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| To: all my client-couples and their wedding
parties I have put together this list of tips and advice
that should help you make the most of your rehearsal time. These
tips are my own opinion and based on real-life experiences from
having performed wedding ceremonies and coordinated rehearsals for
over eight years. I hope you find it useful.
The purpose of the wedding rehearsal
– This gives us the opportunity to figure
out all the tiny logistical details of entering, exiting, which
way to face, handling the rings, handling the bouquet, etc. Having
all these minute details rehearsed in advance will make your wedding
ceremony run smoothly so you and your parents can be proud. When
I coordinate a wedding rehearsal, we always go through the entire
ceremony three times to be sure everyone is comfortable with what
they are supposed to be doing. The first time is always a mess –
don’t worry about that. It gets better each time until the
last time is perfect.
Who should attend the wedding rehearsal
- All members of the wedding party including bride,
groom, best man, maid of honor, bridesmaids, groomsmen, ushers,
flower girl, ring bearer, readers, mothers and fathers. Ideally,
the musician(s) or DJ will also attend so cues and timing can be
coordinated. Everyone should arrive on time because we will start
on time.
10 Tips
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Know in advance of the rehearsal where any
large decorative structures (wedding arch, ferns, pedestals, etc.)
are going to be so we can tape off an area to avoid. |
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Have a few chairs set up to represent the
front row, so we can judge the amount of space needed and also because
we will practice seating the mothers. |
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I have seen many brides and bridesmaids
bring mock bouquets made of paper plates and ribbon to the rehearsal.
This is an excellent idea so everyone can get used to holding them.
The bride may also want to have a mock veil or train if you are going
to wear them in the ceremony. |
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If there is going to be an aisle runner,
decide ahead of time who will pull it out and at what point in the
procession it will be done. Traditionally, it was done just prior
to the bride’s entrance but I have seen it changed so that the
entire wedding party walks on the runner. |
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Decide if you want the groomsmen to come
in all together in the beginning or paired up with bridesmaids. If
they are to enter in pairs, decide in advance who will walk with whom.
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If you are going to have a unity candle,
we will practice that with the actual candles that will be used in
the ceremony. Each unity candle and their holders are configured slightly
different, so it will be important to rehearse with the same one that
will be used at your wedding. Notice, a unity candle is NOT recommended
for outdoor weddings. |
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If you are having a rose presentation during your ceremony,
we will rehearse that as well. Since this part of the ceremony may
be a surprise for the recipients of the roses, plan on just the Bride
and Groom remaining a few minutes after everyone else has left and
we will rehearse that part separately. |
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Bring your marriage license to me at the
rehearsal. Traditionally, it is the Best Man that is responsible for
remembering this detail. |
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Be prepared on the evening of the rehearsal
to pay any vendors that are supposed to be paid prior to the wedding.
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It may be convenient to meet with other wedding
professionals such as caterers, photographers, decorators, florists,
etc on the evening of the rehearsal. Arrange time to meet with each
of them separately from the rehearsal time. The rehearsal time should
be dedicated to rehearsing. |
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