So here we are, day before the wedding, and it's time for the rehearsal dinner. Luckily, my very wonderful book by Lisa Francesca, has a section on rehearsal dinner. It made suggestions on how to conduct the ceremony. For example; the ceremony should be practiced first, then the recessional, then the processional. This way everyone knows where to stand before they walk in and out. We did it this way and it worked out fine. We talked about when to cue the music and when to hand off bouquets and retrieve them. Most importantly, reminding the couple to take a minute after the kiss to take it all in. Sometimes when we are trying to be so formal we forget the the little stuff. Rehearsal is the perfect time to practice putting the rings on, practice the kiss, practice a few lines out loud, and anything else that might feel a little awkward on the big day. You would be surprised at how many people don't do this. You don't want to zig when your bride zags for the big kiss or spend time forcing on a ring that's not going to fit right now. Also, some people are not used to speaking out loud. We didn't have speakers or anyone reading anything out loud for the ceremony but if we did I would have had them practice a line.
Jennifer, the bride, had a day-of-event coordinator, a friend, who helped make sure everything flowed. She was big help. She helped me edit the script. I suggest you have someone edit it for you. Sometimes we can't see punctuation errors in our own work because we wrote it. She was able to put in and take out commas and periods that allowed me to breath. It is common for a new officiant to read too fast and not take breaths. I could really feel the difference after Stefanie, the coordinator, edited the script for me. Once I started the rehearsal and got used to speaking to the wedding party I started to relax. Getting a feel for the environment and how things were going to go really settled my nerves about the whole thing. I also got myself prepared for any possible hiccups or deviations from the ceremony. The groom was making the rings and there may have been a chance they may not have been ready....would I have a microphone...anything could go. I went ahead and made plan B's for these things.
We got to rehearse at the venue which I also recommend. Being able to visualize everything the way it will be for the big day can help the nerves. Afterwards, everyone was invited to dinner by the grooms parents. I really couldn't have asked for better people to work with. Both sides of the family of the bride and groom are all just sweet and laid back people. They all seem very supportive and helpful to Jennifer and Courtney. The same with their friends. It was a first time for most of us putting this together. The DJ, the coordinator, the photographers, the caterer, and me, the officiant. Isn't that what it's all about anyway? Family, friends, support, and love. I feel this couple is loved very much. I couldn't imagine doing this for strangers. It has been such an honor. I'm so glad I have taken the initiative to get out there and give them my best. After all, they deserve it.
I will be posting about the big day next! Thank you for reading. Mandy
