Unless you are planning to elope or have a Civil ceremony, you and your wedding party should participate in a wedding rehearsal. Even if you have been a bridesmaid in six of your friends’ weddings, this is your wedding and you will need to have a run through.

The things you will want to cover are:

• The order of the processional and recessional where you will determine who walks with who and who stands where and for how long.
• The location of the photographer and videographer as well as any musicians who may be part of the ceremony.
• What music will be played - when will it be played and for how long.
• Who will cue the wedding party to enter and exit.
• The offiiciant’s instructions and cues for vows, reading, music and movement.
• The duties of the flower girl, ring bearer, best man and maid of honor.

Who will run the rehearsal?

• It is usually handled by the wedding planner you have been working with and/or the wedding coordinator from the church or synagogue where you will be married.
• The officiant will have input and the final word.
• You may want to ask a family member or friend to oversee the rehearsal to make sure all the questions are covered, but be careful not to choose someone who could be at home on a battlefield. These are not orders to be given, but friendly and caring requests.

You are about to star in the biggest “show” you have ever been in. No show goes to Broadway without weeks of rehearsal. You are asking for your bridal party’s attention for about one hour and after which you should feed them and thank them at your rehearsal dinner.

Make an appointment with TriniWeddings for ideas on how to make both parts of the evening festive.