another food station during the cocktails or a deejay and a band. It's also the time when the vendors start hitting you up, saying, 'You know what will really make your wedding special?' In the excitement of the wedding, the bride and groom often don't realize what they're doing until the bill comes!"