Organizing The Rehearsal

The wedding rehearsal does not have to be a stressful or difficult event, and you can do it all on your own terms. Some people like to be very specific and hold the rehearsal at the location of the ceremony, going through every detail a number of times. Other couples may choose to hold a verbal rehearsal over cocktails at their North Toronto real estate. The way you hold your rehearsal is entirely up to you, but this article will give you some brief ideas of the areas that are generally covered during the ceremony rehearsal.

It's a good idea, but not necessary, to hold the rehearsal at the location of the ceremony. It doesn't matter if it is being held at a church or your friend's real estate in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. This way you can physically go through where everyone will stand during the proceedings. This is especially good if there are children involved. Again, no one is saying you can't hold the rehearsal on your shoal draft keel boat, but it may be more efficient to hold it in the same location, especially if you have a large wedding party.

Once you have gone through where everyone will stand during the ceremony, it's a good idea to practice the recessional. Traditionally, the bride and groom leave first, followed by any children, the maid or matron of honour, and then the rest of the wedding party. Once the wedding party has recessed, the rest of the immediate family should follow, starting with the parents of the bride and groom.

After you are comfortable with the recessional, it's good to regroup to practice the processional. It may seem like a weird order for the rehearsal, but by this time everyone is going to know where to go and who to stand next to, and you will save a lot of time. How you choose to organize your ceremony is entirely up to you and can be done many different ways. Traditionally, the flower girl walks down the isle first, followed by the bridesmaids and maid or matron of honour, who stand across from their respective recessional partners. It's also a good idea to have the band playing at the rehearsal or to bring your CD from your King West Lofts so that you can practice the timing with the actual music being used in the ceremony. Then just go through the ceremony from start to finish, as you and your partner see fit.

One last thing to consider is of the most importance. It doesn't matter if you are landscaping, Oakville sight seeing, or working sixty hour weeks, the rings are the most crucial element to any ceremony. It's best to have a firm plan set in place. If you wish for a ring bearer to carry the rings into the ceremony, then make sure he or she is responsible enough to supervise the rings at all times. Avoid tactics like strings or bags because they can get lost easily. If the best man and maid of honour are going to be in charge of the rings, then consider having each of them wear the ring on their finger so that they don't lose it. Whatever you do, just make sure you have a solid ring plan in place.