Bridology

Ask a coach or athlete about the importance practice can make before the big game.  I bet you won’t find many who scoff at the need to practice.  Your big day is the same.  Practice will make perfect.  The rehearsal is your chance to iron out the wrinkles ahead of time to ensure a smooth wedding day.

The first essential for a great rehearsal is introductions!  This is a joining of two families and two sets of friends.  The current friends of you and your fiancé may know each other well, but if you are including childhood friends, you probably need to introduce them to each other.  You want your wedding party to look comfortable, so make introductions that explain enough about each person.  It is your job to break the ice with your mix and match group of friends and family.

If you are using children in your wedding, explain their job in simple, but direct terms.  Make them feel important, but insist that they practice a few times so they know exactly what they are supposed to do.  Assign an adult to kid-duty.  Introduce the child to that adult, if they don’t already know them.  Place that adult in charge of making the child feel comfortable before the ceremony and getting the child in the right place at the right time.

Bring programs to the rehearsal.  Everyone involved in the ceremony needs a copy of the program ahead of time to know the layout of the ceremony.  This will ensure that everyone knows when they are supposed to do their job.  It also helps guide the rehearsal itself.  The goal is to show everyone where to be at the right time.  Don’t feel frustrated if it takes a few tries to get it right.  Keep practicing until everyone feels comfortable. 

Consider the time of day.  You may want to do your rehearsal at the same time of day the actual wedding will take place.  This will help you see the lighting in your venue.  Your photographer may also want to see the lighting so they can plan their own positions for the big day.

Plan, plan, plan!  Take care of the details.  Make sure the decorations are perfect and everything is ready.  You do not want to worry about that the day of the wedding.  Sometimes simple issues, such as lighting candles, can upset the flow.  To fix the problem, pre-light all candles during the rehearsal so they light easily during the ceremony.

Once everything is in place, take a deep breath.  Feel good about your planning!  Move on to the rehearsal dinner and celebrate the great job you have done planning your wedding!