Wedding Rehearsal

So now you are planning your wedding rehearsal dinner.

The people you should invite will be the clergy person, and all members of the wedding, including ushers, readers, and musicians.

Everyone should gather at the planned location. This should take place at least the night before or at least two-day prior.

The groom traditionally holds the wedding rehearsl. Some of your out-of-town guests may be included in some cases, some couples hold the rehearsal and the dinner a few days before the wedding, so no one has to worry about rushing home for a good night rest.

If you must call the dinner the night before, make sure that you and your fiancé hold it at a reasonable hour. If your ceremony is simple and involves very few people or it will be held in a public place such as a hotel, your clergy member may not schedule a rehearsal.

Instead brief instructions would be given to those involved before the ceremony begins.

During the rehearsal let your officiant take charge. He or she has handled many ceremonies and can tell everyone exactly where to stand ,walk, and sit.

Resist making major changes or introducing new ideas. Time is short, everyone is excited , and a rehearsal is meant to calm and clarify , not confuse.

Discuss ceremony ideas during your premarriage conference with your clergy member. Go over plans with bridesmaids, ushers, and honor attendants before the rehearsal to avoid upsets about assigned responsibilities at the alter.

Review any special variations you’ve planned in the wedding rehearsal ceremony.

Although the entire marriage service will not be read, special variations will be reviewed, and key phrases that will act as cues for the honor attendant and best man should be noted.

Rehearse the roles of those assigned a special task. Anyone who will light a candle ,read scripture, or sing should run through his or her part.

Go over whether or not reading will be waiting on the lectern or carried by the reader on the wedding day, know how to turn on the lectern light and adjust the microphone.

The officiant or wedding consultant will brief ushers on protocol.

They'll review the procedure for seating guests, including the bride's and grooms mother’s assigned special tasks, such as unrolling pew ribbons. Ushers should learn the layout of the site in order to direct guests to the water fountain, or rest room.

If all the information is acted out right at the wedding rehearsal event your wedding should run as planned.